Are you often frustrated because you don't accomplish your work and aren't enjoying your life? Notice I included the word "often!" Life is full of obstacles, but overcoming, or at least surviving them, is dependent upon controlling the things you can control so you can cope with the things you can't. Listen as I share 5 organization tips I've learned in the past 30 years about getting things done with enough time to still enjoy your life. Podcast Duration: 05:28 (MM:SS)

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Podcast Transcript

Hello, I'm Barbara Hemphill. My passion is helping you accomplish your work and enjoy your life, and I'm so glad you've joined me again today!

Are you often frustrated because you don't accomplish your work and aren't enjoying your life? Notice I included the word "often!" Life is full of obstacles, but overcoming, or at least surviving them, is dependent upon controlling the things you can control so you can cope with the things you can't. During the past 30+ years I've developed a process to do just that called "The Productive Environment Process." You can apply this process to anything and everything in your personal and professional life -- but the key to your success is dependent upon your applying it to your brain -- or another way to put it -- to your attitude.

My entire business years has been based on four simple words: Clutter is Postponed Decisions®. The key decision in accomplishing your work and enjoying your life is deciding that you can and you will!

So let's take a look at the five steps in the Productive Environment Process and how they can be applied to the thought process that controls your ability to accomplish your work and enjoy your life.

1. State your vision. What do you really want to accomplish in life? What is really important to you? Do you dislike your work, or did you just lose your job? What work would you really like to do? When my first marriage of 14 years ended, I remember being asked by my counsellor, "What do you want in life?" I told her I really had no clue, so she suggested we start with what I didn't want. That was a big help, and my ability to see what I really want has improved significantly through the years. Like anything in life, being able to state your vision takes practice -- whether it's a vision for your life or your e-mail In Box. So every time you feel frustrated with a situation, start practicing your ability to identify what you really want.
2. Identify your obstacles. So what are all the things preventing you from accomplishing that vision you identified in the first step? Undoubtedly, some of the roadblocks are situations over which you have NO control, but I bet there are some that you can, but we'll get to that later. Right now I just want you to focus on what the obstacles are.
3. Commit your resources. What skills do you already have or who do you know or where could you go to get the support you need to reach the vision in step one. I've never met anyone who couldn't identify resources they had, but just weren't using to their advantage. If you don't think you have any, it's time to talk to someone who knows you better than you know yourself!
4. Design your plan. In order to accomplish your vision, overcoming the obstacles you've identified, utilizing your existing resources, what do you need to do next? List all the things you know you can do. If you're not sure, or if you need accountability (and who doesn't?), this is where you need help -- whether it's the help of a trusted friend, a colleague, or a professional coach, counsellor, or consultant. Asking is a sign of wisdom, so don't be afraid to ask -- the sooner you ask for help, the sooner you'll be on the road to your vision. If you wait, you're likely to spend precious time, energy, or resources doing things you really didn't need to. (Ask me how I know that!)
5. Maintain your success. We're talking about lifetime changes here. They don't happen overnight, and all plans need to be adjusted as we learn, and situations change, so when things aren't going the way you had in mind, don't get discouraged, just identify what changes you need to make, and move forward. The irony is that the more mistakes we make and overcome, the more value we can add to the world.

In case you didn't notice, the common word in each of these five steps is "your." God created each of us with a unique DNA, and therefore a unique vision.

So here's my challenge for you this week! What stumbling blocks are you facing to identifying or reaching your vision -- or what success have you had? Post your comments or questions in the comments area of this episode at barbarahemphill.com.

If you like this podcast and think a friend or colleague can benefit from it please share it with them using the Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn buttons on the podcast page on my website."  Until next week, I'm Barbara Hemphill. Thanks for listening!