Next Step
Monday, March 1, 2010 at 10:00AM 
Like many of you, I have an ambitious list of things I’d like to accomplish. Some of these things are small and don’t require much energy. Some however seem so large that it’s not as obvious how they will get done. This can be overwhelming because there are so many choices for moving ahead. Lots of thinking has gone into these goals. For many of us, sometimes the thinking zaps our energy. At other times sometimes it energizes us.
At some point, though, in order for anything to actually happen, action needs to occur. This often begins with the next step. That forward movement can provide the momentum needed to propel us closer to our goal.
So right now for you, what is the one thing you’d like to accomplish? Whatever it’s size, try to determine your next step. Don’t be concerned that you don’t know all the steps. It’s OK to figure that out as you go. This is especially important because you’ll most likely need to make adjustments and be flexible along the way. In addition, if you let yourself get too detailed at the beginning, that detail could paralyze you from taking any action.
Just have enough of an idea of what you’re moving towards. Then pick one thing to bring you closer to that goal. See what happens when you do that. Keep going with the next step, the next and then another. Before you know it, you’ll be entrenched in the pursuit of your goal. You’ll be learning as you go and making new decisions along the way. You are no longer just thinking. You are now taking action.
As Lao Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step.”
Linda Samuels, CPO-CD
® is a compassionate, enthusiastic professional organizer, coach, author & blogger who facilitates change in others' lives. A revolving door empty-nester, she lives with her husband in a small, colorful home with a purple front door.
Reader Comments (2)
posted on Amazon .com
'Tis the season to get organized, March 8, 2010
By Elaine Shimberg (Tampa, FL) - See all my reviews
I've written about ways to reduce clutter (much to my husband's amusement)and often have found two of the same de-clutter advice books on my book shelves. Most of the organize thyself books remain half read. An exception to this is THE OTHER SIDE OF ORGANIZED by Linda Samuels. In less than 150 pages, she gently guides the readers through the seasons, beginning with winter when even Mother Nature reorganizes herself. Samuels reminds us that the reason for organizing our lives is so we have more time to do the things we love and enjoy. It is not an end in itself. She even speaks to the chronically disorganized and urges getting help, either a professional or a buddy who will help you find your way through the clutter. Multi-tasking is out; having time for your pleasures is in. As she writes, "Finding Balance Between Chaos and Perfection" is what's important. I recommend this book to those who want to reduce the mess stress in their lives.
Elaine Fantle Shimberg
Elaine- I don't know how I missed seeing your wonderful entry. Thank you for your fabulous review of my book posted both here and on Amazon. I'm honored that you read the entire book and found it especially valuable for those that are challenged and stressed by clutter and disorganization. Your insight and support is greatly appreciated.