Jul 10 - One Stroke at a Time - Get Organized Now

Published: Fri, 07/10/26

Updated: Fri, 07/10/26

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

July 10, 2026

GetOrganizedNow.com

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Give your bed a quick refresh by adding a bed skirt, smoothing the comforter, or arranging the pillows neatly. It only takes a minute or two, but it can make the entire bedroom feel more put together.

One Stroke at a Time

I recently read about Kelsey Pfendler, the young woman who rowed solo from California to Hawaii. In just under 44 days, she became the first American woman, the youngest woman, and the fastest person ever to complete the journey. When asked why she wanted to attempt such an enormous challenge, she simply said, "If you have a chance to do something big, why not go for a record?"

It's an incredible accomplishment, but what impressed me most wasn't the records she broke. It was the realization that she reached Hawaii the same way any enormous goal is achieved: one stroke at a time. That idea applies surprisingly well to getting organized.

When people think about organizing, they often picture the finished result...a beautifully arranged closet, an uncluttered garage, or a home where everything has a place. Unfortunately, focusing only on the end goal can make it feel so overwhelming that it's hard to know where to begin.

Imagine standing on the California coast and looking toward Hawaii. The destination is so far away that it almost seems impossible. If all you thought about was the distance, you might never push the boat into the water.

Organizing works the same way. Instead of concentrating on everything that still needs to be done, it helps to focus on the very next task. Cleaning out one drawer, sorting one stack of papers, or filling one donation box may not seem like much, but every small accomplishment moves you closer to the home you want.

I'm sure there were days when Kelsey couldn't see much evidence of her progress. The ocean probably looked much the same in every direction, yet every stroke brought her a little closer to Hawaii. She trusted the process, even when the finish line wasn't visible.

That's an important lesson for organizing. Small efforts often don't produce dramatic results overnight, but they build on one another. A few minutes today, another few tomorrow, and before long you've completed projects that once seemed far beyond your reach.

Of course, there will be interruptions along the way. Life gets busy, unexpected events happen, and sometimes a project takes longer than planned. That doesn't mean you're failing. It simply means you pick up where you left off and keep moving forward.

After completing her record-breaking journey, Kelsey offered another piece of advice that I think applies just as much to organizing as it does to rowing across the Pacific. She said, "Even if you don't think you're strong enough to finish, you're strong enough to begin."

What a wonderful reminder for all of us. We don't have to organize an entire house in a weekend. We simply have to begin, then keep making steady progress one drawer, one shelf, and one small victory at a time. Those little efforts have a way of adding up, and before long you'll realize you've come much farther than you ever imagined.

P.S. Home Improvement Finds That Make Your Home Work Better
Freshen up your space with practical home improvement finds that help you organize, update, repair, and simplify everyday life. This list focuses on highly rated products that can make small projects feel easier and help your home look and function better! Access here

Making Waves

Have you ever heard someone say, "She's really making waves," or "That decision made quite a splash"? We use these expressions all the time, but have you ever stopped to think about where they came from?

The phrase "making waves" dates back to the 1800s and comes from the simple idea that anything moving through water creates ripples or waves. A boat gliding across a calm lake disturbs the smooth surface, drawing attention to itself. Before long, the expression took on a figurative meaning. Someone who challenged the way things had always been done, introduced new ideas, or simply attracted a lot of attention was said to be "making waves."

Today, the phrase can be either positive or negative. An inventor who creates a groundbreaking product may be making waves in their industry. A student who stands up for what's right may be making waves at school. On the other hand, someone who stirs up unnecessary trouble might also be accused of making waves. It's far from the only expression we've borrowed from the water.

If something goes exactly as planned, we say it's "smooth sailing."

When someone reveals a secret, they "spill the beans," but when they reveal too much information about a plan, they may "rock the boat."

A person who remains calm under pressure is said to keep their head "above water," while someone overwhelmed with work may feel like they're "drowning."

Then there's "making a splash," which describes someone or something that creates excitement and attracts lots of attention. A new restaurant might make a splash in town, or a young athlete might make a splash during their first season.

Many of these sayings have been around for hundreds of years because people once depended on rivers, lakes, and oceans for transportation, trade, and fishing. Water was such an important part of everyday life that it naturally found its way into our language.

The next time you hear someone say a person is "making waves," you'll know they're not talking about the ocean at all. They're talking about someone whose actions are noticeable enough to create ripples that others can't help but see.

Enjoying my newsletter? Please REPLY and let me know! Also, please forward this newsletter to 5 of your family members and/or friends and share the love!

Here's what just one GON reader had to say...

"Thank you for sharing this great wisdom about patience in your January 2 issue. Patience is part of the fruit of God's Spirit; it benefits us all, and you've presented great examples of that truth."
-- Jean Aragon

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Everyone deals with clutter to some extent. Maybe you have just a little, or maybe you’re drowning in it. Most people fall somewhere in between.

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Physical Clutter – The stuff piling up in your home

Paper Clutter – Bills, mail, and endless paperwork

Digital Clutter – Overloaded inboxes, disorganized files, and too many apps

Emotional Clutter – Stress, overwhelm, and mental fatigue

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As a valued member of my GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter, you get exclusive bonuses, PLUS unlimited access to all of my previous ones.

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Before You Buy Checklist: A fun and practical printable designed to help you make wiser purchasing decisions. This helpful bonus encourages you to pause, ask a few simple questions, and avoid impulse buys that can lead to wasted money and unwanted clutter!

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Monthly Organizing Challenges:
More Experiences, Less Stuff
The happiest memories come from experiences, not possessions. These 20 challenges will help you clear away clutter while rewarding yourself with simple experiences that enrich your life. Access here

Monthly Organizing Checklist

July 2026
Stay organized all month long with my July 2026 Monthly Organizing Checklist. 31 simple daily tasks for decluttering, cleaning, home organization, paper management, productivity, and more! Click here

New Web Poll:
Which organizing tool couldn't you live without?
There are so many organizing tools to help you stay organized and productive. Which is your favorite? Cast your vote This new poll can be found on my home page.

Last Web Poll Results:
Which organizing task do you secretly enjoy the most?
We polled GON readers asking about favorite organizing tasks. The results are in, along with a bunch of fun reader comments. Access here

"For me, becoming the best you can be in something that you love, like rowing, is incredibly challenging, and what you learn about yourself, the sense of satisfaction as you get older and move on, you'll never forget that. It's huge."
-- Tyler Winklevoss

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And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
GetOrganizedNow.com

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In this newsletter, you will find stories, ideas, inspiration, links and more to help you live a less stressful, more organized, more fulfilling life.

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-- Maria

Maria Gracia,

Get Organized Now!

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