Do you resist asking for help? Maybe you’re unsure who to ask, prefer to do things yourself, or feel too overwhelmed to figure out what guidance you need. However, there are so many reasons to enlist support.

As a professional organizer, I am in the helping industry and love assisting my clients. I help overwhelmed individuals challenged by disorganization get unstuck and organized. Services can include assisting with long and short-term projects, providing accountability, editing, decluttering, designing customized organizing solutions, brainstorming, and planning.

While I like to do many things independently, I ask for help, too. Support has been incredibly beneficial for:

• Redesigning my website

• Writing and publishing a book

• Installing a new roof

• Working on boards and committees

• Trimming trees

• Creating my office space

• Hosting holiday dinners

• Caring for my parents

• Maintaining my health

• Producing my virtual workshops

• Maintaining our home

• Talking through personal and business challenges

“Having a need and needing help is not a sign that you’re weak. It’s a sign that you’re human.”

— Kate Northrup

Does this sound familiar? If so, you’re going to love what follows. You’re about to discover uplifting stories about the power and relief of enlisting help.

I invited a marvelous group of colleagues to share their personal experiences. They describe their time to ask-for-help indicators and the value of listening to those cues. These generous friends include Diane Quintana, Ellen Delap, Janet Barclay, Janet Schiesl, Jonda Beattie, Julie Bestry, Kara Cutruzulla, Sara Skillen, Seana Turner, and Yota Schneider.

My deepest gratitude goes to this inspiring group for sharing their time, hearts, and wisdom with us. I asked them to respond to and elaborate on this prompt . . .

Describe one indicator that it’s time to ask for help.

10 Best Reasons to Ask for Help

Help Indicator #1: Annoyances

“The best indicator that you should seek help is when others call attention to how often (or for how long) you've mentioned a problem. Whether it’s a tech kerfuffle or health concern, a household area in disarray, or a financial hiccup, we may not notice how much we tolerate repeated annoyances. We get used to jerry-rigged computer solutions or an aching back, sagging closet shelves, or mystery fees. But when friends or colleagues reflect back to us that we’ve repeatedly referenced a frustration that we haven't made the effort to solve, it's a clue that it's time to seek professional guidance or outside support.”

Julie Bestry, CPO® – Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Specialist, Author &  Blogger

Help Indicator #2: Prioritization

“A solid indicator of needing help is when I’m feeling what I call ‘locked up.’ It’s challenging for me to prioritize. I start making weird little mistakes, and I’m exhausted. Physically, it feels like I’m surrounded by invisible walls. I try to get ahead of it and affirm that it’s not only acceptable to reach out for support but imperative. As someone who’s been a solopreneur for years (wearing all the hats!), now transitioning into a role with lovely people happy to help me, it’s fun - if a bit strange - to recognize I don’t have to do everything alone.”

Sara Skillen, PCC, COLC, CPO® – Director of Education, Coach, Author & Blogger

Help Indicator #3: Task Completion

“One indicator of when to ask for help is when you struggle to complete a task that you used to do easily.

In my case, I used to trim all the bushes along the front of our house. I own a power trimmer, and while trimming isn't glamorous, I was quite able to get the job done. Over the years, in spite of my trimming, the various bushes have grown, requiring me to reach higher and higher to trim the tops of the bushes. Last year, I realized that I could no longer reach high enough. I considered climbing a stool to trim the bushes, but the weight of the trimmer was hard to balance. I finally acknowledged that the job had gotten beyond my ability and brought in a third party. Yes, it cost me a bit of money, but in the end, it was the wisest, safest, and most efficient solution. 

Seana Turner – Professional Organizer and Productivity Coach

Help Indicator #4: Technology

“I know it's time to ask for help when a task takes longer than I can reasonably bill for, especially if it’s due to technical issues beyond my expertise. Recently, I added an event calendar to a client’s website, but the registration buttons weren’t working. Instead of agonizing over it, I contacted my tech support team, and the problem was fixed in under 15 minutes. Having access to experts who can help in various areas—both business and personal—saves time and reduces stress.” 

