What a special time of year. Having just returned from being away this weekend in St. Louis for an ICD (Institute for Challenging Disorganization) board meeting, I was amazed to see the shift in fall colors. In just a few short days, the landscape in New York had changed yet again. That’s the magic of this season. I also noticed how possibilities were visibly present in many ways. I discovered them on different types of pages.

Blank Pages

This past weekend, I began writing in a new journal, since I finished my last one several weeks ago. I’ve been consistently keeping journals for over 40 years. On the plane back from St. Louis, I made my first entry. I opened the book and saw many blank pages ahead. As I wrote, I recognized that these empty pages, while blank were filled with possibilities. The pages will eventually include successes, failures, joys and sadness, struggles, wins, seed ideas, and dreams realized, observations, experiences, feelings yet to be discovered, explored and imagined, history, love, family, friends, ah-has, quiet reflections, ponderings, complaints, cheers, lists, travels, and gratitude. Possibilities will one day ink the currently blank pages.

Full Pages

Shifting from blank pages to full ones, I just began reading Todd Henry’s new book, Die Empty. While the title is a bit morbid, the book is in fact filled with hope and possibilities. Henry says that living a meaningful life includes not just thinking about what’s possible, but taking action steps necessary to realize your dreams and make a significant contribution. It’s a possibility guide with concrete and creative ideas. He includes great thought-provoking questions including, “Did the work I did today really matter?”

Open Pages

Today began with an early morning walk along the Hudson River. While there were many things on my “to do” list, the day felt open and brimming with possibilities. As I walked, I breathed deeply, stopping to take in the waft of hot pink, citrus-scented flowers and slight saltiness of the sea air. I felt the bright, warm light and cool breeze accompany me as I moved. The river ebbed and flowed as I journeyed down the path stopping to photograph and just enjoy the view before me. Birds chirped, trains chugged, and water sloshed against the rocks. Before me was an open landscape of possibilities.

What will you discover on your possibility pages? Are they blank, full, open, or something else? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation.

In the warm, fall sun near the beautiful river, the tall grasses go through cycles from still to bold movement. The wind guides the motion. We are not that different from these grasses. We can adopt a possibility agenda in a quiet or adventurous way. Choose an agenda that’s right for you- something that is comfortable or encourages you to stretch.

Baby Steps

What small and different choice can you make which will yield the possibility of a new result? Think about doing something different this day, hour, or moment. Take a small chance. Make a small change. Will you adopt a new habit like putting something away instead of down? Will you let go of one item today to reduce a cluttered area? What’s possible with a baby step?

Forward Steps

Think a bit larger by focusing on near future options like next week or month. What can you add to your possibility agenda that will allow you to think farther? Will you review your schedule to plan your time more efficiently for next week? Will you work on organizing one closet so that by the end of the month you’ll no longer have to struggle to get dressed? What’s possible with a forward steps agenda?

Giant Steps

Longer-term thoughts have the possibility of bringing big goals to fruition. Will you write that book that’s bubbling inside you?  Will you organize and prepare your home to be ready for next year’s move? Fear or discomfort might be experienced with thinking big and taking on more. What’s possible with a giant steps agenda?

The wind blows. The grasses respond. And stillness returns. Where will your thoughts take you? Which thoughts will bloom into actions? What’s possible for you? Come join the conversation.

What becomes possible when we shift our thinking to the “what if” mode? I’m talking about letting go and allowing ideas to generate without judgment or negative commentary or disparaging remarks. Where will your thoughts take you?

In truth, permitting yourself to dream and allowing the “what ifs” to surface can be challenging for some. Is it for you?

Enjoy some space to explore...

Do you need help getting your “what if” juices flowing?  If so, try one of these strategies:

1. Nature Nudge – Being outside, especially this time of year when the fall leaves are changing color, helps us expand our thinking. On several recent outside jaunts, it was impossible not to feel inspired by the views around me. The expansiveness of nature’s beauty opened my mind to larger, unencumbered thinking. Being surrounded by the fresh air and blue skies allowed me to breathe in positivity.

2. People Nudge – Having stimulating conversations with your people (family, friends, or colleagues) is a great way of encouraging the “what if?” mode. Being around others that are thinking big and imagining what’s possible can inspire us to expand beyond our current constraints. I just returned from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) conference in Denver where I had the opportunity to exchange ideas with wonderful colleagues from around the world. It was definitely a “what if?” idea booster.

