Successfully Changing to Become an "Organised" Person?
Discussion
Having always had issues with work/career, I've finally come to the realisation that many of my problems are as a result of a lack of "order" in my life.
From being an inquisitive, reasonably "bright" child who didn't really need to plan anything, through adulthood I've long relied on my initiative, memory and articulacy to get through life (I've generally preferred winging-it/freestyling to meticulous planning...). I have also often really struggled to engage with tasks that I'm not interested in. This can be fine for simple tasks, but my time management is terrible and is not the ideal approach for a job involving any sort of responsibility or management. Consequently, I struggle.
The past 15 years or so have been quite frustrating (at work -and outside of it, to a certain extent), with a strong feeling of a lack of achievement and failure/mediocrity, rather than ambition and success. I don't blame anybody else, but I feel that it shouldn't have turned out like this.
Many of the problems I have tried to ignore, but due to increasing feelings of stress and feeling 'bad' I can no longer do so.
I've read various books and articles (yes, self-help...
) and I have begun to increase the "order" my life generally, but changing my attitude and approach towards work in the face of back-log, time/financial pressures and anxiety/stress is going to be difficult and I'm wondering how much it is possible to change long-term for the better.
Has anybody else had a similar experience?
Has anybody managed to change from a dis-satisfied, disorganised person who is just about hanging-on into a super-effective, high-achiever with a strong sense of purpose?
From being an inquisitive, reasonably "bright" child who didn't really need to plan anything, through adulthood I've long relied on my initiative, memory and articulacy to get through life (I've generally preferred winging-it/freestyling to meticulous planning...). I have also often really struggled to engage with tasks that I'm not interested in. This can be fine for simple tasks, but my time management is terrible and is not the ideal approach for a job involving any sort of responsibility or management. Consequently, I struggle.
The past 15 years or so have been quite frustrating (at work -and outside of it, to a certain extent), with a strong feeling of a lack of achievement and failure/mediocrity, rather than ambition and success. I don't blame anybody else, but I feel that it shouldn't have turned out like this.
Many of the problems I have tried to ignore, but due to increasing feelings of stress and feeling 'bad' I can no longer do so.
I've read various books and articles (yes, self-help...
) and I have begun to increase the "order" my life generally, but changing my attitude and approach towards work in the face of back-log, time/financial pressures and anxiety/stress is going to be difficult and I'm wondering how much it is possible to change long-term for the better.Has anybody else had a similar experience?
Has anybody managed to change from a dis-satisfied, disorganised person who is just about hanging-on into a super-effective, high-achiever with a strong sense of purpose?
I have some experience of this as a manager and myself.
I've known for being very effective, disciplined and a high performer. I love the work of Stephen Covey. 7 habits of highly effective people is a brilliant book for this subject. I'm not particularly talented but I make up for that with hard work, discipline and results.
I have however had talented staff who haven't delivered because of attitude and habits as opposed to talent.
I normally start by trying to identify;
1. Is it attitude or
2. Do they need coaching on this area?
If its attitude then its difficult to change unless the person develops a strong reason to change. If its coaching, thats simple since you just need to teach or have the person practice the skill.
If the problem is bad habits then this is fairly easy to change if the person wants to change. A habit is changed with each decision until the new habit is formed so its often simply a case of giving the task/subject in hand strong focus until it is changed.
So my questions would be;
- Why don't you prepare, plan or organise?
- Why do you prefer 'flying by the seat of your pants'?
- Do you actually want to change or have a reason to change or would you just like to be successful like others?
Lee
I've known for being very effective, disciplined and a high performer. I love the work of Stephen Covey. 7 habits of highly effective people is a brilliant book for this subject. I'm not particularly talented but I make up for that with hard work, discipline and results.
I have however had talented staff who haven't delivered because of attitude and habits as opposed to talent.
I normally start by trying to identify;
1. Is it attitude or
2. Do they need coaching on this area?
If its attitude then its difficult to change unless the person develops a strong reason to change. If its coaching, thats simple since you just need to teach or have the person practice the skill.