Janet Barclay – Certified Care Plans Specialist, Website Caregiver & Designer

Help Indicator #5: Emergencies

“When my clients first reach out to me for help, I often hear the expression, ‘so overwhelmed.’ I recently experienced that feeling myself. My husband had a medical emergency that landed him – and me by his side – in the ICU with no idea of how many days we would be there. For me to give him my full attention, I knew it was time to ask for help from my tribe. What burdens they lifted from me!”

 Jonda Beattie – Professional Organizer

Help Indicator #6: No Progress

“It’s time to ask for help when I remain stuck, even after reviewing the problem and creating a plan for moving forward. If I’ve done all that work and still can’t progress, I am confident I need support and will get help.

My current problem is creating and implementing a marketing plan. I am a professional organizer and a former primary school teacher, but I do not have a business background, even though I manage and run my business. It has taken many failed attempts at marketing the different aspects of my business to get me to accept that I need hands-on help. 

Diane N. Quintana, CPO-CD®, CPO® – Certified Professional Organizer, ADHD Organizing Specialist, Author & Blogger

“It’s time to ask for help when I remain stuck.”

— Diane N. Quintana

Help Indicator #7: Collaboration

“I am a born collaborator! Any task has better results and is more fun when I collaborate. Also, I know it is time to enlist help when I have reached my final level of skill and know the project needs a tweak.

An example of this is opening my Etsy shop with new content. I reached a point where I knew that the e-book needed sparkle for effective marketing and professional appeal. Fortunately, I had identified an amazing collaborator with great design skills and knowledge of opening a shop. Enlisting help not only improved the end product but also made the process run smoothly. Having this positive experience also helps me know that this is the right decision to ask for help in the future.”

Ellen Delap, CPO® – Certified Professional Organizer

Help Indicator #8: Heavy Lifting

"Asking for help and getting the help we need the way we need it can be complicated. I was wired and conditioned to be self-reliant and independent, and I like to know how things work and how to fix them. Also, specific projects provide the creative outlet I need. Still, depending on the nature, goal, and cost of a project, certain things are better addressed by those who know what they are doing. As an example, this comes to mind.

When the pandemic hit, we invited our daughter to move back home with us. Her office in New York City, where she lived, had closed, and it made no sense to stay there. Until then, we used to do the heavy lifting whenever our daughters needed to move. This time, we hired a friend and professional mover to help. The experience was not only less stressful but almost enjoyable. Could we have done it ourselves? Sure, but it would have taken much more time and placed undue stress and burden on our bodies."

 Yota Schneider, Certified Seasons of Change® Master Coach –Retreats Facilitator & Blogger

Help Indicator #9: Overwhelm

“I know it's time to ask for help when I feel overwhelmed, and sometimes it sneaks up on me. Recently, my mom's health deteriorated, which has caused many changes - big life events. As the organized sibling, I usually take the lead when things happen with Mom, but recently, I've been overwhelmed as things get added to the list of to-dos. I start worrying that I'm dropping the ball on something important.

Asking for help from my siblings and my husband has helped. We each take on tasks that fit into our schedules and lines of expertise. Keeping the lines of communication open through a text thread and phone calls is key to our efforts. We all want what's best for Mom, so my indicator of when it's time to ask for help is when I feel overwhelmed.

Janet Schiesl, CPO® – Professional Organizer, Owner of Basic Organization

Help Indicator #10: Perspective Shift

“I’ve been noticing a specific sensation: when I feel like I’m staring down a long, dark hallway without doors, it’s a sign my work or creative project is trapped in tunnel vision. I’m stuck asking, ‘How do I do this?’ when I should ask, ‘Who can help me do this?’ This reframing nudges me to clearly define my needs and the people who can help. Quickly, a new ‘who’ can illuminate the path, offer guidance, or simply encourage you to keep going – and suddenly, doors can appear.”

