Take Back Control!

A couple of weeks ago I received 500 copies of a new book that I co-authored titled, Focus.Organization.Productivity.  Ideas for Improving Success in the Workplace.  What an exhilarating feeling!  I would have never thought it was possible for 21 people to have come up with the idea in October and have it delivered to my doorstep by February.  

Reading the chapters by 21 productivity experts from around the United States, all who own their own businesses or are in corporate management, I found myself inspired to take action!   

One of the reasons that I love my “job” so much (and I cringe even calling it that), is because each day I help people learn about systems and techniques that make their lives easier.  I coach them to find whatever it is within themselves to stay in control of their clutter (paper, e-mails, voice mails, their personal thoughts, etc.) and help them find more time.  Whether that found time is spent growing their businesses, exercising or reading, or with their families or other close relationships, that time is a gift we give to ourselves.

 If we think of organizing in terms of giving ourselves time to do the things we love, it doesn’t seem quite so overwhelming.  It gives us a sense of purpose to setting aside a day or so to set up organizing systems.  We are investing in our future!

I particularly enjoyed a chapter of the book written by a colleague of mine, Phil Mitchell.  Here is a short excerpt of that chapter:

 One year ago today (as I write this), my childhood sweetheart and wife of 34 years was in the final week of her battle with ovarian cancer.  Just a couple of days before her death, she called me to her bedside sobbing violently.  I joined her in tears and asked her to tell me what she was thinking.

 “I’m sorry,” she said.

 “Sorry about what?” I asked.

 “I just always thought there would be more time – time for the things that we wanted to do.”

 When I first heard this story from Phil himself at a training class in Memphis, many things went through my mind.  I thought back to years before – I had always made organization a priority until it was most important – when I had children.  All of the sudden there wasn’t as much time to dedicate to my office and papers anymore, and I became more and more out of control.  

Learning about and setting up systems to get control again changed my life.  Now I have systems that keep my office in control while still being able to do the things that I want to do, such as reading to my kids and helping them with their homework.  What a gift to learn in my 30’s what some don’t learn until much later…if at all.

 What about you?  Do you feel in control of your paper, your bills, your projects, your ideas?  Do you dedicate the amount of time that you would like to your kids, your spouse, yourself?

 If not, what can you do?  How can you take control again? 

Here are some ideas:

1)     Research.  Get on the internet or go to the library and find organizing resources to set up systems in your home or office.  Click here for links to organizing sites.  My favorite book that walks you through the steps for setting up easy-to-follow systems in your office is Getting Organized by Chris Crouch.  

Another system that has allowed me to grow my business and still find anything in my office in 5 seconds or less is a software program called The Paper Tiger.  It is simple and inexpensive and allows you to search for your paper files like you would with Google or Yahoo! for electronic information.  Find more information here: www.thepapertiger.com. 

 2)     Attend a class.  Organizing classes have become more prevalent with exposure to our industry from TV shows and other media.  There are many online classes, teleseminars, and classes in your area where you can learn what you need to get your office or home in order.  Some of the local colleges are even offering classes on organization in their continuing education programs.  Check with your local college or university for more information or click here if you are interested in one in the Indianapolis area.

 3)     Ask for help.  Sometimes it is as simple as inviting a friend, a college student, your assistant, or a professional organizer to your office or home to help you set up the systems.  If you have an appointment with someone else, you will be more likely to ignore your e-mails and phone messages and reserve that time to implement your life changing systems and your gift to yourself.....more time.

 Wishing you all the best this month,

Nicole