During the long holiday and very hot weekend (heat wave, folks), I made a fascinating discovery about motivation and goals. The funny thing was that I hadn’t been searching for this insight, but when the light bulb turned on, I knew I had to share it with you.

Here is the backstory. This past weekend, many people gathered with family and friends to celebrate July 4th, honor the United States’ 250th Anniversary, watch fireworks, or go to BBQs. My husband and I didn’t do those things. Instead, we sought relief from the heat and opted to go somewhere we could submerge ourselves in water. We had several ideas and chose a local outdoor town pool we hadn’t visited in decades. 

After securing our passes and paying the entrance fees, we set up our chairs and towels, lathered on sunscreen, and headed into the pool. The water’s temperature was perfect and a welcome relief from the sun and heat.

Now that you have the context, I’ll explain what happened and how you can apply this approach to achieve your goals and sustain your motivation.

The Pool-Inspired Motivation Approach

I love most things water-related! This includes swimming, kayaking, going to the beach, washing dishes, taking showers or baths, looking at water, listening to water sounds, watering plants, and much more.

Swimming is one of my favorite water activities, especially in a pool. There are no fish or other sea creatures to contend with. It’s just pure, clear water to swim in.

I sloshed and swam for hours. I cannot express how much I enjoyed swimming, treading water, and going from one end of the pool to the other. I wasn’t trying to go quickly, but I was aware of reaching the end, touching the ‘goal,’ and turning around to do it again.

Even though reaching the far end of the pool was my goal, the journey was the most joyful part. I swam slowly, luxuriating in the feel of the water, the motion of my arms and legs pulling me forward, and the pleasure of cooling off from the summer heat. I was so happy that I couldn’t stop smiling.

Then it hit me. How often do you get so focused on your goal that you rush through the doing? Instead of enjoying the actions that move you from where you are to where you want to be, you neglect to delight in the process.

While reaching the end of the pool, turning around, and heading for the other end was the goal, it wasn’t what propelled me forward. It was the joy of the doing, the immersive, gleeful swimming experience, that kept me going. Hours went by without my realizing how much time had passed.

The fun of doing (not thinking about swimming, but actually swimming) became a natural motivator, overshadowing the goal.

“How often do you get so focused on your goal that you rush through the doing?”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

How Can I Apply This Motivation Approach to My Goals?

What goals do you have for the next month or the upcoming quarter?

Do you want to:

• Organize your closets

• Downsize or move

• Create more flow in your spaces

• Design a better schedule

• Work on your finances

• Release things you don’t use, like, or need

Think about ways to infuse more joy and fun into the organizing process. While it probably won’t involve swimming, one of these options might work, such as:

• Develop a more positive mindset. Shift from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this.”

• Find an organizing buddy (a friend, family member, or a professional organizer like me) you enjoy working with. My clients often tell me they enjoy the organizing process more when I’m helping them. One client said, “Linda’s joy and energy are so infectious. Who knew organizing could be so fun?!!!”

• Activate your senses. Being more mindful and aware of what you are doing can make the experience more pleasurable. Feel the objects as you edit them. Make your environment more uplifting by playing your favorite music, opening a window to let in fresh air, or lighting a scented candle. 

Motivation often comes after action. Making actions more enjoyable will naturally boost motivation. ‘Swim’ your way forward.

Fun Is the Natural Motivator

Goals can feel achievable or lofty. Either way, you can get stuck, deflated, or demotivated. However, when you make the journey more enjoyable, motivation will grow exponentially.

What nurtures your motivation? How could you benefit from the pool-inspired motivational approach? Which goals could you apply this strategy to? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

How Can I Help?

Do you feel overwhelmed, disorganized, and stuck? Are you struggling with a lack of motivation? I’m here to help! You don’t have to do this alone. 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@ohsoorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Getting organized, staying motivated, and reaching your goals are possible, especially with support.

What are you holding onto that’s getting in your way? Are there physical things, like clothing that no longer fits, stacks of magazines you’ll never read, or expired food and medicine? Are there habits that don’t serve you, such as not getting enough sleep, doomscrolling on your devices, or acquiring things without ever editing them? Are there behaviors that create more stress, such as constantly berating yourself, ruminating on interactions, or not taking time for play or joy?

Are these things holding you back from living the life you want? Do you want more calm, joy, or ease?

What happens, though, when you begin to let go of clutter and the things that create blockages and stress? What happens when you approach them in a new way? It’s not that challenges won’t appear or that stress triggers will disappear. However, when you begin to work with them differently and let go, you will have more bandwidth to embrace the good stuff.