If the problem is bad habits then this is fairly easy to change if the person wants to change. A habit is changed with each decision until the new habit is formed so its often simply a case of giving the task/subject in hand strong focus until it is changed.
So my questions would be;
- Why don't you prepare, plan or organise?
- Why do you prefer 'flying by the seat of your pants'?
- Do you actually want to change or have a reason to change or would you just like to be successful like others?
Lee
Cheers for the reply.
I am, of course, aware that planning is very important, but planning and organisation take me a lot of effort. In the constant rush to get things done -even with good intentions-effective planning, organisation, order & tidiness are lost.
"flying by the seat of my pants" does give some satisfaction when it is successful, although I know that it is not the best strategy and is unsustainable.
I want to change to be able to achieve what I feel I should be capable of, rather than frustrated. I'm not trying to keep up with others and it's not about getting more and more money.
People meeting me get the impression of a fairly clever, knowledgeable, considered individual and I'm fortunate that I'm able to mix and converse with all kinds of people. Unfortunately, the truth is that I don't deliver at the same sort of level, to the frustration of myself(very much so) and of superiors/clients.
Ordinary_Chap said:
So my questions would be;
- Why don't you prepare, plan or organise?
- Why do you prefer 'flying by the seat of your pants'?
- Do you actually want to change or have a reason to change or would you just like to be successful like others?
I think that originally I was able to get by without planning and have always been scatter-brained and easily distracted from tasks that don't engage me. - Why don't you prepare, plan or organise?
- Why do you prefer 'flying by the seat of your pants'?
- Do you actually want to change or have a reason to change or would you just like to be successful like others?
I am, of course, aware that planning is very important, but planning and organisation take me a lot of effort. In the constant rush to get things done -even with good intentions-effective planning, organisation, order & tidiness are lost.
"flying by the seat of my pants" does give some satisfaction when it is successful, although I know that it is not the best strategy and is unsustainable.
I want to change to be able to achieve what I feel I should be capable of, rather than frustrated. I'm not trying to keep up with others and it's not about getting more and more money.
People meeting me get the impression of a fairly clever, knowledgeable, considered individual and I'm fortunate that I'm able to mix and converse with all kinds of people. Unfortunately, the truth is that I don't deliver at the same sort of level, to the frustration of myself(very much so) and of superiors/clients.
Edited by Woodrow Wilson on Sunday 6th January 23:16
Woodrow Wilson said:
Cheers for the reply.
I am, of course, aware that planning is very important, but planning and organisation take me a lot of effort. In the constant rush to get things done -even with good intentions-effective planning, organisation, order & tidiness are lost.
"flying by the seat of my pants" does give some satisfaction when it is successful, although I know that it is not the best strategy.
I want to change to be able to achieve what I feel I should be capable of, rather than frustrated. I'm not trying to keep up with others and it's not about getting more and more money.
People meeting me get the impression of a fairly clever, knowledgeable, considered individual and I'm fortunate that I'm able to mix and converse with all kinds of people. Unfortunately, the truth is that I don't deliver at the same sort of level, to the frustration of myself and of superiors/clients.
You will never be effective without planning, organization and discipline. Ordinary_Chap said:
So my questions would be;
- Why don't you prepare, plan or organise?
- Why do you prefer 'flying by the seat of your pants'?
- Do you actually want to change or have a reason to change or would you just like to be successful like others?
I think that originally I was able to get by without planning and have always been scatter-brained and easily distracted from tasks that don't engage me. - Why don't you prepare, plan or organise?
- Why do you prefer 'flying by the seat of your pants'?
- Do you actually want to change or have a reason to change or would you just like to be successful like others?
I am, of course, aware that planning is very important, but planning and organisation take me a lot of effort. In the constant rush to get things done -even with good intentions-effective planning, organisation, order & tidiness are lost.
"flying by the seat of my pants" does give some satisfaction when it is successful, although I know that it is not the best strategy.
I want to change to be able to achieve what I feel I should be capable of, rather than frustrated. I'm not trying to keep up with others and it's not about getting more and more money.