Kara Cutruzulla – Author, Lyricist & Project Coach

When did you recently ask for help? What benefits did you experience? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

If you feel stuck or overwhelmed and want to get organized, I’m here to help. I love supporting my clients in making progress. Contact me, Linda, at linda@ohsoorganized.com, call 914-271-5643, or schedule a Discovery Call. Your goals are attainable, especially with support.

All cylinders fire at capacity when you experience an intense period of busyness, deadlines, or emergencies. You can sustain your energy and focus for a while, but something needs to shift. Otherwise, you’ll burn out. There are various ways to decide what comes next after a rigorous stretch.

I am at this juncture now. While not quite over, it’s been a full first quarter. A partial list of what I’ve been working on includes:

• Presenting four workshops – Three virtual and one in-person

• Having virtual organizing sessions – Ongoing, returning, and new clients

• Blogging – Writing a new post each week

• Leading meetings – For two professional organizer groups, one international and one local

• Volunteering – For personal and professional groups

This week, I gave the last of the four workshops I scheduled for this quarter. Denise Wenacur, the talented interior designer and founder of DW Design & Décor, invited me to talk about clutter at her monthly Speaker Series. It was a wonderful evening with great people, drinks, and delicious food. Denise is such a warm host who fosters a sense of community through her monthly events.

Denise shared the evening, and my workshop live. Click here to watch How to Conquer Clutter.

So here I am. Winter has morphed into spring as the crocuses and daffodils emerge from the earth. Most of my first-quarter projects are complete. It’s time for my next step plan, which I’ll share with you.

“Regrouping allows me to pause briefly, evaluate, and decide what to embrace next.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

My simple three-step plan for next:

1. Breathe in deeply.

2. Exhale slowly.

3. Regroup.

Steps one and two help me prepare for step three. Regrouping allows me to pause briefly, evaluate how the last quarter went, and decide what to embrace next. I already have some things in the works. During my regrouping process, I’ll assess the timing and energy needed for other projects.

For example, one of my goals for 2024 is to host three Oh, So Organized!-sponsored workshops. I presented My Simple Organizing Plan in February and would like to do a new workshop in late spring, but we’ll see. Figuring out the details will be part of my regrouping process.

I’m breathing, pausing, and thinking before committing to my plan. How was your first quarter? Are you thinking about what comes next? I’d love to hear your thoughts and invite you to join the conversation.

If you need help regrouping and figuring out your next step, I’m here to help. Please email me at linda@ohsorganized.com, call 914-271-5673, or schedule a Discovery Call. Your next step is doable, especially with support.

Spring is arriving, and this season often inspires hope-infused feelings. However, we can get stuck even during this joyous time. Have you ever felt stuck? When that happens, do you find figuring out your next step challenging? If so, you’re not alone. Grief, life transitions, negative self-talk, fear, procrastination, exhaustion, overwhelm, and lack of information or expertise can prevent forward movement. Next feels elusive.

When I have too many next steps, I get overwhelmed. Instead of doing something, I ruminate about everything I want and need to do. Guess what? I become stuck. Depending upon the situation, I might make a list or chart, talk with a trusted friend, take a walk, or write in my journal. From there, I will take a tiny, doable action step. It’s enough to get me unstuck, build momentum, and journey forward.

Does this sound familiar? If so, you’re going to love what follows. As you’re about to discover, there is power and relief in planning, listening, reframing, and breathing.

I invited an outstanding group of colleagues to share their personal experiences with you. They describe being stuck and the next step that helped them get unstuck. These generous friends include Alison Nissen, Christine Li, Deb Lee, Diane Quintana, Ellen Delap, Jocelyn Kenner, Jonda Beattie, Julie Bestry, Lana Kitcher, Marcy Stoudt, Sabrina Quairoli, Seana Turner and Yota Schneider.

My deepest gratitude goes to this inspiring group for sharing their time, hearts, and wisdom with us. I asked them to respond to and elaborate on this prompt . . .

Describe a time you felt stuck and the next step you took to move forward.

