“Is mine the worst you’ve ever seen?”

This is a common question when I first enter an office.  For anyone with pockets of disorganization in their lives, they feel both embarrassed and anxious.  One of the most rewarding parts of my work as a time management trainer and organizational consultant is the resultant exhilaration people experience when recognize that there is hope and they can be in control.

As we work, my individual clients and the people I train have plenty to tell me about their daily lives and frustrations, about the long hours they’ve spent trying to organize their documents, only to lose one important file. Sometimes it’s about how they feel going through a pile of papers they’ve already been through twice, and still not finding the key document their boss is waiting to see.

Luckily, I also get to both see and hear my favorite kind of story–the one where a motivated man or woman has created order out of chaos and continues to maintain their systems. Their files and business materials have turned into a support group, rather than the time-wasting distractions that once cluttered up their work area.

It’s very rewarding to have people follow up to share their stories with me and to see the difference in their outlooks. It is no surprise that these people are more productive, focused, efficient and on their way to greater success.

Like it or not, your surroundings and the way you work every day tell a very clear story about how much you’re accomplishing.  If it is not the professional picture you want to present, you hold the power to change your story from a tale of woe to one of triumph and satisfaction.  You can read some of the comments that tell a story about the difference in productivity you gain when you employ simple processes to manage stress and keep you in control of your days. 

If you have a story of your own to share, I’d like to hear it.