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.

This is the newest release (v44) of the “What’s Interesting?” feature, with my latest finds that inform, educate, and relate to organizing and life balance. These unique, inspiring, next step discoveries reflect this month’s blog theme.

You are a passionate, generous, and engaged group. I am deeply grateful for your ongoing presence, positive energy, and contributions to this community. I look forward to your participation and additions to the collection I’ve sourced.

What do you find interesting?

What’s Interesting? – 5 Best Next Step Discoveries

1. Interesting Read – Brave Next Step

Fear can color your choices and how you experience your life. In Todd Henry’s new work, The Brave Habit – A Guide to Courageous Leadership, his goal is “to inspire an epidemic of everyday brave action.” He says, “Bravery exists when we have a vision for a better possible future, and we trust that we have agency to help bring it about.” These ideas are further explored by examining what happens when low to high perceived agency is paired with optimistic or pessimistic visions.

When thinking about the next steps and the consequences of your actions, Todd says, “…almost every action you take, or choice you make has a lingering impact on the world around you, and over time, the impacts of those actions are exponential.”

Todd created The Brave Index to accompany the book. It’s a quick survey that helps you identify areas to develop your capacity for brave work and leadership. Based on your responses, you will receive a customized action plan. Todd says, “Don’t fear wrong action, fear inaction … One small step in the face of fear is enough to dispel its hold on you.”

2. Interesting Workshop – Clutter-Free Next Step

Does your next step include reducing clutter, overwhelm, and disorganization? One in four people struggle with clutter, which can affect their anxiety levels, relationships, sleep, and focus.

If you’re in the Westchester area near Croton on Hudson, New York, join me, Linda Samuels, Professional Organizer, for a live in-person workshop on How to Conquer Clutter. On Thursday, March 21st, from 5:30-7:30 pm Eastern, I’ll present at Design Lab’s monthly speaker series, sponsored by Denise Wenacur of DW Design & Décor. Come say “hi,” network with local professionals, enjoy yummy beverages and treats, and learn empowering clutter insights and solutions.

3. Interesting Article – Unplugged Next Step

March 1st was the Global Day of Unplugging. For 24 hours, we were encouraged to unplug, unwind, relax, and engage in activities that did not involve technology, electronics, or social media.

Did you miss it? That’s OK. You can create your own “unplugged” day or a part of a day at any time. Several of my colleagues wrote terrific articles about the benefits, history, and ideas for unplugging. Is stepping away from your devices next on your agenda? Find inspiration here:

• How to Unplug Your Home for the Ultimate Digital Detox by Teresa Siqueira

• Celebrate the Global Day of Unplugging by Julie Bestry

• How Unplugging Can Fuel Your Creativity and Forward Movement by Yota Schneider

“One small step in the face of fear is enough to dispel its hold on you.”

— Todd Henry

4. Interesting Resource – Beneficial Next Step

Spring is next. This is an excellent time for editing, letting go, and decluttering your closets and drawers. Do you have clothing and accessories you no longer need, want, or fit? If so, you can clear space and help others.

Consider donating your clothing to The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc. You can drop off things at 185 Kisco Avenue, Suite 101, Mount Kisco, New York. Items will be accepted in March and April, Monday through Friday, from 11 am to 4 pm. Donations are tax-deductible, and tax forms will be available.

The Benefit Shop Foundation will host a fashion pop-up sale on May 17th and May 18th from 10 am to 4 pm. Proceeds will go to various local community-based organizations that help people who live and work in the area.

5. Interesting Thought – Small Next Step

Figuring out what to do next can feel overwhelming. When unsure what to do next or feeling the enormity of a project’s scope, next seems elusive. Instead, focus on making consistent, tiny movements forward.

Each small step lets you experience progress, boosts your motivation, and moves you closer to your goal. Make your next step small and manageable. Do and repeat. Action is your key to progress.

Do you have an interesting, next-step-related discovery? Which of these resonates with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts and invite you to join the conversation.

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

Do you ever feel like the universe sends you a message you need to hear? It happened to me this week. Interestingly, what I received related to the letting go theme I’m writing about this month.

You might have read about last week’s letting go mishap when I accidentally deleted my entire email inbox. I recovered, only to be challenged by another ‘adventure’ this week. It’s a doozy! Clearly, the universe thinks I need more letting go practice.

Midweek, I woke up with 500+ other neighbors to the surprise of no Internet or phone due to “cut fibers.” Our service provider assured me it would be fixed within 24 hours, which seemed reasonable. However, I was on a deadline. I was putting the finishing touches on a Zoom workshop being presented the following day. While I had no choice in the technology glitch (it happened and was being worked on,) I did have a choice in how I responded.

There was some initial panic, where I engaged in numerous “what if?” scenarios.

• What if it’s not fixed in time and I can’t present my workshop?

• What if I can’t access the information I need to compile my notes?

• What if the calm day I planned is turned upside down?

• What if…?

After the panic, technology assessment, and the realization that I could do nothing at that moment, I started letting go. I talked calmly to myself so I could switch gears and put my energy toward completing my workshop notes. I couldn’t afford to have my attitude sabotage the day. Instead, I focused on what I could work on. I let go of what I had no control over, did some creative problem-solving, and stopped the worry-stress-negative self-talk-loop.

I went to Starbucks in the afternoon for Internet access and a much-needed coffee break. I checked a few resources for my notes and caught up on email. I sat by the river and walked down the block to smell the fragrant lilacs. These actions kept me calm and focused.