 13 Remarkable Pros Share How They Make Their Next Step When Stuck

 1. Next Step:  Breathe

“When I get too much in my head, it usually results in feeling stuck. I’m vulnerable when I lounge in bed too long in the morning, dozing in and out of sleep. When this happens, I become captive to swirling thoughts, the effect of which is mental quicksand – the ultimate feeling of being stuck.

I escape the mental quicksand by taking a few deep, cleansing breaths, then thinking about one or more things I am profoundly grateful for and creating a positive affirmation for the day ahead. This resets me, and I can move forward with lightness and positivity.

Jocelyn Kenner – Coach & Professional Organizer

2. Next Step:  Plan

“I was losing track of my next steps required by the many projects in which I am involved and also of things I wanted to do for myself & my two businesses.  I did two things. I created a weekly plan of the things I wanted to do day by day for my businesses & projects, which I put inside my planner. Then I decided to use the whiteboard in my office to list the tasks for the current day. Doing these two things has helped me get myself back in action and feeling in control.” 

Diane Quintana, ICD Master Trainer, CPO-CD®, CPO® – Professional Organizer, Author, Blogger

3. Next Step:  Reflect

“In 2012, due to family emergencies and having to travel overseas to care for loved ones, I put my coaching practice on hiatus. Life took its course. Late fall of 2019, I felt the pull and began to contemplate launching my practice again. As I revisited my services and website, I realized that something had changed. I did not want to begin again where I had left off. I had to rethink how I wanted to work with people. I let go of the past, hit pause, and let inspiration come find me. For a good two months, I reflected, wrote, and explored possibilities. At the end of that period, The Art of New Beginnings was born.”

Yota Schneider, Certified Seasons of Change® Master Coach – Life Coach, Retreats Facilitator, Blogger

4. Next Step:  Change Viewpoint

“‘Alison, that's not how we do it,’ the voice articulated. The words stung and left me upset.  

To stop the fear of becoming stuck when I'm distressed, I cross my eyes and look at my nose. Why, you ask? To remind myself that I can't always see what's right in front of me. 

This simple action prompts me to look at a situation from another viewpoint, one without heightened emotions. Irving Berlin once said, ‘Life is 10 percent what you make it and 90 percent how you take it.’ Standing back to gain perspective is a choice, and it's how I move forward when I'm feeling stuck.”

Alison Nissen, DTM – Co-Founder & Chief Story Officer of Revel Coach

5. Next Step:  Listen

“I recently felt stuck after the death of one of my parents. My next step was to pause to focus on my feelings and my family. And to listen for when my brain and heart were ready to start moving forward again. So I turned to my favorite listening activities: walking, cleaning, and organizing. They worked! While I'm not running full steam ahead, I'm in motion. Having my projects and ideas in Evernote made it easy to pick one to work on. Then, that one thing turned into three things. Interesting how it fueled fresh brain sparks. Just what I needed.”

Deb Lee, CPO® – Digital Productivity Coach and Consultant, Evernote Certified Expert

6. Next Step: Stay Open

“I went from teaching special education to becoming a lead teacher. I had high hopes. About a year into that stressful job, I knew that this job was not good for me. I knew I should retire. But I was frightened I would not be able to support myself and also anxious I would get sick if I stayed. I talked to people who had retired and to friends. Fate intervened, and I saw an article about Professional Organizers. I knew I had found my next career. Whenever I need support, I talk to people I trust.” 

Jonda S. Beattie, M.Ed – Professional Organizer, Author, Speaker


  

7. Next Step:  Write

“Knowing where to start when contemplating writing a new ebook for one of my blogs has been challenging. But, when I started to write down the points I wanted to make in the ebook, I found that the direction and details came more naturally. Writing things down is how to clear the cloudy fog when stuck. It lightens my energy and allows me to see the steps.”

Sabrina M. Quairoli – Professional Organizer, Blogger 

“Sometimes you need outside help...to shake you out of a slump.”