A Tiny Shifts Learning Journey

21 Days

For the past few months, I’ve been learning from clinical psychologist and author Dr. Elisha Goldstein. Although he’s been on my radar for years, I signed up for a 21-Day Tiny Shifts Experience in January.

The program featured short, daily practices designed to help you better manage stress by supporting your nervous system. By the end of the course, I was better able to regulate my emotions through simple, intentional breathing practices.

6 Weeks

The experience was so wonderful that I wanted to learn more. Next, I registered for Elisha’s 6-Week Tiny Shifts Emotional Longevity course. It included two live sessions each week: one led by Elisha and the other an Integration Lab led by mindfulness teacher Susan Beckman Reagan.

There were simple, doable practices to work on between sessions, along with a virtual platform for communication. We learned more about emotional loops, supporting the nervous system, and the 4Rs: Recognize, Release, Refocus, and Reinforce.

The Book

Simultaneously, Elisha released his new book, Tiny Shifts – How Emotional Health Transforms Stress, Relationships, and Longevity. While I was taking the courses, I read it, which helped me better assimilate what I was learning.

Elisha says, “Real change doesn’t come from doing more. Feel free to let go of that burden. It comes from shifting how we relate to what’s already here-one tiny emotional pivot at a time.”

If you haven’t read Tiny Shifts yet, I highly recommend it. Elisha presents his research-backed, doable strategies clearly and compassionately while sharing captivating stories.

The Retreat

The next part of my learning journey took place last weekend. Elisha offered a three-day Emotional Longevity Retreat at Kripalu in the Berkshires. It was especially meaningful to attend in person, since the previous courses were online. My husband, Steve, went, too.

What I had learned before was clarified or reinforced during the retreat. It was an emotional weekend—lots of crying, smiling, laughing, meditating, and pausing. While the strategies are simple, applying them in the moment takes practice. I’m still working on it and remain hopeful. I can see my progress.

“What would it feel like to let go and embrace more joy and ease in your life?”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

Embracing the Good Stuff

In these chaotic, uncertain times, there is no shortage of things beyond our control or that make us anxious. We can dwell there or let go. Elisha’s practices help tremendously with letting go. When you do, you will have more capacity to

• Embrace joy, play, fun, and quiet.

• Be present and available for the people and relationships in your life.

• Have more ease.

• Regroup more quickly from stressful situations.

• Engage in better self-care and compassion.

• Release the things, thoughts, habits, and behaviors that no longer serve you.

• Be available for all the good stuff in your life.

What does the “good stuff” look like to you? A few years ago, I created my own list, which you can find here: Are You Making Time for ‘The Good Stuff?’ What’s one thing on your list?

Letting Go to Live with More Joy and Ease

What are you holding on to that causes you stress? What is keeping you from moving forward? What would it feel like to let go and embrace more joy and ease in your life?

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

How Can I Help?

Do you feel overwhelmed or disorganized? Do you want to let go of what’s holding you back but feel stuck or unsure where to start? I’m here to help! You don’t have to do this alone. 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@ohsoorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Letting go, getting organized, and living with more ease 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@ohsoorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

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

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! I can hear that tune, the sound of the bells, the smell of pine, and the sight of twinkling lights brightening the dark night. This is the season of festivities, gatherings, and joy. It’s also a time when it's all too easy to overdo, overindulge, and overcommit.

Here’s the good news. If you’re already feeling like it’s too much, I’ve come up with some antidotes. You can increase joy, reduce anxiety and stress, and restore more balance. Of course, you can use these strategies at any time, but they can be especially helpful during the holidays when stress can be high.

The underlying concept is based on what you might need more of or less of right now. Experimenting with even one of these could bring you more joy and happiness today. And what’s not to love about that?

4 Ways to Foster Joy, Reduce Anxiety, and Bring More Balance Right Now

What I love about these techniques is their simplicity and their ability to address a wide range of needs. Maybe you’re tired or anxious. Perhaps you want to have more fun. Or maybe you’re yearning for the familiar. There’s something for everyone. Pick and choose which strategy or combination of techniques will be most useful for you.

1. Invite in More Rest

I remember kindergarten, when the teacher insisted on nap time. We would unroll uncomfortable, smelly mats onto the hard floor, be quiet and still (not easy for a five-year-old Linda), and be forced to nap for what felt like an eternity. Naptime felt like a punishment. I felt like I was missing out on life. Instead, I wanted to play, talk, learn, and interact with my friends.

However, as an adult, I’ve come to respect and understand the value of giving my mind and body a short time to rest. It’s a beautiful way to stop, refresh, and return with more energy, focus, and kindness.

