The Power of a Clear List to Create Miraculous Change

Feeling stuck, confused, or disempowered in a professional situation? Want to create meaningful change but don’t yet know if what you want is possible? The first step to getting unstuck is simple: write a clear list of what you truly want.

My Office Space Dilemma

Several years ago, I faced a significant decision about my office space. My lease was ready to expire and I deeply wanted to renew. But, I was also feeling a disconnect: my plan to bring in a third partner to share the space wasn’t working out, despite efforts to connect with potential collaborators. Our arrangement was a co-op setup with two of us renting, and we needed a third person to keep the rent affordable. I tried reaching out to friends and network contacts, did some trial collaborations, but nothing stuck. The process felt frustrating and unfulfilling.

Aha Moment: Writing a List

I realized I needed clarity and a willingness to let go of what wasn’t working. I decided to sit and write down what I really wanted for my office.

Here's the list that came through:

• A space for both working independently and seeing clients

• Privacy in the space for client comfort

• Good vibes and a creative, welcoming atmosphere

• A sense of community and connection with other tenants

• Affordable rent within my means (at the time my budget was $300)

• In a location with easy access to transportation

The list was honest yet I had doubts. I felt that the ideal price I wanted to pay was completely unreasonable as it was well below market value. I had no idea how I’d make it happen, and it sounded almost impossible. Still, I trusted my inner desires to guide me and decided to stay open to possibilities.

The List Plus Inspired Action Sparking a Miraculous Outcome

In considering my options, I had an inspired insight. I remembered a friend had rented a private office in the building next door which was a co-working space. I had always liked the space and it felt like a true community, but I hadn’t pursued it seriously. I received what felt like a sign to check it out, and so I did.

On the tour at Expansive Workspaces, I found the perfect office! It met everything on my list ... except the price was double what I wanted to spend. I had another inspired insight: I asked the leasing agent: "Are you talking to any other prospective tenants who might be interested in splitting this office with me?" She offered, “Let me check into that.”

Coincidentally, the leasing agent was talking to another career coach named Sara who was also considering a private office but like me didn’t need it full-time. Sara and I met in person, sat together in an office we both loved and talked it out. We came up with a plan to split the office: she would use it two days a week, I would use it two days a week, and we could split the rent accordingly.

Writing the list and then taking inspired action brought a perfect solution and even more than I had hoped for. I ended up with a fantastic office that checked all my desired outcomes, the rent was just right, and I gained a supportive colleague and new friend, making the entire experience even more fulfilling!

The Change Formula to Take Away

This story highlights an important formula when faced with a decision and movement toward change:

1. Be willing to let go of what isn’t working.

2. Write your list of what you want (trusting your inner desires even if they seem unreasonable at first).

3. Listen for and take inspired action from your intuition.

When you do this, the universe responds with creative opportunities that align with your true needs. This is a proven strategy I've used time and time again when I find myself in a professional dilemma that feels hard. It helps cut through stuckness and confusion every time!

Final Words: Make Clear Your Intentions + Trust Your Desires

Remember, your power lies in clear intentions, trusting your desires, and acting with inspired confidence. When you get honest about what you want and are willing to let go of any limiting beliefs, you open the door to inspired solutions that can turn out EVEN BETTER than you imagined!

About the Author

Gina Marotta is a career coach, group facilitator, and changemaker dedicated to helping individuals and teams discover and live their “genius”— their unique talents and strengths. With a background as a criminal defense lawyer and nonprofit executive, she offers deep insight and practical guidance for navigating careers, transitions, and workplace challenges. Gina empowers her clients to transform obstacles into opportunities, fostering authentic growth, confidence, and fulfillment. Learn more at ginamarotta.com and start creating a career and life that truly reflect the best of who you are.