— Lana Kitcher

 8. Next Step:  Check-In

“I love creating content, but perfectionist procrastination over choosing technology sometimes paralyzes my moving from idea to implementation. Once research stops yielding new information, I turn to others for a reality check and catalyst. Years ago, unable to pick a newsletter service, I presented my research and dilemma to a colleague. She encouraged me to pick a particular free trial but also reminded me that whatever I chose, I could always transfer to a different service later — I only had to commit long enough to make forward momentum. You can't edit a blank page; you can't evaluate an untaken step.”

Julie Bestry, CPO® – Certified Professional Organizer, Productivity Specialist, Author, Blogger

9. Next Step:  Wander

“When my mind is on a negative repeat loop, and I feel stuck, I love to remove mental clutter. Here's how:

1. Go outside without any technology and allow your mind to wander.

2. Once you feel a slight separation from the problem, consider the situation and list everything in and out of your control.

3. Create two to-do lists: 

                        List 1: What actions can you take to move forward? 

                        List 2: What worries or items are out of your control? Place these on "The Universe's To-Do List." 

Taking action is an excellent step towards progress. But, when it's clutter-free - it's a giant leap.” 

Marcy Stoudt – CEO of Revel Coach, Founder of Nest by Revel

10. Next Step:  Redirect Energy

“I remember a time when I was serving as a volunteer on a committee for an organization that I loved. Over time, I found that my ideas were being discounted, disregarded, and ignored. I felt discouraged and stuck. I finally realized that I was not in control of this situation, and the only way I could move forward was to resign from the committee. I found another way to serve this organization on another committee that allowed me to contribute, and that brought me joy. It turns out my best option was to strike off in a new direction.”

Seana Turner – Professional Organizer, Blogger, Speaker

11. Next Step:  Build Team

“In creating an online time management printable for Etsy, I had done my best on Canva and added the final product to Etsy. It was not getting traction and lacked professional product appeal. After a few months, I asked a professional graphic designer to assist.  Right away, we partnered on design and marketing. My go-to strategy to get unstuck is to build a bigger team.”

Ellen Delap, CPO® – Certified Professional Organizer

 

12. Next Step:  Shift Mindset

“That period immediately after the birth of my second child, I was in bed, feeling happy but also wondering how I would break out of my long-held pattern of being very, very cluttered.  I happened to see a segment on a morning show featuring Marla Cilley, known as ‘The FlyLady,’ and I decided to order her book right then and there.  

It turned out her book, Sink Reflections, was a wonderful explanation of how even the most cluttered and distressed person can make a ‘comeback’ into a more orderly and organized existence.  It was a great help to me, but what was perhaps even more helpful was my own decision to make a change for the good of my family and myself.

I encourage anyone who might feel in a similar ‘stuck’ spot that there are so many options to try these days.  All you need to do is decide to make that shift!”

Dr. Christine Li – Clinical Psychologist, Procrastination Coach, Host of the Make Time for Success Podcast

13. Next Step:  Enlist Help

“I became a mom a year ago and was feeling very stuck in my circumstances and my mindset. I had made the decision to reduce my work to part-time and was feeling lost with the transition to motherhood while trying to run my own business as well as a household on many fewer hours and much less sleep. I knew I needed help adjusting, but I wasn't managing to get myself to that point. So I invested in myself by 1) working with Linda and 2) enrolling in a 6-week mindset program. Sometimes you need outside help, new perspectives, and something different to shake you out of a slump.”

Lana Kitcher – Productivity Coach, Small Business Consultant

What was the circumstance last time you felt stuck? What next step moved you forward? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

If you feel stuck and want a thought partner, I’m here to help. I love supporting my clients to move forward. Contact me at linda@ohsoorganized.com, 914-271-5643, or click the purple “How Can I Help?” button below.

Have you ever experienced that intense, inner push that propels you towards your desired goal? Or perhaps, you’ve felt the opposite and lacked the energy and motivation to move forward. In Kendra Cherry’s article, What Is Motivation? she explains,

“Motivation is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. It is what causes you to act, whether it is getting a glass of water to reduce thirst or reading a book to gain knowledge.

Motivation involves the biological, emotional, social, and cognitive forces that activate behavior. In everyday usage, the term ‘motivation’ is frequently used to describe why a person does something. It is the driving force behind human actions.”

