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.
Old Towels? Donate to Your Local Humane Society.
One question I often hear from clients after reducing what is stored in their linen closets is where to donate extra and unneeded towels. This subject came up during one of my frequent chats with my Edmond, Oklahoma sister as we often toss around ideas about the organizing process.
In front: Costello and Dewey to the right. Abbott behind Dewey and Zeeba behind Abbot.
After my sister and brother-in-law moved from Plano, TX to Edmond, OK, they purchased new towels for their home. This resulted in an excess of older towels, and a little story about their four dogs.
Their dogs Dewey and Zeeba were adopted from a Plano animal shelter, and brothers Abbott and Costello, affectionately known as Bott and Cossie, were dumped at a dump.
After they were rescued, a lady at a local farm store north of Plano offered them for adoption and my sister wanted to give them a home. Thus, four big dogs became a part of their family. Although towels were needed to wipe 16 muddy paws, before the dogs could come inside after roaming an acre of land, and to wipe up indoor mishaps, they still had more towels than they wanted to store. While tending four large dogs, my sister called animal care facilities to find out if they could use towels. This dog/towel story gave me the idea to write a blog post about donating towels to places other than the usual human donation sites.
Consider donating your excess and still serviceable towels to your local humane society, veterinarian, or animal shelter to help in the care of our furry animal friends throughout their stay.
I recommend calling first to find out what their towel needs are and to find out where to drop them off. There are many places in Vancouver and surrounding areas. Here are a few to try:
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!