One of the guiding principles of Productive Environment Institute is "Together We Are Better." Indeed, in today's quarantine environment, that statement has new meaning. While we cannot be together physically, technology enables us to share in new ways, and lifting each other up is essential.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV) says, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

When it comes to surviving -- and even thriving (Yes, that is possible even in this environment!), three components are essential:

1) Vision

2) Structure

3) Accountability

Vision

As it says in Proverbs 29:18, "Without a vision, the people perish." And so it is with organization! Organizing in and of itself has no value, and you may well know someone who spends all their time organizing but has little to show for their efforts. Organizing is a skill designed to accomplish a vision. We often tell our clients, "You paint a picture of the life you want to live, and we'll help you design a plan." It may be a vision of something small like "Keep the kitchen counter clear of clutter so I can keep it germ-free and cook meals!" or something big like "What do I want to leave as my legacy?"

While some people are very clear about their vision, many others are not. Ironically, the first step in getting clear about your vision is clearing the clutter!

Structure

One of the comments we hear often is, "I don't even know where to start!" That's when it's time to reach out! Productive Environment Institute offers free 30-minute Discovery Sessions to anyone who asks. I've done hundreds, probably thousands, of them in the 40 years I've been in business. It's one of our favorite things to do, and frankly, most of them don't end up in a contract, but they do bring us great joy because it offers us the opportunity to provide hope and direction.

Accountability

Research shows you are 76.6% more likely to accomplish a goal with an accountability partner. It's the main reason that the coaching industry continues to grow, and in today's quarantine environment, this is more important than ever before. Whether you find a friend or colleague or hire a professional, don't miss this opportunity to not only survive but thrive when this pandemic is over. As the saying goes, "This too shall pass!" (Note: Many people believe this comes from the Bible, which is not accurate, but it was made famous by Abraham Lincoln who used it in many of his speeches.) And it is the truth!

Our goal is to help you create a Productive Environment, an intentional setting where you can accomplish your work and enjoy your life. How does your workspace rate? Find out what areas you can improve using our Productive Environment Scorecard™.

Take the quiz!

Get your Productive Environment Score at http://productiveenvironmentscore.com/

Maybe you have mad organizing skills already. Turn your passion for organizing into a career. Become a Productivity Expert! http://becomeaspecialist.com/

Author's Bio: 

In 1978, Barbara took out a $7 ad in a New York City newspaper to advertise her professional organizer business. For 20 years, she focused her business on organizing paper and physical clutter for home offices and organizations. Then the Internet Age came about, and she utilized her principles and expertise to help clients with digital clutter.

Over the past 40+ years Barbara has helped 1000's of companies, and became an icon and top expert in the industry. She has been featured on national media platforms such as Good Morning America, The Today Show and CNN Nightly News. She has also been showcased in publications including USA Today, New York Times, Fast Company, Reader’s Digest, Real Simple and Guideposts.

Barbara and her team teach business owners a 9-step system to go from overwhelmed to optimized. Step 1 is a free Assessment that can be found at https://scorecard.productiveenvironment.com/