There are two challenges related to change that many of my clients face. The most common reason is overwhelm, often because the changes they seek are significant. Overwhelm can happen when you:

• Have difficulty deciding where to start

• Want to make multiple changes

• Are unsure whether what you want to accomplish is possible

• Engage in negative self-talk or unhelpful loops and scripts

• Are uncertain how you’ll have time to make the changes you seek

The second most common challenge is task activation. My clients often know what to do, yet struggle to take action. They may experience low mood, boredom with the task, self-doubt, exhaustion, or difficulty managing their time.

The good news is that even when you’re feeling overwhelmed and having difficulty activating, things can shift quickly in a positive direction. I’ve seen this happen consistently with my clients, and it’s inspiring to be part of.

Are you curious about how to shift from overwhelm to hope and from stuckness to action? If so, keep reading to learn a few helpful strategies.

Change Strategies That Work When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed and Stuck

Strategy 1: Go Small

You know the phrase, “Think big?” For the first strategy, do the exact opposite. Instead of focusing on all the changes you want to make, go small, really small. This shift creates a boundary.

Let’s say you want to edit and organize all the rooms in your home. The goal is doable, but the enormity of those tasks feels overwhelming. For now, set aside thinking about the big picture and focus on a single, small piece.

For example, you want to edit and organize your clothes, which are stored in many rooms, dressers, and closets. Select one small area to begin, such as a drawer, a shelf, a closet rod, or a bag stuffed in the basement. Anywhere is OK as long as the area is small.

You’ll notice almost immediately that your mood begins to regulate because you’ve contained the organizing task to something more manageable. Overwhelm and anxiety subside when you set boundaries around your area of focus.

Strategy 2: Engage in What’s Doable

Combine the first strategy, going small, with this next one. As you can imagine, it’s not enough to create a tinier boundary and shift your mindset. It must be paired with an action or task. By reducing stress and cortisol surges, activation becomes possible. You can calmly face your task.

Here’s the magic. Making progress on that one small thing has a wonderfully positive effect. Your thoughts transform from “I can’t do this” to “I’m getting it done!” Your mood shifts from blocked and negative to lighter, more energetic, and more excited about taking on more.

“Overwhelm and anxiety subside when you set boundaries around your area of focus.”

— Linda Samuels. CPO-CD®, CVOP™

Strategy 3: Enlist Help

The first two strategies are effective. However, if you’re ready for change and still feel unable to move forward, it’s time for the third option: Ask for help. This can come from a nonjudgmental friend, family member, or professional organizer like me. You don’t have to do this alone.

My clients recognize that having a partner on their organizing journey is the secret sauce. They appreciate ongoing support, discussions of solutions and challenges, help with decision-making, a thought partner, and encouragement.

Some recent client organizing tasks included:

• Decluttering the dining room table

• Refining a project management system

• Editing several bags of shirts

• Sorting and releasing old business files from a shelf

• Editing and letting go of a box of electronic material

For all of these projects, my clients’ starting point was feeling overwhelmed and unable to act. However, by narrowing the scope, focusing on one small part at a time, and enlisting external support, they improved their mood, accomplished a specific task, boosted their confidence, and were motivated to do more.

Why Does a Tiny Change Matter?

Small shifts are doable and sustainable. When you think about change, it can feel overwhelming, especially when the changes are big. However, by adjusting your mindset, narrowing the scope, and enlisting help, you can make progress. What helps you when you feel overwhelmed? How do you work with task activation? What resonates with you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

How Can I Help?

Do you feel overwhelmed, disorganized, or paralyzed? Do you seek change, yet feel stuck? I’m here to help! Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.

Let’s connect! I’m easy to reach.

• Schedule a Discovery Call

• Fill out the contact form

• Email me at linda@ohsorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Embracing change and getting organized are possible, especially with support.

The first day of this new year has come and gone. Yet that fresh-start energy lingers. I’m feeling it, especially today, as a massive winter storm blankets much of the United States with an enormous amount of snow. By tomorrow, we’re expecting 12”-16” of snow in New York. It’s giving us a giant pause, asking us to sit tight, get cozy, and weather the storm. Please stay safe, my friends.

