How did things get so out of control?!?!?
It’s no surprise to anyone that life has become increasingly hectic and more complicated.  People are overwhelmed at work and at home and all the resulting stress contributes to disorganization and clutter. Clutter is whatever is surrounding you that’s not serving you, fulfilling you, bringing you joy, enhancing your life or helping you to do your job more effectively.
 
The good news -- organizing is a skill that can be learned! 
No matter what type of lifestyle, profession or learning style, there are organizing techniques that can work for you--if you are ready and willing to make a change in your life.  By getting control of the clutter and disorganization in your workspace you will increase your productivity and efficiency.  You will feel happier and more satisfied.  And you will create more time and energy for the people and things that matter most to you. My most important role after teaching you new routines and patterns is how to use tools and techniques to maintain the results on your own.

The importance of organizing for small businesses
Small business owners are acutely aware of the need for focus on productivity and efficiency to grow their business and remain successful in these highly competitive economic times. It’s times like these they need to take a siesta.

What?!?!?!?

Siesta is an easy way to remember CSTA:

Clear your Space

Clarify your Thoughts

Take positive Action

Step #1 – Clear your space. Your workspace and surrounding environment reflect what’s going on in your mind. If you mind is in chaos, it’s difficult to think and be creative. So if your desk is piled high with papers—information you intended to take action on but never did because you got distracted or couldn’t decide what to do; folders that didn’t get returned to the files; mail that was never opened—it’s difficult to do more than just put fires out and focus on immediate needs of the business.

Almost immediately Step #2—Clarify your thoughts—is possible. Now you can focus on strategic thinking and spend time in what Stephen Covey calls Quadrant II and what Michael Gerber calls Working On The Business—time to plan and be creative; time to tighten up time management and project management skills so the business can grow.

Step #3—Take positive action—happens when your goals, values and priorities are clear. Being able to implement your ideas; to do the right things, in the right way, to achieve whatever you want.

Organizing can be life changing
One of the most powerful things I’ve experienced while helping people de-clutter, get organized, and get a grip on their paper and “stuff” is watching them uncover new possibilities, identifying what’s really important, and recognizing how the clutter and disorganization is holding them back.  During the initial assessment I always ask the client to express their goals for getting organized.  As we work together they develop clarity and hope for the future.  My job is very rewarding as I help people learn new things, expand their awareness, and make positive improvements in their life.

I had thought that after the initial flurry of training and one on one coaching that things would go back to normal, and I have to say we have neater offices throughout the company and a more productive group as a result.  Amazingly enough, the person you coached has not reverted one iota; she seems like a happier person and she seems more productive.  I can’t believe it!  You did a really nice job.  And the whole group has kept the bar raised.  I don’t know that we quite have a totally clean desk policy, but it’s 99% there.  What you did really worked this time.  I think if people were betting on it, they never would have believed it.

          ~ Mike P., Director, Human Resources, division of a Fortune 500 company