We Can Do Hard Things: An Ode to Motivation

I am curious.  What inspires you to do something you should do and you know is good for you, only… you really don’t want to do it?  

That’s the way my twin and I felt a few days ago...we both knew we ought to walk; however, the day was exceedingly windy and gray in Edmond, Oklahoma (where my twin resides), and misty, gray, and chilly for me here in Vancouver, Washington.

We discussed and agreed that walking makes us feel physically and mentally great. Then, she and I reminisced about a particular walk that brought us joy, referring to a brisk walk along the Washougal, Washington Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail (Dike Trail). That particular morning was sunny and warm, and the scenic snow-covered Mt Hood in the background and the slow-moving Columbia River along the side made our beautiful nature walk complete.

A happy memory with my twin!

While the picture-perfect scenery and just-right weather conditions noted above were conducive by themselves to exercise outdoors, my twin and I felt the walk “together” was key despite the current weather.

So, she and I texted each other until ready to head out on our separate paths. We continued our cell phone chat until we arrived back at our respective homes. We felt grateful for our time together, a sense of relief for completing a highly meaningful physical activity, and the jump-start energy it produced for the rest of the day. 

Musings on Motivation from a Professional Organizer (and Her Twin.)

Another favorite activity we share, along with walking, is identifying and discussing our perceived family’s (and clients’) organizing challenges. 

Together, we identify these pressing issues: stacks of unread computer-printed articles, hundreds of unread books, an abundance of unused tools, hobby items, and multiples of different products located in the garage. Then, our brainstorming leads to possible and acceptable solutions for those involved. 

Sometimes, just sharing ideas helps us figure out how to encourage others to begin or complete “put-off” actions like more physical activity or reducing large quantities of unused items from their homes.

Body Doubling for Motivation and Getting Started on a Task You Don’t Want to Do

An additional and helpful technique to try, and used by many Professional Organizers, is named “body doubling.”  Body doubling is a productivity technique where a person works alongside someone else - either in person or virtually - to stay focused and accountable. The presence of another person, even if they are not actively participating in the same task, helps reduce distractions, increase motivation, and improve task completion.

If you don’t have someone available to sit next to you, try Merve, a popular body-doubling “study with me” YouTube channel. Merve offers a quiet study environment to work with her and motivate you to start, with ten-minute breaks every 50 minutes.

The body-doubling technique is especially beneficial for individuals with ADHD, as it provides external structure and helps with task initiation and follow-through. Body doubling is commonly used for work, studying, household chores, and organizing tasks.

How or what finally prompts you to start a task, project, or activity that you would otherwise avoid? I find the subject of motivation intriguing and would like to hear your thoughts about it if you care to do so.

About Cathy Sevier

Cathy Sevier has been helping people simplify their lives and get organized for over 16 years. As the founder of Scattered Possessions, she provides a compassionate and encouraging environment for clients facing their toughest organizational challenges. Known for her calm demeanor, patience, and kindness, Cathy helps her clients reclaim their time and focus on what matters most. You can learn more about Cathy here.

Closet Storage Solutions for Bulky Items

Here is a common question my organizing clients ask me regularly: where and how is the best way to store bulky items like blankets, bedspreads, curtains, drapes, and comforters? Do you keep them in drawers, on a closet floor, or on a shelf, or elsewhere? This is a great question, and the answer really depends on your home and what your storage options are.

That said, in this professional organizer’s opinion, bulky items like tablecloths, curtains, and drapes are best stored hanging vertically. This helps them keep their shape and takes up less space than putting them in a drawer. They should first be pressed or taken right from the dryer so that they stay tidy and crease-free. Then drape them from heavy-duty hangers. Add some repurposed plastic film from the dry-cleaners or a garbage bag to keep them dust-free if you do not use the item often.

Here are some great Hanger Products for Storing Bulky Items

I really like this Stainless Steel Blanket Hanger set for bulkier cloth items because it is open-ended and easier to slip the item onto and off of the padded non-slip, rubber-ringed hanger. The open end is tilted up to help the article from slipping off. It could be used for tablecloths, quilts and blankets. It is 0.3 X 17 X 7.6 inches.

Stainless Steel Blanket Hanger set from Amazon

Alternatively, this is S-Shaped Pants Hanger Set is 22” long and is also great for bedspreads, blankets, comforters, and draperies.

S-Shaped Pants Hanger Set from Amazon

Many cleaners use these 18” heavy-duty wire strut hangers for comforters and drapes, which feature 10-gauge metal, with white tube already attached. They are suitable for draperies, tablecloths, and comforters as well.

Heavy Duty Wire Strut Hangers

Finally, I really like the World’s Strongest Coat Hanger, which is designed for cumbersome items such as hanging coats, backpacks, or other bulky and heavy items like gear for those in the military or emergency responders. It is ¾” wide X 18.5” X 11 5/8” (inside pocket is 1 ¾” X 13 ¾”).

The World’s Strongest Coat Hanger

What other creative ways do you store your bulky items? Your suggestions are welcome in the comments below!

How Do You Spot Clues About Disorganization?

After my recent total hip replacement surgery, I occupied much of my healing time by reading novels such as Louise Penny's book Still Life (first in her series about Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surete du Quebec).

In one chapter of this book, Inspector Gamache and his team enter a deceased victim's home in search of clues about her. Gamache says, "Homes, [he] knew were a self-portrait. Every touch revealed the individual. God, or the Devil, was in the details. And so was the human. Was it dirty, messy, obsessively clean? Were the decorations chosen to impress, or were they a hodgepodge of personal history? Was the space cluttered or clear?"

When potential clients call and request my professional organizing services, I ask them to allow me to conduct an initial assessment of their home in its current state. A tour of their home and their comments about it reveal clues about their lives and what areas need attention.

Often the reasons for disorganization arise from situations such as: addition of a child; family illness; work and college attendance at the same time; moving to a smaller home without downsizing first; furniture and other items added for various reasons; and too many items for the room size.

My observations and the potential client's comments about their space help me figure out workable organizing solutions and devise a maintenance plan.

If you find yourself in need of organizing assistance, for any reason, consider consulting a professional organizer.