As I sit here to write, my ‘IMAGINE’ mug filled with piping-hot coffee by my side, I’m thinking about the relationship between fresh starts and saying “yes.” I’ve noticed that, especially during this time of year, when I’m reflecting and planning, new opportunities appear. It’s not just their arrival, however. I’m in a more receptive mood, which means I’m more likely to be open and say “yes” to opportunities.

Why is that? Doing something differently or trying something new energizes me. And new changes the mood as one year ends and a new one begins. Possibilities also bring excitement and hope. Doing something different can get me out of a rut, change my perspective, or bring more joy and satisfaction. There are also serendipitous outcomes and benefits that weren’t anticipated.

Three “Yeses” Inspired by the Fresh Start

1. 20 Minutes a Day Challenge

A few of my dear friends invited me to participate in a January movement challenge. The barrier to entry was so low that saying “yes” was easy.

The instructions were simple:

• Move 20 minutes a day, every day in January.

• Move in some way. No pressure about the intensity or the type of activity. This could be stretching, yoga, walking, swimming, or any other movement.

• Text each other daily about what you did or didn’t do. No judgment, only support.

The benefits: The obvious one was that I was more aware of my movement during the day, which felt good. I was less sedentary. Having accountability partners encouraged me to move, even when I didn’t feel like it. The more serendipitous benefit was how much I loved this purposeful, low-pressure daily connection, banter, humor, interaction, and encouragement with my friends.

This ‘yes’ has been such a positive experience that we decided to extend the challenge through mid-February. 

2. 21-Day Tiny Shifts Experience

Dr. Elisha Goldstein, psychologist and author, offered an intriguing program beginning in January. This was another easy “yes.” With a small investment of time and money, he would help us engage in “daily, 3-minute practices to support your nervous system and help you show up differently, one small shift at a time.”

I’m all about small shifts and changes, as it’s integral to my client work. I thought it would be beneficial to try a similar experiment for myself.

During the kickoff meeting, Elisha stressed how this experience wasn’t about “fixing what’s wrong or applying pressure.” It was about:

• Engaging in “small, repeated moments of regulation.”

• “Learning to recover faster and more often.”

• Building resilience.

• Interrupting stress loops.

• Experimenting with “nervous system friendly practices.”

• Understanding that it’s not just about being calm, but about helping you to show up better.

• Being more grounded and present.

Today’s practice encouraged us to “allow a little more ease,” which is exactly what I’m going to channel today, tomorrow, and going forward. It might even become my 2026 mantra. Thank you, Elisha.

The benefits: I look forward to the daily recorded messages from Elisha, which encourage me to think, relax, and regulate my emotions. The practices are simple and doable. I’m only in the first week, but so far I’ve felt more grounded, taken needed pauses, and feel more present. I’ve been reminded of how powerful the breath is for emotional regulation, and I’ve even integrated it into some of my virtual organizing sessions. I’m also appreciating the community of participants who share their thoughts through a private platform. I enjoy reflecting and learning about what others are experiencing.

“Fresh starts can be invigorating, especially when you embrace new opportunities.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

3. Explore Somewhere New – My wonderful husband gifted me a weekend in New York City for my birthday. He planned everything, which was a gift in itself. I always love our time together. I appreciate the simple things we do, like running errands on Saturday morning, kayaking on a lake, walking hand in hand, or sharing meals. Most of our time is spent doing everyday things.

However, for the special weekend, we did things we don’t do every day. It was so much fun. That it happened in January energized the fresh start even more. We visited the Museum of the Dog. Some of my favorite things were playing with the interactive video dog, Molly, and learning about different dog breeds. It made me miss our black lab, Norton. He was an amazing soul.

We also visited the Morgan Library, which I hadn’t been to in years. It has a gorgeous, relatively new wing attached to the historic library. I got emotional when looking at Renoir’s journals and sketches. I had a yearning to draw again like I used to. Who knows? Maybe I will rediscover my art supplies this year.