“Let go of what you have no control over.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

By the evening, I finished my workshop notes and made alternate plans for presenting if I had no Internet the next day. I also realized how much more I accomplished without interruptions or distractions from the Internet, social media, and the phone.

Are you curious about what happened? When I woke the next day, the Internet and phones were restored. I gave my workshop, which went well, with good attendance and participation. Can you hear my giant exhale?

Life is full of surprises and curve balls. You can’t anticipate when they’ll arrive or what they’ll be. But as always, you do have a choice in how to respond. You can get stuck and paralyzed by the emergency or let go to allow focus, resilience, creativity, and growth to thrive.

How does letting go show up in your life? I’d love to hear your stories and thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

This coming week is Thanksgiving. Are you ready? I’m not, but I will be by the time people arrive. I’m pacing myself. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Sure. I love preparing and eating yummy foods like cranberry sauce, turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie. As delicious as those foods are, I am most grateful for having our family and friends bring their warm, loving energy into our home. I can’t wait to welcome everyone!

Due to the pandemic, we didn’t have a big group (or any group) for the past few Thanksgivings. But this year, my husband and I are preparing for 24 guests. Full disclosure. After a few years off, I feel a bit out of practice. How are you feeling about hosting or attending a gathering? Are you nervous, anxious, or excited?

As I round the event week corner, I realize there are several things I need to acknowledge and prepare so I will be and feel ready. I hope these ideas will help you too.

5 Ways to Prepare Your Head, Heart, & Home for Thanksgiving

1. Let Go

A lot of things are happening right now for me. We’re upgrading our electricity at home, working on fixes for my sluggish computer, creating a new workshop, working with organizing clients, and thinking about Thanksgiving prep. Guess what? Especially with the disruptions in my environment from the renovation and computer challenges, my mental energy is low. As humans, we often find ourselves juggling multiple things. Does that feel familiar?

Right now, the best I can do is to let go. I’m not talking about ball-dropping. Instead, I’m referring to slightly lowering the expectation bar and not trying to control everything. That means- responding to emails in an appropriate but not immediate timeframe, suspending the worry loop, not scheduling more things this week, and not trying to do everything myself. My mantra these days is, “It’s going to be OK.”

What can you let go of?

2. Take Care

As things have gotten more hectic, I’ve noticed that some of the great habits I built this year have slipped. I still walk, but those 10,000 steps a day are more elusive to hit. My goal to only eat a sweet treat once or twice weekly has been broken. Don’t judge. Instead of getting mad at myself, I’m extending some grace and focusing on the self-care pieces I am doing.

These include meditating daily, logging my food, getting adequate sleep, drinking enough liquid, eating healthy food, journaling, and staying in touch with family and friends.

I recognize there will be time to refocus on resetting the good habits I’ve let slide. But now, I’m offering myself a gentler perspective. I’m doing what I can while factoring my extra stress. My reminder is, “Be kind to yourself.”

3. Work the Lists

Are you a list maker? I am. Lists provide a great source of relief because they help me stay focused on what’s most important, provide a road map to organize a big event or project, and give me satisfaction (yay, endorphin ping!) when I cross an item off. Done feels great!

While I haven’t accomplished most of my Thanksgiving tasks yet, I updated my three lists to help me organize for the week. Reviewing and updating was confidence-boosting. My lists include:

• Thanksgiving List – High-level plan including guests, what’s being served, who’s bringing what, and tasks.

• Thanksgiving Shopping List – Details the dates, stores to shop, and specific items to purchase.

• Thanksgiving To Do Plan – Organizes tasks by day. For example, today includes updating Thanksgiving lists (done,) writing a blog post (will be done by the time you’re reading this,) and assessing paper goods.

Talking about working the lists, my husband and I have been tag-teaming it for decades. We’ve hosted hundreds of gatherings and events. Guess what? Steve has his own lists, which are more detailed than mine. Do you prefer sticky notes organized on a wall, electronic lists, bullet journals, or lined notebook paper? What’s important is creating an effective way to track and organize your tasks. Use what works for you.

What list-making method do you like?

“It’s going to be OK.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

4. Ask for Help

Thank goodness we are in this world together. It’s important to acknowledge when you need help. For instance, as much as I’d love to rewire our house myself (not really), it’s not my skill set. I am grateful for our electrician, who is the expert and knows how to get this done. With my computer, I tried using Apple support. But after two frustrating weeks of troubleshooting with no success, I finally hired an onsite tech person to diagnose and fix the problems. My computer runs better and faster, and I have concrete next steps. In addition, I have a complete understanding of what was going on.

When it comes to Thanksgiving, Steve and I do most of the prep work. However, there are many opportunities to enlist help. I’m so grateful our kids are arriving early to help with table set-up, cooking, errands, and more. Some guests have offered to bring food, which I gratefully accept. On the day of, others will offer to set up food, clear dishes, refill the ice bucket, serve food, or move furniture around. I won’t be shy about asking for or accepting help. It takes a village, folks.

What help do you need now?

5. Feel the Joy

Laughter, love, and smiling faces. Hugs, conversations, and unforgettable moments. Getting caught up in the stress and pressure of doing and preparing is so easy. While it will take focus and effort to create our Thanksgiving gathering, I don’t want to get so stressed out that I miss the joy of being with loved ones. I am committed to finding all the joy opportunities- baking pies, setting the table, sweeping the front path, hugging my loved ones, gathering around the table for a meal, watching people enjoy each other’s company, and feeling a house full of love.

What joyful moments are you anticipating?

From my heart to yours, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. What can you do today to reduce stress and increase joy? Which ideas resonate with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.