As we continue our series, a fourth way that Seattle area Professional Organizers say they motivate themselves when they hit a slump in their own productivity is to use upbeat music:
Lauren Williams, Casual Uncluttering LLC, Woodinville, says, “I usually turn on music which matches my mood or is slightly more upbeat than my mood.”
She explains why it works, “The music helps me focus outside of my own thoughts,” adding, “maybe because some tune catches my attention or lyrics get me thinking in another direction and I mentally ‘switch gears.’ I'm then able to move past the inertia.”
Karen Pfeiffer Bush, owner of Seattle-based LifeSpace - Home Organization and Transition Support, agrees, “Even people who love to organize get ‘stuck’ sometimes and I am no exception. My ‘go to’ tool when I need to get going is my iPod.”
Bush describes her strategy: “I have 15-minute-long sets of music in my iPod that have my ‘motivation music.’ I’ll pick my set and either pop in the ear buds or blast it through the speakers and get to work!” She also challenges herself, “I tell myself to finish xyz task before Aretha Franklin belts out the last line of ‘Respect’!”
Why this works for her: “Breaking down a project into smaller time periods and tasks is effective because it allows me to realize success. Success fosters motivation. If I realize success on my 15 minute task, my motivation is boosted and I’ll keep moving. Besides, it’s fun to listen to these upbeat songs and so they lift my spirit and energy.”
Bush also adds, “I change my motivation music sets with regularity so I don’t get bored.
For more information Seattle area residents can contact these consultants or, to find a productivity or organizing consultant near you, go to the National Association of Professional Organizer’s directory or FindMyOrganizer.com.
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