After visiting two museums, enjoying lots of yummy meals, and an unplanned visit with our kiddos, who were also visiting New York City that weekend, we went on to our next adventure. Across from Grand Central Terminal is the Summit at One Vanderbilt, an immersive art experience with panoramic views of the city. The Summit is located on the 91st-93rd floors of this eco-friendly skyscraper, one of the tallest buildings in Midtown Manhattan, completed in 2021.

It turned out to be an overcast, cloudy day, so the views weren’t visible. It didn’t matter because there was plenty to explore. Although I would like to go again on a clear day. I loved the Affinity room, where we were surrounded by floating silver balloon-like orbs. It was so much fun catching and throwing them. I felt like a little kid.

My sense of balance and confidence was tested as I walked across mirrored glass floors. You know that wobbly feeling you get when you’re high up? I worked to accept the sensations so I could enjoy the experience.

The benefits: By the end of the weekend, I was vibrating with joy and excitement. Seeing, exploring, and doing new things was uplifting. I wanted to do that more. The weekend helped me celebrate while embracing the newness of a fresh start. The time away also reminded me of things I value: family, connection, art, presence, exploration, learning, curiosity, and experimentation.

What Will Enhance Your Fresh Start?

Fresh starts can be invigorating, especially when you embrace new opportunities. Is there something you said “yes” to this month that you’re glad you did? What have you noticed? Do these ideas resonate with you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

How Can I Help?

Do you feel overwhelmed, disorganized, or stressed? Would you like to make changes this year? I’m here to help! Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.

Let’s connect! I’m easy to reach.

• Schedule a Discovery call

• Fill out the Contact form

• Email me at linda@ohsorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Getting organized and making changes are possible, especially with support.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. My husband and I are excited to host our family and bring everyone together. I might even make my new peanut butter brownie recipe. A word of warning: it’s hard not to eat the entire tray because they’re so delicious. So, if you ask me for the recipe and make it, be sure to invite people to share it with.

Gratitude fills my thoughts. At the same time, I’m very aware of how challenging these times are. The constant stream of bad news, division, and suffering is impossible to ignore. Hope, love, and gentleness can feel elusive.

Perhaps it’s the eternal optimist in me, but I can’t help myself. Those small moments or glimmers of connection, comfort, generosity, kindness, and joy are also available. I hold them close. They are as essential to me as breathing oxygen.

Recently, I was reading through my journal from this past year. I found a passage I want to share with you. It reminded me how gratitude and being present have been, and continue to be, guiding forces in my life.

My journal entry:

For now, I am here. Rooted in the past, ready for the future, and grounded in the present.

Consider these questions:

• How has your past influenced you?

• Do you feel ready and excited for your future?

• Are you fully present right now?

• How does gratitude connect to your past, future, and present?

3 Ways to Nurture Gratitude To Help You FLourish

1. Rooted

As I reflect on the past, gratitude fills my being. I think about my family, loved ones cherished and now gone, the boundless love and connection, the feeling of home that traveled with me wherever I went, the deep conversations, traditions, music, laughter, and hugs.

I remember and feel grateful for the time spent visiting relatives, traveling, hosting and attending gatherings, renovating, learning, creating, snuggling, being raised, raising kids, and so much more.

Of course, no life or family is perfect. Still, I am grateful for everything and everyone—the beautiful moments and the challenges.

2. Ready

Are any of us ever truly prepared for the future? On one hand, unexpected surprises can arise that might throw us off course or discourage us. Many of these will be impossible to predict.

At the same time, there will be incredibly joyful experiences, opportunities for growth, and adventures.

To me, future readiness is mainly about having an open and flexible attitude toward what may happen. Being ready also involves a certain level of confidence, positivity, anticipation, and acceptance. While I can’t predict what will happen, I hold hope close.

I recognize that what I do today can positively or negatively affect my future. I’m grateful for the actions I’m willing and able to take to create a better tomorrow.

“I am grateful for this moment. I am here now.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

3. Grounded

The past has already happened, and the future is not yet here. All we truly have is the present. I am thankful every day for the moments I get to live, breathe, see nature’s wonders, create, work, contribute, inspire, love, and be loved.