People meeting me get the impression of a fairly clever, knowledgeable, considered individual and I'm fortunate that I'm able to mix and converse with all kinds of people. Unfortunately, the truth is that I don't deliver at the same sort of level, to the frustration of myself and of superiors/clients.
I don't particularly enjoy it either however, I recognise its value in delivery. This is no right and wrong amount of planning if you are effective. I go to work a bit earlier than most (as a senior manager it comes with the territory).
However I always look at my diary and plan my activities for the week.
I start by doing this;
- What am I going to complete today?
- What am I going to complete this week?
- What do I need to complete the month/quarter?
If you have no route to success then you are simply a ship at sea with no compass most likely going around in circles.
It shouldn't take too long and it shouldn't be too painful. However if you don't complete these activities you know you'll continue to be frustrated by a lack of results and it may cost you your job at some point.
I'd recommend you read 7 habits http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Habits-Highly-Effectiv...
Anyway thats my view and I'm sure some good opinions will be posted on here.
I hope you have a successful 2013.
Lee
This lot managed to give enough structure to my work to set me in the right direction.
http://www.prioritymanagement.com/
http://www.prioritymanagement.com/
I had to check the name against your post to make sure it wasn't me who wrote it.
A lot of the problem for me I think is just habit. I always work better for a while after something has upset my routine - but eventually I slump back into the same old pattern and stop enjoying my work.
In the past I'd have changed jobs but this one is where I think I want to be in life and I'm surprised I still fall into that rut. I'll be interested in other responses...
A lot of the problem for me I think is just habit. I always work better for a while after something has upset my routine - but eventually I slump back into the same old pattern and stop enjoying my work.
In the past I'd have changed jobs but this one is where I think I want to be in life and I'm surprised I still fall into that rut. I'll be interested in other responses...
Must be a very common real personality type. I've tried many ways to counteract my lack of organisation at work and home and even considered posting a question on here about it. I'm doing ok both personally and professionally, but I'm painfully aware it's held me back.
Perhaps we should all (a bit like the give up smoking/drinking threads) post up our "to do" lists and cheer each other on, or give each other grief if we are procrastinating too much!
Perhaps we should all (a bit like the give up smoking/drinking threads) post up our "to do" lists and cheer each other on, or give each other grief if we are procrastinating too much!
A very interesting and common issue that many an academic has attempted to explain and provide solutions for, some more successfully than others. What is being shared here is but one of a number of personality types that academics have described and that we can all fall in to. This firstly helps with the self realisation and then aims to help with a future strategy. This is often based around recognising that some roles would suit you more than others and how a positive approach to one's type is what is needed rather than seeing it as a handicap. In fact, when balanced against other types in a group, setting, this type can actually add value.
So, rather than bemoan your type (no type is better than another; all have their pros and cons), learn to harness the positives and manage the negatives. Of course, all easier said than done. Good luck!
So, rather than bemoan your type (no type is better than another; all have their pros and cons), learn to harness the positives and manage the negatives. Of course, all easier said than done. Good luck!
It's good to know that there are other people who can see themselves in what I wrote.
On the subject of types, the most recent Myers-Briggs tests I tried suggested INTJ or INTP -Apparently only slightly/moderate on all of those, I'm not an extrovert, but I'm not shy or awkward in company.
Although I'm not convinced that it is the job that is the problem as much as it is my response to it, I've no doubt that my current, hectic, pressured, technical project management role associated with the construction industry is not the ideal role for me. Moving to a more suitable role that interests me and engages me is certainly not going to be easy if I can think of one and find employment , especially without a drop in pay ( -pots of cash not being the motivation for change, though).
rog007 said:
A very interesting and common issue that many an academic has attempted to explain and provide solutions for, some more successfully than others. What is being shared here is but one of a number of personality types that academics have described and that we can all fall in to. This firstly helps with the self realisation and then aims to help with a future strategy. This is often based around recognising that some roles would suit you more than others and how a positive approach to one's type is what is needed rather than seeing it as a handicap. In fact, when balanced against other types in a group, setting, this type can actually add value.
So, rather than bemoan your type (no type is better than another; all have their pros and cons), learn to harness the positives and manage the negatives. Of course, all easier said than done. Good luck!
