You’re not alone.
Whether it’s an inbox bursting at the seams, a desktop that looks like digital Jenga, or a workflow that’s all “wing it” and no system—it’s easy to feel frozen. And that’s exactly why I use what I call the Ski Slope Method for tackling overwhelm in business.
It’s not just a metaphor. It’s a mindset—and one that’s deeply personal to me.
Why the “Ski Slope” Hits Home
I could ski before I could walk. No joke. I was raised on the slopes, and by 13, I was carving expert lines down double black diamond mogul runs in avalanche territory in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Skiing taught me how to assess a challenge, adjust my rhythm, and keep moving—no matter how steep the slope. So when I came across Better Report’s article introducing the “Ski Slope Method” for overcoming home organizing paralysis, I instantly connected with it. Huge shout-out to the original author—it’s a brilliant way to visualize momentum in the face of mental clutter.
And it applies just as beautifully to business.
️ What Is the Ski Slope Method?
The Ski Slope Method was conceptualized by interior designer Anita Yokota, who originally used the method to teach her interior design clients to create gorgeous, functional home displays.
Holistically, the method transforms overwhelm into glide, and can be applied globally to a plethora of circumstances; Instead of standing at the summit, paralyzed by what needs doing, we map a clear path:
1. Scan the slope – Assess what you’re really dealing with
2. Mark your moguls – Flag your biggest trouble spots
3. Carve a path – Break your mountain into easy-to-glide zones
4. Ride it out – Take small, intentional turns—and celebrate progress as you go
I now apply the principle automatically when tackling large projects, and continue to help my clients learn to keep this handy resource in their toolbox. Just like transforming a chaotic room into a calm, functional space, the same method works wonders in your inbox, your workflows, and your business systems.
The Two Big Moguls: Email Overload + Fear of Letting Go
The two most common of my clients’ obstacles?
1. Inbox Avalanche – Thousands of unread emails, ghosted follow-ups, missed opportunities. Every click feels heavier than the last.
2. The Let-Go Freeze – That panicky pause before delegating. The voice that says, “I’ll just do it myself.” But doing it all yourself is exactly what’s keeping you stuck at the top.
A Real Slope I Had to Ride
24 years ago, I had just purchased my first home, gotten married, and was pregnant with my first child, working full time, running my side business in professional organizing, and trying to put a household together. The spare room was a disaster—piles of papers, bins, old electronics, and the crushing weight of everything I hadn’t dealt with.
And it needed to become my baby’s nursery.
I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and emotionally maxed out. One night, I stood in that mess and had a very real thought: If I don’t start now, this kid’s first crib will be a stack of paper.
That was the turning point. I didn’t know it yet, but I naturally turned to what would later become the Ski Slope Method.
– I scanned the chaos and got honest about what had to go
– I marked the moguls: the paper piles, the desktop files, the storage overflow
– I carved a path: Keep, Toss, Sell
– I filed what mattered, shredded the rest, digitized my records, and bought a filing cabinet
By the end, my son had a calm, beautiful nursery—and I had a clear head, a clutter-free desk in the living room, and a new method I’d use for years to come.
From Nursery to Notion: Applying the Ski Slope to Business
This same method works wonders in today’s digital chaos. When I work with clients, we apply the Ski Slope Method to inboxes, systems, and workflows alike.
• Scan the slope: Take a fearless inventory. Unread emails? Unfinished projects? Ghost folders full of “someday” tasks?
• Mark the moguls: Highlight the friction points—too many folders, missing follow-ups, no automation, or fear of handing things off.
• Carve the path: We sort, simplify, and systemize. Whether that means respond/archive/delegate/unsubscribe or create task timelines.
• Ride it out: You gain glide. I help maintain the flow—through weekly inbox cleanups, dashboards, or sustainable structure.
Ready to Make Your First Turn?
To help you start your descent into clarity, I created a free Inbox Reset Guide—it’s the first slope I help clients conquer.
Download the Guide Here
Or even better—Contact me to book a free consult and let’s ski that slope together.
You don’t have to stay frozen at the summit.
There’s a path forward—and once you take that first turn, the rest flows faster than you think.
Let’s carve your glide path.