I am grateful for my senses, which always delight me and bring me back to the present moment. The magic of this season offers a feast of colors, a variety of delightful scents and flavors, cozy fabrics like cashmere and velvet that bring warmth and comfort, and sounds of wind blowing, music playing, animals calling, and leaves dancing.

Being grounded in the present helps me show up each day for my loved ones, friends, clients, community, colleagues, and myself.

I am grateful for this moment. I am here now.

Are You Rooted, Ready, and Grounded?

We’re complex humans with different backgrounds, dreams, and circumstances. Gratitude can color where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and where we are.

During this season of gratitude, what are you focusing on? Which ideas resonate most with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

How Can I Help?

This is a wonderful time to plan, get unstuck, and prepare for what’s to come. Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disorganized, or unfocused? Would you like to make progress? I’m here to help! Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.

Let’s talk. I’m easy to reach.

• Schedule a Discovery Call

• Fill out the Contact form

• Email me at linda@ohsorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Getting organized, focused, and progressing is possible, especially with support.

Feeling stuck is a common experience. Do you wait to feel motivated before starting a project or task? You might think you need to be in a good mood, have the right energy, or be completely clear about your plan before beginning. However, like with organizing and in life, waiting can keep you stuck. The reality is that motivation doesn’t always come first. More frequently, it follows the act of starting.

When you take that first tiny step, whether it’s decluttering one surface, recycling some papers, or making a short to-do list, you build momentum. Beginning helps you to":

• Break through mental clutter.

• Build confidence.

• Turn what’s overwhelming into something manageable.

Just starting reinforces that progress doesn’t begin with having everything figured out. Getting unstuck starts with taking one small step.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time, I encourage you to let go of perfection and take action today. The smallest effort can spark the motivation you’ve been missing.

As James Clear said, “Whenever you are stuck searching for the optimal plan, remember: Getting started changes everything.”

With these ideas in mind, what can help you change everything?

27 Ways to Get Started: A Motivation-Boosting Organizing Checklist

Nike’s iconic motto is “Just Do It.” Similarly, but with a twist, the suggestions in this checklist encourage you to just start with small actions that will help build significant momentum.

Use this checklist when you’re feeling stuck. Completing even one small task can boost the motivation needed to keep going.

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THE MOTIVATION-BOOSTING ORGANIZING CHECKLIST

Home Clutter

• Make your bed.

• Declutter one corner of your desk.

• Organize just one category, like shoes, coffee mugs, or bathing suits.

• Empty and edit the contents of a tote bag or bin.

• Declutter five items from any drawer.

• Take out the recycling.

• Place a donation bag somewhere visible.

• Put five items into the donation bag.

• Declutter one shelf or surface.

• Recycle ten old magazines, papers, or receipts.

Digital Clutter

• Delete or archive ten emails from your inbox.

• Clear your desktop of old files.

• Remove five phone apps you don’t use.

• Unsubscribe from three newsletters you never read.

• Turn off dings, pop-ups, and alerts.

Time-Induced Starts

• Set a 10-minute timer to declutter anything.

• Schedule 15 minutes this week to start your next project.

• Take five minutes to decide on the “maybe” items.

• Spend five minutes reviewing your to-do list and pick the top three tasks you want to accomplish today.

Quick Wins

• Toss all the non-working pens in your pencil cup.

• Clear the kitchen sink.

• Put dirty laundry in the hamper.

• Follow up on one item from your ‘pending’ pile.

• Label one shelf, bin, or folder.

• File or shred a small group of papers.

• Clean out your purse.

• Remove the trash from your car.

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What Small Actions Help You Get Started?

Don’t underestimate the positive impact taking small steps has on motivation. Relief and progress are within your reach. How does starting influence what happens next? Which items from the getting started checklist resonate most with you? What additional items would you like to add to your checklist?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

“The smallest effort can spark the motivation you’ve been missing.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

How Can I Help?

Would you like some support with motivation, activation, or organization? I’d love to help! Virtual organizing is an extraordinary path forward – Local feel with a global reach.

Let’s talk. You can:

• Schedule a Discovery Call

• Email me at linda@ohsorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Organizing and sustaining motivation is possible, especially with support.