My Way or the Highway

As I said in a previous tip, I’ve been working like a madwoman on our book — genius title forthcoming once I have a brainstorming session with my awesome non-fiction book proposal classmates next week. Last night, Katie and I had a mini brainstorming session and realized that we have six steps we give clients to help them get organized. I didn’t realize this at first because we so often only discuss one or two steps when explaining to people what we do. But, really we use six steps to help clients get organized. The titles below will admittedly change as I further edit our book but you’ll get the general gist. Guess which one is the hardest for people to implement?

1. Admit you have a personality type.
2. Recognize that some things in life are hard for you and others come easily.
3. Formalize your existing semi-functioning organizational systems.
4. Create extra room and acceptance for what’s hard for you.
5. Try to reduce tasks down to 1 step whenever possible.
6. Accept the fact that your way isn’t the only way.

If you guessed, #6 then you are brilliant. Many of us have absolutely no problem with internalizing this step. Those who find this step easy are usually not the majority of the population (Classics – SJ) and therefore know that their way, their organizational habits, are not the only way because Classics have told them they’re wrong throughout their lives. Even still, these folks can get defensive over a lifetime and try to tell other people (again often Classics) that their different way is actually better, “You should relax more. You shouldn’t plan out every minute of your day.” or “Filing away papers is a waste of time.” Here’s the thing. Some people shouldn’t plan out every minute of everyday because their brain might atrophy and rebel against them — Organic Freedoms (NFP), Smart Freedoms (NTP) and Funs (SP). However, some people crave structure — Classics , Organic Structures (NFJ) and Smart Structures (NTJ) — and without it feel un-tethered and lost. They love to plan out every minute of their day including planning when they’re going to goof off. Without planning, they’re less productive and vice versa. Go back and work on Step 1, Step 2, and Step 4 if this concept is too hard for you.

Your way is right for you but not necessarily others. Defend your way if it works for you, maybe formalize it if it isn’t perfected but don’t impose your way on others. And if you’re wondering how this works when two polar opposites live and/or work together, don’t fret. This is why we exist. There are almost always compromises to be had. Even planners can spontaneously play hookie in their lifetimes and have a good time.