If you go all in, you’ll come back feeling more relaxed and joy-filled. Here’s the recipe for a short, restorative rest:

• Find a quiet spot.

• Wrap yourself in the coziest blanket (my favorite part).

• Dim the lights.

• Set an alarm for 15-20 minutes.

• Allow yourself to settle.

• Nap away.

This is a wonderful antidote to the “overdoing it” that often comes with the holiday season. If you’re tired or cranky, invite in some rest. Wake up more joy-filled.

2. Engage in Spontaneous Fun

There are so many truly horrific things happening in the world. They weigh heavily on our hearts and minds, making the idea of having fun feel impossible or inappropriate.

However, to handle the hard things life brings, it’s important to bring some balance by replenishing your resilience reserves. One way to do this is to invite in fun, even if it’s unplanned. Say yes to silliness. That might look like going to a comedy show, having a snowball fight, playing charades, or listening to music while doing goofy dance moves.

The other day, my husband and I had a wonderful BBQ lunch at a local restaurant. It was delicious and filling. It was also right near a local mall. After lunch, we went to the mall, not to shop, but to walk off the beef brisket and hot sausage sandwiches we had just eaten.

As we walked, we discovered Dream Riders, a store that offers electric ride-on plush animals. While they are marketed for kids, adults can ride them, too. I saw the animals lined up and a few kids riding them around, and I thought, “Hey, this looks like fun. I want to try it!”

And since Steve is always up for anything (one of the many things I love about him), he was on board immediately. We spent 10 minutes riding, laughing, smiling, and having a blast. Aside from having fun, the sight of us enjoying ourselves made other people smile and laugh as we passed by, riding our Panda and Tiger.

Embracing impromptu or intentional fun during the holiday season is a wonderful way to nurture joy.

“Say yes to silliness.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

3. Do a Quick Reset

A few weeks ago, I shared five simple practices to reduce stress. I have one more that helps with handling anxiety, which can surface during the holidays. As wonderful as it can be to visit with family, it can also be anxiety-producing to return home. Anxiety can surface from being around too many people, experiencing more noise than you’re used to, having your routines disrupted, or having unhealthy childhood habits, relationship patterns, or interactions surface.

One strategy that helps is using the 3-3-3 Rule. It’s a simple, effective reset that can be used anywhere, anytime. Here is the method:

• Set: If possible, go to a private space, such as a bedroom or bathroom, where you won't be disturbed.

• See: Name three things you see, like a blue glass sink, a green plant, or a white wall lamp.

• Hear: Name three sounds you hear, like people talking in the other room, the boiler humming, or a truck rumbling outside.

• Move: Move three parts of your body, such as opening and closing your hands, moving your head side to side, or stretching your arms above your head.

Exercising the 3-3-3 Rule will create distance from your anxious thoughts and ground you in the present moment by engaging with your environment and physical sensations.

This reset is an excellent strategy to reduce anxiety and restore balance during the holiday season and beyond.

4. Revisit a Tradition

I’m not sure if you’ve had this experience, but for me, some seasonal traditions remain, some are reimagined, and others disappear completely. These traditions can evoke a mix of feelings, from joy and happiness to grief, frustration, longing, excitement, and relief.

One annual tradition we look forward to is celebrating the winter solstice. Lighting the giant bonfire in the woods signals a transition to the new season. It also marks a change, with a gradual return to less darkness and longer, light-filled days.

For 32 years, our friends have invited family and friends to join this magical experience. At night, each person carries a lit candle up the hill into the woods, where a tepee-like structure of wooden sticks stands tall in the darkness. Before the bonfire is lit, we are encouraged to reflect on what was, release what we no longer want, and imagine how we wish the new year to be. The structure is lit and begins to burn slowly.

When ready, each person carefully approaches the fire and tosses their candle in. I watch, mesmerized and in awe, as the flames gain energy and bring warmth. Tinder sparks fly up and dance wildly against the night sky. Crackling sounds, shifting wood, and the voices of people enjoying each other’s company are the evening’s soundtrack.

Traditions can be comforting, especially those that renew and lift your soul. The winter solstice gathering is one of my favorites each year. It’s a joyful way to release the past, imagine the future, and reconnect with special friends in the present. I’m so grateful to John and Judy for keeping this tradition alive.

What Do You Want to Invite This Holiday Season?

Are your holidays infused with joy, anxiety, or both? How would you like them to be? Is the balance and focus off? Which strategies resonate most with you? What brings you joy and balance?

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

How Can I Help?

Do you feel overwhelmed, disorganized, stressed, or out of balance? Would you like to make changes? 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@ohsoorganized.com or

• Call 914-271-5673

Getting organized is possible, especially with support.