Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try, getting organized just doesn’t seem to stick? In this episode we dive into some surprising ways our own thoughts might be sabotaging our efforts. It’s not just about the clutter in your home…it’s also about the clutter in your mind. Limiting thoughts can keep us from seeing the potential around us, and keep us stuck in patterns that feel disorganized.

In my work with clients and students there are 3 thoughts that seem to cause a lot of problems:

Thought #1: “I don’t know how.”

This seemingly innocent phrase can instantly paralyze us. But what if we flipped it around? Next time you catch yourself thinking this, follow up with the question “If I did know how, what would I do?” It’s amazing how this simple shift can open up possibilities and get you moving forward. Remember, everything is “figureoutable!”

Thought #2: “I don’t have enough time.” 

I get it—life is busy, and the to-do list never ends. But sometimes, the belief that we need large chunks of time prevents us from starting at all. That’s where “JTT” comes in. Just Take Ten (or Two) gives us permission to make as much progress as we can in just 10 (or 2) minutes. You’ll find that these short bursts of work can make a significant difference. It’s like those tiny drips filling a bucket faster than you’d expect; little actions add up. And often, motivation finds us once we simply get started. JTT can be that springboard that spurs us into action. 

Thought #3: “I don’t have the organizing gene.” 

Let me debunk that myth right now—there’s no such thing. Being organized is about following a series of steps, much like following a recipe. Anyone can do it! Success in organizing—or anything else—is about consistent actions, not some innate talent.

Thoughts are incredibly powerful. They can keep us stuck or propel us forward. By recognizing and replacing these limiting beliefs, we can change the lens through which we view our challenges. Instead of seeing obstacles, we’ll start seeing opportunities and actionable steps we can take right now.

So what?…

You’ve listened to this episode, so what are you supposed to do about it?  This week, pay attention to your thoughts. Notice if any of these limiting beliefs pop up, and use the strategies we’ve talked about to pivot to a more empowering mindset. Let’s put our thoughts to work for us, not against us.

Thank you so much for joining me today. Remember, you’re far more capable of being organized than you might think. Until next time, keep taking those small steps—they really do add up to big changes!