I spoke those words in my 2017 TEDx talk - https://youtu.be/CrsdoIOGCRw encouraging people to make a decision about their clutter, take a small action step, and move forward. I wish I knew where I first heard the quote, but it’s been rattling around in my head for so long that I can’t remember, and an internet search turned up nothing.
Another quote about decisions I can properly credit is, “You always do what you want to do. This is true with every act. You may say that you had to do something, or that you were forced to, but actually, whatever you do, you do by choice. Only you have the power to choose for yourself.” – W. Clement Stone
While Mr. Stone’s espousing of “Positive Mental Attitude (PMA)” is sometimes maligned, he did become a multi-millionaire and live to be 100, so I think he was onto something. Would you agree?
The 5 Step Productive Environment Process™
In my work with clients, we use the 5 Step Productive Environment Process™. This process is instrumental in developing a roadmap for their success. I use it most often for organizing or productivity projects, but it can be used for any goal you’d like to accomplish - big or small.
In fact, with my virtual clients, we’ve used it for everything from starting a side business to weight loss! The next few CTC blogs will focus on each of the five steps, beginning today with step number one: State Your Vision.
State Your Vision: You’ve decided to change a part of your business or life. Now what?
How to Begin
Before you act, you need to flesh out what success in this area will really look and feel like. What will you be able to do that you are not able to do now? What will it feel like to walk into your office knowing exactly what your first action steps are and where to find everything you need? Do you want a fancy “destination closet” with matching bins, hangers, and perhaps a chandelier, or do you simply want to not have a health hazard attached to your bedroom?
Many people hear this step and think “goals,” but this is NOT where we map out specifics, this is just where we set the stage for imagining the outcome and picturing how the results will feel. In this stage, we discuss priorities and make choices about those things the client wants to (and is ready to) change. Brainstorm through the possibilities and write it down, maybe even putting it somewhere you will see it every day.
Remember, in the words of W. C. Stone, whatever you do, you do by choice.
Only you have the power to choose for yourself. The good news? You have that power! One way to harness that power is through the application of the 5 Step Productive Environment Process™.
If you'd like to learn more, here's what you can do next - Schedule a brief call with me at https://calendly.com/kerryctc.
Kerry Thomas attended the University of Florida where she received her Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Special Education. After teaching for eight years, a career change brought her to Professional Organizing, and her business was launched in 2007.
In 2014, she completed a rigorous training program to become a Certified Productive Environment Specialist™. Kerry uses this training to help her clients create and maintain systems that address their individual issues. She specializes in small business owners with ADD, and believes that anyone can have a productive environment, all it takes is the right combination of tools and techniques. She is passionate about helping clients optimize their environments, personal or professional, for productivity, success and inner peace.