I appreciate what you say about personality types, but in my case I believe that the skills I need to learn/practice and the habits I need to lose would be required to be more successful almost any job/career. Unfortunately, I do see my habits/behaviour as a handicap to my progress, achievement and well-being. Feelings of failure are certainly not pleasant. So, rather than bemoan your type (no type is better than another; all have their pros and cons), learn to harness the positives and manage the negatives. Of course, all easier said than done. Good luck!
On the subject of types, the most recent Myers-Briggs tests I tried suggested INTJ or INTP -Apparently only slightly/moderate on all of those, I'm not an extrovert, but I'm not shy or awkward in company.
Although I'm not convinced that it is the job that is the problem as much as it is my response to it, I've no doubt that my current, hectic, pressured, technical project management role associated with the construction industry is not the ideal role for me. Moving to a more suitable role that interests me and engages me is certainly not going to be easy if I can think of one and find employment , especially without a drop in pay ( -pots of cash not being the motivation for change, though).
Ordinary_Chap said:
You will never be effective without planning, organization and discipline.
I don't particularly enjoy it either however, I recognise its value in delivery. This is no right and wrong amount of planning if you are effective. I go to work a bit earlier than most (as a senior manager it comes with the territory).
However I always look at my diary and plan my activities for the week.
I start by doing this;
- What am I going to complete today?
- What am I going to complete this week?
- What do I need to complete the month/quarter?
If you have no route to success then you are simply a ship at sea with no compass most likely going around in circles.
It shouldn't take too long and it shouldn't be too painful. However if you don't complete these activities you know you'll continue to be frustrated by a lack of results and it may cost you your job at some point.
I'd recommend you read 7 habits http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Habits-Highly-Effectiv...
I do, of course, make an attempt at planning my time.I don't particularly enjoy it either however, I recognise its value in delivery. This is no right and wrong amount of planning if you are effective. I go to work a bit earlier than most (as a senior manager it comes with the territory).
However I always look at my diary and plan my activities for the week.
I start by doing this;
- What am I going to complete today?
- What am I going to complete this week?
- What do I need to complete the month/quarter?
If you have no route to success then you are simply a ship at sea with no compass most likely going around in circles.
It shouldn't take too long and it shouldn't be too painful. However if you don't complete these activities you know you'll continue to be frustrated by a lack of results and it may cost you your job at some point.
I'd recommend you read 7 habits http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Habits-Highly-Effectiv...
I work in a project management role in which the "goalposts" are often moving. Having planned out what I'm going to be doing, invariably incidents occur (as a result of the actions of others or myself) that require almost immediate action, some of which keep on returning, planning for it is difficult. An environment like this is challenging for somebody with good organisational and managerial skills, but for somebody who doesn't have them it is very unsettling. It is difficult to feel motivated when you are constantly having to "fire-fight" and forever trying to just "catch-up". It's the wrong role for me, but I do need to improve my organisational skills and focus on non-engaging tasks, in whatever role I end up in.
I do have a copy of the 7 habits Covey book, although I've not read it.
Edited by Woodrow Wilson on Monday 7th January 22:53
Woodrow Wilson said:
Ordinary_Chap said:
You will never be effective without planning, organization and discipline.
I don't particularly enjoy it either however, I recognise its value in delivery. This is no right and wrong amount of planning if you are effective. I go to work a bit earlier than most (as a senior manager it comes with the territory).
However I always look at my diary and plan my activities for the week.
I start by doing this;
- What am I going to complete today?
- What am I going to complete this week?
- What do I need to complete the month/quarter?
If you have no route to success then you are simply a ship at sea with no compass most likely going around in circles.
It shouldn't take too long and it shouldn't be too painful. However if you don't complete these activities you know you'll continue to be frustrated by a lack of results and it may cost you your job at some point.
I'd recommend you read 7 habits http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Habits-Highly-Effectiv...
I do, of course, make an attempt at planning my time.I don't particularly enjoy it either however, I recognise its value in delivery. This is no right and wrong amount of planning if you are effective. I go to work a bit earlier than most (as a senior manager it comes with the territory).