3. Paper Nudge – Allow your inner thoughts to be captured on paper. This is another way to shift into the possibility-thinking mode. If paper isn’t your medium, try other ways to download your ideas like using a voice recorder or computer. I use a combination of techniques including writing with a pen in my journal, typing on a keyboard, and talking out loud with others.

There are many other ways to get the “what if” thoughts flowing. Have you tried, organizing your space, traveling, exercising, creating, showering, or reading? What actions work for you? What’s possible this season? Come join the conversation. 

Dorothy Breininger

Dorothy Breininger "Ask the Expert" interview about SuccessIt’s time again for the “Ask the Expert” interview series, which connects you with industry thought leaders. This year we’ve spoken with Dr. April Lane Benson about enlisting help, Leslie Josel about motivation, David Allen about time management, Peter Walsh about clutter, Sheila Delson about letting go, Laura Berman Fortgang about next steps, Judith Kolberg about change, and Sue West about fresh starts. This month I’m exited to bring you organizing expert, Dorothy Breininger, to share her insights and experience about success.

Dorothy and I go way back, having met many years ago through our industry association, the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO.) Dorothy exudes positive energy and confidence that I’ve always admired. I recently had the pleasure of hosting an excellent teleclass she presented for the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) about Hoarding Interventions. She is a wonderful presenter with a vast wealth of knowledge and a clear way of evaluating options. My sincere gratitude goes to Dorothy for taking the time to join us. Before we begin, here’s more about her.

Dorothy Breininger is America’s Most Innovative Professional Organizer, best-selling author of Stuff Your Face or Face Your Stuff, and creator of the “Curb The Chaos” System, which helps individuals conquer their clutter (physical, emotional and body clutter) in a pleasing and fun way. Dorothy is one of A&E’s expert organizers on the Emmy-nominated weekly TV series, “Hoarders.” She appears on the Today Show, the Dr. Phil Show, the View, QVC and PBS in addition to being featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and O Magazine. You can connect with her on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest, blog or website.

Linda Samuels:  As a nationally recognized organizing expert, author, speaker and coach, you inspire others to make positive changes in their lives? How can we best prepare ourselves for success?

Dorothy Breininger:  It may sound silly, but I have found most of my success has come to me in these recent years. I truly believe that by getting plenty of sleep (yes, that means a bed time), studying or learning about my current and focused goals, and meditating on BEING successful are the best ways to prepare ourselves for success.

Linda:  How does failure relate to success?

Dorothy:I love this question! Failure is the KEY to success. Failure gives you the opportunity to review your mistakes, self correct, and develop a new strategy to make the project, relationship, or goal work. With failure, you get a complete “do over” if you are just willing to look at it as a learning strategy for your own personalized success.

Linda:  What are some essential success ingredients?

Dorothy:

• Maintain life balance. Do not forsake relationships with friends and family for the sole purpose of success.

• Say “No” often. Be very selective about the people you hang with, the meetings you attend, the volunteer positions you accept.

• Avoid responding to nasty emails, social media posts, or phone calls when you are angry or frustrated. Always ask for guidance from the universe (or a trusted friend) to help you respond to others in a dignified way – even when they are inappropriate in their dealings with you.

Linda:  Do you have a philosophy about success?

Dorothy:  Hang on just a little longer than everyone else.  Many people will “self eliminate” themselves from the competition, job, or goal. Don’t give up before the miracle happens.  Being impatient for your success to arrive might completely knock you out of the game. Hang in there and repeatedly tell yourself that the success will come and it will.

Linda:  What has been your biggest personal challenge with navigating success?

Dorothy:  I have had soooooooooo many personal challenges in navigating success.  One example was thinking that workaholism was the answer to creating success.  I worked around the clock – at the expense of my good health and intimate relationships. This was a clear mistake.  Now, I get more sleep, eat more healthily, have most weekends off and am experiencing more success than when I was a workaholic. Go figure!

Linda:  Is there anything else you’d like to share about success that I haven’t asked?

Dorothy:  Apologize to others when you’ve made a mistake.  Sometimes our colleagues don’t like to accept our apologies – they may wish to hold a grudge instead.  The apology on our part however releases any resentments YOU may have and you will always be able look back proudly and say, “Yes, I handled this in the best way I could.”

Thank you, Dorothy for sharing your ideas about success. I love how you emphasize the importance of self-care and balance as essential success ingredients. I also like how you regard failure as a learning opportunity and chance for a “do over.”

I invite you to join Dorothy and me as we continue the conversation. We’d love to hear your thoughts about success. What resonates with you?