What’s your “Why”?

September 21, 2016December 9, 2019 organizationalhabits Big project ideas, Changing habits, Organizational Exercises, Setting organizational priorities, Working with your guides Big project ideas, Changing habits, figuring out my life work, getting things done, how to get organized, How to stay focused, Organizational Exercises, organizational tips, Prioritizing tasks, working on big projects, Working with your guides

At the end of one of the first talks I gave on Organizational Zen, a participant said he understood that if he wanted to stop wasting time it would be great to have a larger goal in mind.

It’s just that he didn’t have any bigger work to do. He had raised his children and run a successful business, and as a retiree, felt like no one needed him anymore. He asked how he should spend the last years of his life.

Oh, my. No one can answer that question for you; it’s something that comes from inside and only you can bring it to life. Continue reading →

Why did you waste so much time?

September 16, 2016December 9, 2019 organizationalhabits Baby steps to start getting organized, Big project ideas, Getting started, Setting organizational priorities, Working with your guides Big project ideas, figuring out my life work, getting organized, getting things done, Getting work done, How to stay focused, organizational tips, working on big projects, Working with your guides

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been organizing people – neighborhood kids, playground antics, school functions, friends, and businesses. I like getting things going. I like getting everyone involved. I like big conversations. I like to make things happen.

So it’s no surprise that I ended up working as an account executive for an advertising agency. I thrive on being the organized one amidst chaos. And ad agencies are the epitome of business chaos. Get a room full of Art Directors and Copywriters. Add in Presidents and CFOs who are former Art Directors and Copywriters. And try being the only one who has a deadline to meet. Yeah. I can do that. I can make that happen.

Then how about a bigger challenge? How about keeping an entire direct marketing company organized? Boston. Appleseed’s. I thrived.

Continue reading →

Ask your guides for help – and listen for the answers

September 14, 2016December 9, 2019 organizationalhabits Getting started, Organizational Exercises, Working with your guides getting things done, Getting work done, Organizational Exercises, organizational tips, Working with your guides

Organizational Zen comes from spending time on your best work. It’s that “ah” feeling of knowing you’re using your time wisely, of being in the zone, of being on top of your game.

If you’re not feeling the Zen, ask your guides for help. We have all sorts of guides who help us through life. We have the ones you expect – teachers, parents, bosses. And we have surprise guides – authors, song lyrics, a perfect stranger who sits next to on a plane, even the voices in your head.

The trick to working with guides is to recognize that they are everywhere – both visible and invisible. My most reliable guides include my husband, my mom – and writers like Seth Godin, Leo Baubata, David Allen, Pema Chodron, and Elizabeth Gilbert. I also think there are mystical guides who help us through the day. Elizabeth Gilbert calls this magic and I think she is right. You would not believe how much my travel guides help me – especially when I am looking for a parking space downtown! If that isn’t magic, I don’t know what is. Continue reading →