There are many reasons why we become motivationally challenged, including fear of failure, comparison, and drudgery. In one of my most popular posts, 10 Most Common Motivation Challenges & Easy Solutions, I explore these and other ideas. Since motivation concerns is a topic many of us are currently struggling with, I decided to expand on the original post to give you some other relevant motivation challenges and solutions.

3 Reasons for Lack of Motivation and How to Get Motivated

1. “Fuzzy brain.”

With the hundreds of Zoom calls and conversations I’ve had in these past months, there have been countless times when someone connected feeling unmotivated to “fuzzy brain,” “brain fog,” “bunker brain,” or “COVID brain.” Lack of motivation is understandable since we live with intense uncertainty and stress caused by the pandemic and the current political, social, and economic climate. Neuroscientists Hilke Plassmann and Benjamin Kessler, describe this mentally fuzzy phenomenon. They explain that “the combination of impaired analytical thinking and heightened external sensitivity creates what can be called ‘Covid-19 brain’ – a fragile, frazzled state that keeps our thoughts simultaneously on edge and unfocused.”

Solution:  To heal the brain fog, Plassmann suggests using music to restore your equilibrium, regulate your emotions, and increase your focus. She also suggests engaging in mindfulness meditation, especially breathing focused practices, that regulate brain activity.

2. Emergency, emergency!

As if the pandemic isn’t enough, many of us are also experiencing life emergencies such as loss of loved ones, medical challenges, or loss of jobs, income, or housing. When these events happen, it’s hard enough. But when they occur in this extreme environment, it is even more likely your motivation will get disrupted. When your days are spent putting out the emergency fires, and there are underlying stress and anxiety because of the pandemic, there might not be much oomph remaining to expend energy on your goals.

Two weeks ago, my 91-year old mom, who has dementia, broke her hip. She ended up in the hospital, had surgery, and is now in rehab. As if that weren't enough, she had two additional emergencies and ER visits during this time. Talk about being on high alert! Let’s just say that while I have been doing my best to work on my goals and stay motivated, there were moments when I felt like I was walking through molasses, as in slow in going.  One of my weekly goals is writing my blog post. While I am motivated to write, with the mom stuff happening, it has been challenging to focus. So when I sat to write what was going to be a ten-point post, I gave myself some slack and reduced it to three.

“When life’s emergencies occur in this extreme environment, it is even more likely your motivation will get disrupted.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®

Solution: Life emergencies are the time to be especially kind to you. Acknowledge how your high alert state is depleting your reserves. The crisis will eventually pass. Make sure that you increase your self-care with enough sleep, hydration, nutrition, and movement. Minimize your self-expectations. What can you let go of? Focus on what’s most important now. Reach out to your friends and family for support. As your emergency passes, you will have more energy and motivation to work on your goals.

3. Can’t take the heat.

Yes. I know it is summer. And with this season comes hot weather. I don’t know about you, but it’s harder for me to activate when it’s hot. I remember the many summer vacations spent with our daughters in The Outer Banks. It was sweltering in North Carolina. The heat was tolerable when we were at the beach or in the air conditioning. However, when we explored the local towns, it felt like we were walking in an oven. Our energy and motivation to do anything were compromised. It seemed like a significant achievement just to choose and eat an ice cream cone. Even though New York (where I live) isn’t North Carolina hot, the temperature can still affect my motivation. Are you climate-sensitive?

Solution:  If you are affected by the warm weather, notice and acknowledge that. Consider some workarounds that will help increase your motivation. Things as simple as changing your clothing to lighter fabrics and colors, adding a fan to your workspace, or taking your brisk walk in the early morning or late evening, can help. Remember to hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more. Plan projects like garage or attic organizing for the colder weather. 

Take a moment to recognize that motivation can wane. It doesn’t mean it will be gone forever. It does mean you might need to experiment and make a few adjustments in behavior or perspective to nurture its return. What motivation challenges are you experiencing? What helps you get motivated when you are struggling? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation!