Have you ever felt challenged when making a big or small change in your life? If so, did you encounter periods of doubt, stress, frustration, or overwhelm? Many experiences around change include discomfort at some point in the journey. After all, if we’re lucky, growth and insight happen along the change path. And usually, those don’t occur without some struggle.

In the latter part of last year, I embarked on a new project to combine and redesign my two websites into one. It wasn’t the first time I had done this type of project, so I knew it was accomplishable. In the end, while I am thrilled with how the new ohsoorganized.com site looks and feels, going through the change process had its challenges.  Now that I’m on the other side of it and have had time to reflect, I thought it seemed like a good time to share what I learned about going through change. Maybe you are making a change in your life. If so, I hope that something here will resonate and be helpful to you.

7 Lessons Learned About how to Navigate Change

1. Gather Your Team

You can make changes on our own, but I learned that creating a support team enhanced my experience. When you seek something different, you can significantly benefit from the expertise and wisdom of others. For the website project, I worked with the talented web designer, Tanya Moushi, who specializes in creating Squarespace websites. She clarified the project phases, explained what was or wasn't viable, and led me through the design phase to the launch of the new site. A while back, I hired the marvelous Word Press web designer, Janet Barclay, to evaluate my websites. While Janet didn’t directly work on my redesign project since she only does Word Press sites, the evaluations Janet did were useful guides as I considered the changes I wanted for my new website. Just as essential to my team were family, friends, clients, and colleagues. They helped me notice the things I overlooked, provided sanity checks, and gave me moral support during times of doubt.

2. Expect Some Mess 

During a conversation with Tanya in the early design phase, I expressed some frustration with how that process was going. I wasn’t happy with the initial color and mood board. She gently said that the “Creative process is very messy.” I loved that reminder because while I knew it was accurate, I had forgotten it at that moment. This is similar to what my organizing clients experience. When we are organizing a space, it often looks worse before it improves. If they feel discouraged, I remind them that things get messier before they get better. And clearly, that goes for redesigning websites too. I remembered other design projects I’ve done, like designing my book, creating previous websites, or redesigning my logo. There was always trial and error. These are not one and done processes. What I appreciated about Tanya was that she hung in there and experimented with me until we got the colors, images, fonts, layouts, and functionality working as I wanted. And yes. It was messy. But from the experimentation and chaos, we created something beautiful and functional.

3. Adjust Expectations

Projects won’t always go as planned. When I received the initial proposal for the website redesign, the timeline showed slightly less than a one-month turnaround from design to final launch. The schedule included three phases. There was technical (like transferring domain name and importing files,) design (such as gathering design inspiration and building a preview site,) and quality assurance (as in back end training and going live.) The phases took longer than anticipated. The elapsed time was over four months. Like most projects, unexpected things came up. So as the deadlines changed, Tanya and I discussed them, course-corrected, and readjusted the expectations. This was critical. In the end, the timing worked out great because I launched the site as the year and decade changed. So even though that hadn’t been the original plan, it ended up being a terrific outcome timing-wise.

4. Work Those Lists

It helped me to have several lists for a redesign project of this magnitude. There were the updated password lists, things to discuss with Tanya lists, design comments and idea lists, site review lists, how to work the back end lists, and, ultimately, the final punch list. The lists kept me on track and also provided places to record thoughts and ideas in an organized way. It was Tanya’s idea to upload the punch list to Google docs so that we could discuss and cross off items as completed. It was a collaborative way of communicating, which worked out beautifully. I remember when that last item was crossed off. It indicated to me that things were completed and it was time to embrace the change fully.

5. Be Patient With Learning

One of the issues that had prevented me from redesigning sooner was knowing that I needed time to invest in learning a new platform. I migrated my sites from Squarespace 5, which I knew how to navigate, to Squarespace 7, which has an entirely different back end. I had confidence that I could learn it, but I didn’t know how much time it would take me. Tanya did several walkthroughs with me and also created a few how-to videos for making edits and creating blog posts. Also, Squarespace has excellent tutorials and customer support. It was awkward at first but got more comfortable with each edit. The upside is that I love learning. Having to add a new set of skills to my toolbox has been one of the fun surprises of this process.

6. Acknowledge Loss

While the website redesign was needed and desired, I was surprised by some feelings of loss that I experienced. The othersideoforganized.com site, which no longer exists, was created when I wrote my book ten years ago. I started blogging on that site and enjoyed many wonderful conversations with my readers. It was a familiar and happy place to visit and converse. The previous ohsoorganized.com site was redesigned in 2011 from the original site that launched in 2001. Even though with the website change, I was gaining many positives like being mobile-friendly, moving to the updated Squarespace 7 platform, and having a more modern design, I liked what I had. It worked. However, due to technical issues and an old platform, it was time to change. I knew that. Even so, part of me wanted to hold on to what was comfortable and familiar. During the process, even though I was pushing myself to be open to new possibilities, I also recognized that I was digging in and trying to hold on to what I had. Acknowledging and noticing these feelings of loss during growth and change was helpful. I could see, feel, and appreciate them. And then I let go so that I could embrace the new.

7. Appreciate the Blooms

The big website change has happened, and I am thankful. After months of designing, technical maneuvering, and collaborating, the new ohsoorganized.com launched at the beginning of the year. Below you can view the welcome-to-the-new-site video. It took a combined effort to get the website to this stage. I’m so happy with the look, feel, and content. But more importantly, it is getting the results I hoped for. People are engaging, taking action, and feeling inspired. Within 24 hours of the launch, a new client hired me because of how the site made her feel- welcomed and understood. After watching one of my videos and reading a few of my posts, another new client was inspired to take action. She organized a corner of a room that had been bothering her for a long time. Feedback has been positive from colleagues, clients, family, friends, and strangers. The theothersideoforganized.com blog community quickly found their new home at ohsoorganized.com/blog. The group continues to thrive as they generously share and engage in our wonderful conversations about organizing, life balance, mindfulness, letting go, motivation, change, and more. I am grateful for what was, what is, and what will be.

What has helped you navigate change? What change is currently engaging your time? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment and join the conversation!

Have you noticed how many of our conversations these days are centered on change? My clients talk about making organizational changes in their lives to feel less stressed, cluttered, and overwhelmed. Friends and family talk about making personal and professional changes to discover new places, learn new things, or embrace a significant life transition. Even in yoga class, teachers and students have change-like thoughts on their minds.

Change is one of the topics I love writing and conversing about most. What I also have noticed is that while we might want change to happen, we are often less clear about how to begin. Also, we might wish to change, but we aren’t necessarily ready or willing to do what’s needed for that change to occur. So with these thoughts in mind, I propose three ideas to help you while you’re navigating that unclear phase. They revolve around the word wander.

3 New Ideas to Inspire Change

“Wander” mug

This time of year with colder, winter days, I’m a huge hot tea drinker. Even as I write this post, I’m in good company with my big cup of tea. There are several mugs that I prefer.  One of my favorites has the word “Wander” on the front. As I sip my tea, I’m reminded that while plans and direction are an essential part of my life, I also need time to wander and explore. While the opportunity for discovery is available at any moment, it’s primarily in these open, white-space times that I can be relaxed enough to be mindful of and notice what I might otherwise miss. So if you are not sure what change you want to make, give yourself some wander time and see what transpires from there.

“Not all who wander are lost.”

On one of my suitcases, I have a luggage tag with this phrase. When I travel, I like to know the details and timing for things. At least, I prefer to know the basics like the dates of travel, flight times, ground transportation arrangements, sleeping accommodations, and the basic structure for the time away. However, I don’t like to over plan. Trips can vary in nature if they are for business or leisure. And even though those types of travel have a different feel to them, I like to keep the “wander” concept in mind. Particularly when I travel, my antenna is sharper than usual. Being out of my typical environment, I’m more apt to notice new patterns, connect ideas, and open my thoughts to other possibilities. Consider how this phrase of “Not all who wander are lost,” can encourage you to infuse the unknown and exploration into your days at home or while traveling. Change ideas and clarity can be inspired from the most unexpected places.

“Lost, but making good time.”

One of the things my husband and I like to joke about is the phrase, “Lost, but making good time.” It comes up in many ways. For example, when we are driving somewhere new and get lost (yes, that still happens even when using Google maps,) one of us will say, “Lost, but making good time.” Instead of feeling irritated that we’re lost, saying these words makes us laugh. It takes away the stress and angst. When we first moved to the Hudson Valley, we frequently drove around to wander the area. We’d try getting lost on purpose. Again, one of us would say the phrase. We joyfully leaned into the idea of intentionally being lost. That’s what I offer to you. The change we seek isn’t always visible. We can’t force clarity. If you embrace the “lost” time, at some point, you will find your way to where you want to go. And sometimes we have to take the time to remain lost a little while longer before we can arrive.

What has inspired change for you? Do any of these ideas resonate? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to add a comment and join the conversation!

As we approach the end of January and the first month of the New Year, it’s a great time to pause, check-in on your fresh start and notice where you are. Some of us are entrenched in working on new goals and habits. You might be in the process of getting organized by editing and letting go of your excess stuff. You might be learning how to find homes for your things and practicing the retrieval/return process that is integral to maintaining that system. You might be arriving for appointments on time or preparing your meals for the week. Or, even though it’s the New Year, you might feel stuck and not sure what changes to make or goals to set. All of these are typical experiences, especially at this time of year. 

Recently I discovered this insight from one of my favorite authors and creative thinkers, Todd Henry. He says, “Your life and success will not be defined by the nouns you choose. It will be defined by the verbs.”

“Your life and success will not be defined by the nouns you choose. It will be defined by the verbs.”

— Todd Henry

He elaborates and encourages us to, “Set noun-based goals in 2020. But choose verb-based daily activities to support them.”

“Set noun-based goals in 2020. But choose verb-based daily activities to support them.”

— Todd Henry

Todd Henry’s advice is a simple, yet dynamic way to attain our goals. While taking time to think about what we want to accomplish or change is essential, nothing will happen until our daily actions align with our desired goals. For example, one of my goals this year is to focus on my health and well-being. That goal gets turned into ongoing verb-based activities such as:

• Practice yoga

• Practice mindfulness meditation

• Buy nutritious food

• Eat more vegetables

• Take walks in nature

• Spend time with family and friends

• Sleep 7-8 hours a night

• Write in journal

It can be challenging to stay motivated when the goal is as broad as mine:  focus on my health and well-being. Doing specific daily activities to support the big idea, like practice mindfulness meditation, creates a positive environment for change. Small, continual actions are the secret sauce. The doing creates the being. 

What goals have your attention? Which actions or verb-based words are leading your fresh start? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to leave a comment and join the conversation!

The latest installment (v26) of the “What’s Interesting?” feature is here with my recent discoveries that inform, educate, and relate to organizing and life balance. I’ve included unique and inspiring fresh start-related finds, which reflect this month’s blog theme. You are such an incredibly engaged group. I am grateful for your 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? . . .

1. Interesting Read – Fresh Start Goals

Hot off the press is the insightfully written organizing book, Organizing and Big Scary Goals – Working With Discomfort and Doubt to Create Real Life Order by my colleague, Sara Skillen. I am a big fan of Sara’s blog and enjoyed reading her “how-might-you?” book, where she uses her organizer and coach lens throughout. While she includes a few how-tos, Sara weaves engaging, relatable stories throughout, including overcoming one of her challenges, the fear of bike riding. These stories help readers understand that finding solutions to their organizing challenges can be done in a relaxed, exploratory, and uniquely personal way. Sara concludes that “…big change can happen for anyone…by letting go of external messages, embracing their fear and discomfort, and asking for help when they need it…they can achieve unexpected results and stay consistent.” If you’re struggling with getting organized and reaching your goals, read Sara’s book, which offers you a compassionate fresh start.

2. Interesting Product – Fresh Start Papers

If your desk or kitchen counters are piled with papers, and you can’t find the ones you need, consider using this stylish desktop file, the Arc basket. You’ll be able to organize your VIP papers in an instant. It is spacious enough to accommodate the essential items, yet not so large as to overwhelm you or your space. This U Brands open file box is shown in green and also comes in white and pale pink. Give your desk or counters a fresh start with this sleek hanging files bin.

3. Interesting Perspective  – Fresh Start Clarity

Gordon Hempton, an acoustic ecologist, spent his life preserving the world’s silent places by traveling the world and recording sounds. Many of these places are endangered due to the encroachment of modern life. In this short video, Sanctuaries of Silence, Hempton invites you to experience the preciousness of these beautifully captured explorations.

“Silence isn’t the absence of something, but the presence of everything.”

— Gordon Hampton

Life can be noisy. We have busy thoughts within combined with external physical distractions. It has become more challenging to hear our own thoughts, let alone experience quiet. Activities such as daily mindfulness meditation, yoga, and nature walks help me to create periods of silence. With a clarity of mind and calmness of soul, I am better able to be open, aware, and grateful for each moment, and a fresh start.

4. Interesting Season – Fresh Start Organizing

Winter can be more of an indoor season, at least it is for me. With this extra time inside, you might be feeling disorganized, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward. Take this opportunity to reset your organizing goals, declutter the extraneous, and create the calm you deserve. Change is possible, especially with support. Enlist help from a compassionate and non-judgmental friend, family member, or professional organizer like me. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish when you work side-by-side with an organizing buddy. I’m ready to help. Let’s talk. Call 914-271-5673 or email me at linda@ohsoorganized.com.

5. Interesting Thought – Fresh Start Time

What is that phrase, “Attitude is everything?” When it comes to how we feel about a new day (or Mondays,) your approach to new can make all the difference with how you do or don’t do next. The start of the New Year gives us an attitude boost for a fresh start and new beginning. Yet the excitement can quickly fade. Remind yourself that you can embrace a fresh start any week, day, hour, or moment. Let go of what you didn’t do, cut yourself some slack, reset, and begin again. 

What are your interesting finds? Which of these resonate with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation!