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A Note From Julie...

"Aloha & Happy Spring to one & all !"

Leap, grow, develop, resilience. These are words that all describe Spring -- an action word.

It's no wonder we have designated the time after winter with this beautiful word denoting expansive growth, movement & motion.

Around the globe there is crisp freshness flourishing and Nature's magic can be viewed in countless ways. A welcomed sighting is the seemingly spontaneous eruption of pristine plant life detected in parts of the earth previously frozen from the chill of winter. There is a tantalizing aroma of fresh aire beckoning playful days out-of-doors. The debut of avid gardeners armed with nurtured seedlings, renders a vision of plentiful vegetables & flowers in the upcoming months. The birth of abounding wildlife enhances our visual perceptions of what seemingly was a desertion of all life forms only months prior. And a myriad of rhapsodies from our feathered friends gently awakens us at dawns early light with the new days' greeting.

My personal absolute-all-time-favorite is the jacaranda tree found on our lovely island! This magnificent tree bestows us with a virtuoso of passionate purple discriminantly bursting through treetops on upcountry roads. It constantly reminds me of the blooming passion that is the driving force within each of us for our chosen professions.

To many visitors of our beautiful island the wondrous seasonal changes seem hidden within the beautiful gift of our apparent "everyday" climate. Yet, "locals" are more in tune with the distinct wealth of beauty that each season provides. Living in Paradise could easily be taken for granted to the naked eye, yet we know there are many internal & external changes taking place.

Spring is a season that beckons us all to leap & grow. It enhances within us, an internal exchange of energy, providing us with a subtle recharging to tackle our next set of endeavors, whether they be personal or professional. It provides a supreme example of resiliency for us to continue reaching for & striving in, many of our dreams & goals for the year.

Spring provides the nurturing example of how tasks set in motion now ...can be cultivated towards the realization of profound & sometimes hidden dreams & fulfillments.

It all starts with a single seed. A single dream. A single goal. A single step. What are you planting now to reap in the months to come?

Much Aloha,

Julie

A Note From Alan...

Its Springtime!

I just returned from Washington DC, where Spring is emerging. I was attending the national convention for my industry. After being inside a hotel for 5 straight days, it was a joy to be outside, touch the moist, soft leaf of a tree and witness the bountiful flower beds. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, adding a vibrant display in between the lush foliage of surrounding trees. Each flower bed is full of bright, colorful pansies, tulips, irises and other varieties.

Living on the West coast as I do, I am often blessed with mild-temperature days where a walk outside is inviting and refreshing. Springtime is especially welcoming as the colorful bursts of flowers invoke one to slow down and revel in the wonder of their beauty. Regular walks become necessary as you just cant help but explore the neighborhood for the beauty that surrounds you.

They say beauty comes from within. And if you notice the barren branches of a tree just at the end of winter, it is an awesome sight to see those branches give way to colorful blossoms and subsequent, full-bodied leaves that complete the tree: they come from within.

We are part of nature too. Take a walk outside and join with the natural wonders of the world. Walk lightly among the beauty that surrounds you, let yourself blossom and reveal your beauty that is within.

Until next time,

Alan

Ongoing Challenges of Personal Time ...

WOW! Talk about response! Last quarter I wrote an article regarding the creation of your personal time. Due to the overwhelming number of voice mails, e-mails, personal phone calls & notes received, one could say I "hit a HOT button." Because of your honest responses and questions I decided I would share my own "challenges" in this realm.

As a Professional Organizer & Personal Business Coach I am a strong advocate of "taking time for Self," as many of you are aware. I need to stress the significance of this one important factor and its direct correlation to continued success in your personal, professional & family life.

Do I practice the art of "taking time for Self?" Yes, to the best of my ability. Do I falter at times? You bet I do!! I inevitably stumble from this goal when I fail to "schedule me" or "bump me" from a busy schedule !!!

I inherently know that if "taking time for Self" is initially omitted from my daily agenda -- it will never happen! To the best of my ability I take the time daily to express my spiritual gratitude & practice daily journaling. I also practice some form of physical exercise on a regular basis --either swimming or walking (& now I even repaired my bike!)

There is a saying: "You teach most what you need to learn." "Taking time for Self" can be a hefty challenge for me. It can be more difficult than completing a proposal, contract bid or organizing an entire office or department! I have learned over time, that I can sabotage my best intentions by entering my office prior to "taking time for Self." My computer is an "exit" for me. It doesn't take long to get wrapped up in e-mails from my professional peers on CompuServe or the requests for service, evaluations & contest entries generated from the website. One thing leads to another ...and NONE of them lead me to "taking time for Self." My office is kapu (taboo) first thing in the morning! A black hole that will suck me in -- in seconds flat!

"Taking time for Self" can be a struggle because it defies all logic with the high demands of the schedules you or I have created. There will always be someone or something in need of my attention: 1-1 clients, speaking engagements, workshops, seminars, 1,2,3, SORT IT website project, training new Professional Organizers, fulfillments with my partnership firm, professional conference & association involvement, writing my book, creating additional tips books or community involvement. If I let it, demanding schedules can also conflict with the time I want to spend with my hubby Paul, new friends, old friends, family, pets and of course ...well deserved vacations.

It's so easy to look at the schedules we create and say: "I don't have time." Yet, you really need to trust me on this one -- by "taking time for Self" in whatever regard, you will increase your energy, stamina, clarity & creativity to complete the tasks you are demanding of yourself. You will work more efficiently & effectively. Complete tasks in far less time. And as a bonus ...you will have created the time & vitality that your family rightfully deserves from you at the end of each day.

Nine months ago I committed myself to working the "Artist Way." One of my first tasks was to take myself out (solo) on a weekly basis for an "artist date." Yeah, right! Like I had 2-3 hours to spare to take off in the morning & treat myself to exploring life in a totally playful realm? How could I ? What would happen to all my clients & upcoming projects? How would taking such a large clump of time off on a weekly basis enable me to realize all these commitments? Did someone add on a few magical hours to each day & forget to tell me?

Initially, during some weeks I actually had ongoing debates with myself!! I struggled to keep my "artist date." I had to literally push myself out the door. That first step was always the hardest. (See -- & you thought this principle was only applicable to getting organized!)

I haven't a clue as to the "exact" physiological & psychological attributes that reign in applying this principle. To tell you the truth -- I doubt the "how or why" really matters for once in my life! Just trust me when I tell you it absolutely, positively, without a doubt - WORKS!!

I found myself returning to the office & pursuing challenging feats in record time. I found a higher rate of clarity, increased energy, focus, determination & creativity oozing within me. And guess what? There were no earth shattering episodes crashing down in my absence!! One of the best parts is that when I take my artist date on a regular basis, you, my clients, receive a higher more creative energy from me in assisting you with your organizational dilemmas & challenges! When I play & "take time for Self" - you ultimately win too!

Where in your life have you been depriving yourself of time, space & fun? Who is being cheated when you fail to honor "taking time for Self?" What tasks are you struggling with that may need a fresh perspective? When was the last time you allowed yourself time to be magically recharged by "taking time for Self?"

So when I suggest that you "take time for Self" ...know that I am in the same boat with you!

If you see me walking on a beach in Kihei, cruising towards Keokea on my bike or walking an Upcountry back road ...it's not because I have an empty schedule for the day. It probably indicates a high impact schedule in motion & on the horizon.

This works 2-ways too. If we meet by chance in one of these arenas, you need to refrain from being embarrassed about the piles that we both know await you in the home office or at work. I will only applaud your spirit & honor your diligence in rising to meet the challenge of "taking time for Self."

R&D Alan Style...

Often, clients ask me what my office looks like. My standard reply is that it is the Research and Development division of the company! <smile>

Its partly true. This past quarter has been devoted to three months of assessment, design, implementation and review within my own company. I knew I was due for an overhaul. If anyone had taken pictures of my office, they could have had a field day with me!

My private practice doubled in growth last year and I formalized my partnership with Julie Signore in our joint company, EDUCO, in late 1996. The existing systems and processes needed to operate both companies no longer served as they did when I/we opened the respective companies.

At the height of my chaos it was so debilitating! Yet, the flip side revealed a wonderful opportunity for me to feel first-hand what my clients live through before they retain my services. I stayed open to this process.

The time one spends in total chaos is extremely stressful. It drains your energy both from a standpoint of productivity and inspiration. The actual disorganization, coupled with the visual disorganization is enough to depress one for days on end. And soon one feels overwhelmed and at a loss for where to begin. You don't even want to enter your office.

And for myself in particular, there is the added element of embarrassment. I love my industry and believe whole-heartily in the principles of organization. Yet, for a brief moment, it seemed as if I was a fraud.

Staying open to the process, acknowledging the conditions and removing the judgment helped me to put one foot in front of the other. Ironic as it is, its the same conditions I apply to each and every client I work with. I never questioned whether or not I had the skills and talent to address this. I know I do. Yet, this experience was an opportunity for a reflection on a deeper level, one of stepping into the shoes of my clients.

More often than not, I will arrive at a clients place of business, only to discover a range of 3 - 5 books on the subject of organizing. It isn't that they haven't tried to address the situation on their own. In most cases they have. My clients are bright and intelligent individuals. Fifty percent of any project (and I am being conservative here) is about holding the hand of another, through the process, as well as providing the expertise.

May I never forget this. And may all of you reading this find the receptive support you need if you ever consider retaining organizing services. I am humbled at my recent experience and grateful too. It offered a steep learning curve and I succeeded! My office is re-located, redesigned and refurbished: from color-coded file systems to an upgraded, ergonomically correct chair (my command post!)

Stop by and surprise me sometime!

Savvy Survival Strategies For Procrastinators ...

Have you ever seen one of those round circular pins that flooded the market several years ago with the inscription: "A - round - tuit?" It was a personalized button created for procrastinators ...so I guess that meant anyone & everyone could wear it!

"I'll get around to it." We have all said it & done it at some point in our lives.

Yet, why do we procrastinate? What encourages us to keep procrastinating? How do we reduce procrastination? When & how will we get motivated to address areas in which we procrastinate?

Well I have some very exciting news! After a year of deliberating, collecting & analyzing data, plus hours on end listening to organizing clients, coaching clients & seminar/workshop attendees we did it!! I am proud to announce the creation of a long awaited hands-on workshop designed specifically to reduce procrastination to a significant degree in your life! There is a missing link & I have stumbled into it -- or I could say, I opened my eyes & saw it all differently.

Through the years I have developed practical, proven techniques in assisting clients which awards them a higher success rate in meeting and creating their personal and professional desires, dreams and goals. As a professional organizer I provide clients with ideas, information, solutions and systems which increase productivity, reduce stress & generate more free time. As a personal business coach I challenge clients with essential and pertinent questions inspiring them to take actions that generate results in their personal and professional lives.

OK. Now mix the two together. Personal Business Coaching meets Professional Organizing. Blend in the missing link & you get experience and results that really work!

Procrastination: we all do it in one area or another in our lives! It eats away at our energy, self-esteem, time and potential success. It creates a backlog of work that hinders us from operating at our peak creativity levels and highest efficiency. This new workshop guarantees to address your procrastination habits of choice and much more !

The workshop has been designed in a very friendly, sharing, challenging & informative fashion. Motivation & "being open" are key factors rendering to the success of this class. Not to worry, there is no brow beating to insure you tackle your procrastinating issues. Moving beyond procrastination will be a subtle process in this workshop.

Due to the unique format of this workshop it must be limited to 15 people. Ongoing classes start Monday, May 12, in Kula. and Thursday May 15 in Kihei. Both classes will run from 6:30-8p.m. Admission is $25 per session or $85 per month (4 week intervals) Ooops! Almost forgot to tell you, admission to each class also requires 1 roll of pennies! (You'll understand, once you arrive <smile>).

It is my intention to eventually start this workshop in the Lahaina & Wailuku areas by the end of the year. Uh-oh, maybe I needed to keep that quiet -- I wouldn't want you to procrastinate on attending the ones starting now <smile>.

To help you deal with procrastination, the first 5 people registering for this workshop, will receive an incentive. Their workshop rate for the first month will be $75 for 4 sessions!

Avoid the last minute rush -- call today! For more information contact Julie at 878-2617.

Julie's Gems...

"Demand perfection of yourself and you'll seldom attain it. Fear of making a mistake is the single biggest cause of making one. Relax - pursue excellence, not perfection." --Bud Winter

A Life Changing Contest ...

The winner of the 4th Annual "In Search Of The Most Dis-Organized Office On Maui" contest, has been located!

Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to extend a warm Mahalo Nui Loa (deep gratitude) to our co-sponsors in the "1997 In Search Of The Most Dis-Organized Office On Maui" DEK; Lillian Vernon; Neatnix Organizers; Office Mart & the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of NAPO. Thank you for your support in this life changing contest!

OK. In light of all that has transpired once again in the recreation, reinvention of The PHOENIX Organizational Consulting Service, this years contest winner made a request of me that I normally had never figured on.

You see, all the clients I have ever had, know I operate on an agreement of confidentiality. Not only do I refrain from disclosing what I see or am exposed too...I have taken it a step further & decided from the onset of the creation of my firm, that I would also keep confidential the names of my clients. Hmmmm, let me tell you, this can be preeeettty tricky when one needs to use referrals with some businesses or offices!

My contest is the "one" time that the clients name becomes public knowledge for future marketing promotions. So this year when asked to withhold my contest winners name for personal reasons -- I agreed. After giving it some thought I pondered: "Somehow, THIS is valuable information for everyone struggling to be organized."

So here is my message...

I feel totally blessed working with this client. They are truly an inspiration to me as so many of you are! Since opening my firm on Maui, I have constantly been blessed with your assistance in ways that you may have never realized. It is because of each of you, I became more attuned to my creative side. It is because of you, I gave myself permission to start a "Glory File" --which is absolutely huge now because of all your kind messages. It is because of you, that I am challenged to constantly seek new organizing tools that appeal to your creative sides, which also keeps me on my toes within the industry.

My contest winner is extremely successful, brilliant, innovative, highly creative, involved in multiple activities, caring, loving, sensitive, empathetic, nurturing, giving & an over extended volunteer in the community. They are making a difference by utilizing a multitude of avenues that affect the quality of life for each of us -- directly & indirectly. In a nutshell I am working with true angels walking this island in the guise of human form!

This years winner has been challenged personally & professionally because of past organizational habits ... just like everyone else in similar situations. In this respect there is nothing uniquely different about them. They too went through the pros & cons of embarrassment in entering the contest. The same issues that withhold so many thousands of people from entering each year.

In this case, they were fortunate to have a co-worker take the initiative to write an essay, take the pictures & submit the entry on their behalf, while they knew full well, exactly what was transpiring. I acknowledge this "helper" for acting out of love & belief in these people. The "helper" knew there was much hidden personal & professional potential with these people -- if only they got more organized. This "helper" was astute to the correlation of increased organization & augmented success. They were keenly aware that although the entrant was successful, dis-organization was stifling so much more creative potential, time & energy. The "helper" knew these people were blessed with even more power to make a difference on the quality of life. Yet, due to being "organizationally challenged" this was severely curtailed.

Do you deserve the peace of mind that being more organized renders? If you are successful in spite of your environment now -- would you be even more successful if chaos & clutter was diminished? Do you deserve to live in Paradise in a less stressful manner? Yes, yes & yes!!

The name of this years winner is truly not important. The truth of the matter is -- they could be anyone on this island struggling with dis-organization, feeling embarrassment or hesitating to ask for assistance.

My services are anything & everything except judgmental. I feel honored to work with each & every one of you. You all have so much to offer our community, island & world! If I can play a small role in assisting you to reclaim your time & space, so that you can be all you were destined for -- THAT is the greatest gift!

The Moral Of The Story is...

Ohmygosh!! CLANG-CLANG-CLANG! The sirens really went off last quarter with so many people contacting me via any & all forms of communication after I disclosed the infamous Mac failure I experienced last quarter in the article titled "Feeling Overwhelmed."

Many people were justifiably concerned because they too owned Mac's! So I decided: "Yup! I need to provide clarity & share a valuable "how to" with each of you!"

I have fondly coined November 1st as the "Mac attack." Yet, I want to be real clear here -- it all boiled down to a "user problem." Me! Extensive MIS background or not -- I knew better & failed to use my own common sense.

You see, I have a PowerMac. It comes with a built in "interrupt" switch. Oddly enough they have this switch strategically placed in the front of the CPU, yet the manual cautions "avoid using the interrupt switch - due to unpredictable outcomes." Huh? That's like placing a bone in front of a dog & saying: "don't drool" or a warm blanket next to a cat & say: "don't purr!"

Anyway I have had my trusty ol' Mac for 4+ years. During that time I never upgraded my RAM from the original 8 megs. In the interim I was upgrading all my software to "native language." I also started utilizing numerous software products for web navigation etc... About a year ago I started to get "locked up" on a fairly regular basis. Unfortunately I also learned that when other options failed the "interrupt switch" was at my immediate disposal. I never experienced any "unpredictable outcomes" --or so I thought. Yet, I was creating a compilation of hidden effects unbeknownst to me.

Now, the "Finder" is the work horse in any Mac -- it locates what you want -- when you want it. Kind of like having a Professional Organizer on call 24 hours a day. With me utilizing the interrupt switch more frequently, it was like playing hangman in reverse. Instead of adding on body parts...it's like removing them violently byte by byte (pun intended!)

How could I have avoided the entire scenario? There are a few resolutions I have implemented as a direct result of this incredible experience.

First off I invested in more "food" for my Mac. In this case -- more RAM for starters. RAM is so inexpensive these days it's almost foolish to limp through each day on your computer whether you have a Mac or a PC. I have since increased my RAM from a mere 8 megs to 80 megs! I also invested in a 1 meg cache card.

Both of these items were about $500 -- a drop in the bucket for people totally dependent on utilizing their computer for their livelihood.

The next thing I did was structure a brilliant backup scenario. Mind you, I learned this procedure 17 years ago in my MIS days. My common sense & years of experience knew better. Yet, I like you, can rationalize a reduction of business expenses in the silliest ways sometimes! Hello? The excuse of "saving money" by avoiding this investment is not good enough. I have now invested in a Zip drive & 12 - 100 meg Zip disks.

At the time of the "Mac attack" I was operating on a double backup scenario. The following is what I have implemented today:

• Daily backups to my external drive (same as before = 1 day prior, always on hand)

• Weekly backup to a Zip Disk (1x per week for 1 month = 5 weeks prior, always on hand)

• Monthly backup to a Zip Disk (1x per month for 6 months = 6 months prior, always on hand)

In total I have 11 Zip disks on hand at "any" given time. Utilizing this procedure I am now able to go back daily, weekly or monthly anywhere in time during the last 6 months. The backup process was an investment of about $600.

What am I doing differently on a software level? Hear these words well -- they are your best computer friends: "N-o-r-t-o-n U-t-i-l-i-t-i-e-s"

Experience & statistics reveals that if you do not own Norton Utilities now -- you will one day! Norton has been a buddy of mine for eons. Yet, in the past I only utilized Norton whenever I had a "problem." You see Norton can repair all sorts of problems on your hard drive. When utilized properly Norton is a true guardian angel to the n'th degree. Yet, you need to use it regularly. A novel approach! I now run Norton on a monthly basis "before" I have a problem!

One last thing. If you experience a hard drive failure do not turn off the computer if you don't own Norton! Run out to the nearest computer store & make this investment pronto! Norton may not be able to recover every item in every scenario -- yet he will do his darndest to get you up & running in no time flat!

A final "techie-trick": Save all old releases of Norton whenever you upgrade. (Yes, professional organizers do save things too). In cases of extreme recovery measures, run prior releases of Norton repeatedly -- even up to 12 times! Each time you run Norton the possibilities increase that more & more files will be recovered. Once you have completed running the older releases, move into the newer versions & repeat the same steps. And "no" the books won't tell you this -- the techno wizards will though!

Well, I hope this clarifies the infamous Mac attack & sets your mind at ease. Just remember, to sleep better & attain more peace of mind:

1) Backup, backup, backup!

2) Run Norton utilities on a regular basis

3) Optimize your drive monthly

4) Avoid powering down in ways that are a shock to the system ie: an interrupt switch vs a normal shutdown mode

5) Invest in more RAM a.s.a.p. if you are continuously getting memory messages or being "locked up"

The cost for the above scenario is about $1100 -- a drop in the bucket when we are talking the value of one's time, business & creative juices.

What's New In Organizing Tools...

'Pet Pockets' Organizer

OK. So we've even found unique & innovative organizing tools for the pet in your life. Let's face it -- even our four legged friends have "stuff." No one is immune from creating clutter.

So, how do you handle storing leashes, collars, nail clippers, combs, brushes, flea & tick products, shampoos, vitamins, medications, training aids, pet books, & toys? How long does it take you to pack up these items when you take the family on vacation -- "Petey the wonder dog" included?

The 'Pet Pockets' is truly a work of creative genius! Made of durable nylon construction this pet organizer is gifted with plenty of mesh pockets for easy viewing & velcro style closures. The innovative design is exactly what you need when traveling, because 'Pet Pockets' doubles as a traveling tote for your pet! 'Pet Pockets' comes with a hanger & the strap at the base easily loops over the hanger in a flash --converting it to a tote. Viola! "Petey the wonder dog" is off & ready for another road trip!

'Pet Pockets' is very well made & incredibly priced at $9.00. Product dimensions are:

35"(L) x 18"(W) x 3"(D)

For more information & product ordering contact: Together Enterprises International, Inc. (800) 746-9604 ... & please let them know "the professional organizers with the website" sent you there!