However I always look at my diary and plan my activities for the week.
I start by doing this;
- What am I going to complete today?
- What am I going to complete this week?
- What do I need to complete the month/quarter?
If you have no route to success then you are simply a ship at sea with no compass most likely going around in circles.
It shouldn't take too long and it shouldn't be too painful. However if you don't complete these activities you know you'll continue to be frustrated by a lack of results and it may cost you your job at some point.
I'd recommend you read 7 habits http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Habits-Highly-Effectiv...
I work in a project management role in which the "goalposts" are often moving. Having planned out what I'm going to be doing, invariably incidents occur (as a result of the actions of others or myself) that require almost immediate action, some of which keep on returning, planning for it is difficult. An environment like this is challenging for somebody with good organisational and managerial skills, but for somebody who doesn't have them it is very unsettling. It is difficult to feel motivated when you are constantly having to "fire-fight" and forever trying to just "catch-up".
My role is also quite reactive at times.
Planning and organizing is still entirely possible, its just harder in a reactive role. When you are not reacting you can be performing tasks that have been planned.
Or are you reacting all of the time? If so I feel for you as that can causes lots of stress and be a very uncomfortable as you are also dealing with unhappy people.
I don't know your company or environment but one question I'd be asking myself is;
- What do the high flyers do differently than me?
Lee
Woodrow Wilson said:
On the subject of types, the most recent Myers-Briggs tests I tried suggested INTJ or INTP -Apparently only slightly/moderate on all of those, I'm not an extrovert, but I'm not shy or awkward in company.
I think there is a common misconception about introversion, Barack Obama is an introvert but he's hardly shy or awkward. It's more about whether you seek out social interaction and draw your energy from it its a preference rather than a skill set.Another one here that will happily admit to being disorganised and disappointed at myself... 
I'm 44 years old and I'm a single parent to 12-year-old twins. I've always been involved in sales, management and account management roles as well as running a petrol station, working as a courier and I am now working freelance in the media department of a football club. I've also started to write my first book which will be published in November though actually beginning the blooming thing is another matter entirely.
I'm in the middle of a major health kick where I am trying to lose six stone in ten months to win a £1,000 bet. That is going really well, I'm halfway there weightloss wise in about a third of the time but the success is down to plenty of gym work, four or five visits a week and about an hour and a half each time.
All of this lifestyle is a juggling act and quite frankly, I always seem to be chasing my tail. I don't want to be like it and I have tried to make changes like buying a "to do" book and listing each week what I need to do day by day. Money is tight but time is tighter and once the gym is out of the way, I only normally have about 4.5 hours a day to complete everything before I pick the kids up.
Each year I vow to become more organised and I guess each year I succeed but I'd love to take that extra step and nail it properly. With childcare not reliable, I might struggle but one thing I'm considering doing is having the weekly shop(s) delivered to save an hour traipsing round the supermarket.
I love my life but I'd love it more if things were a little more quiet, settled and organised.
I'm 44 years old and I'm a single parent to 12-year-old twins. I've always been involved in sales, management and account management roles as well as running a petrol station, working as a courier and I am now working freelance in the media department of a football club. I've also started to write my first book which will be published in November though actually beginning the blooming thing is another matter entirely.
I'm in the middle of a major health kick where I am trying to lose six stone in ten months to win a £1,000 bet. That is going really well, I'm halfway there weightloss wise in about a third of the time but the success is down to plenty of gym work, four or five visits a week and about an hour and a half each time.
All of this lifestyle is a juggling act and quite frankly, I always seem to be chasing my tail. I don't want to be like it and I have tried to make changes like buying a "to do" book and listing each week what I need to do day by day. Money is tight but time is tighter and once the gym is out of the way, I only normally have about 4.5 hours a day to complete everything before I pick the kids up.
Each year I vow to become more organised and I guess each year I succeed but I'd love to take that extra step and nail it properly. With childcare not reliable, I might struggle but one thing I'm considering doing is having the weekly shop(s) delivered to save an hour traipsing round the supermarket.
I love my life but I'd love it more if things were a little more quiet, settled and organised.
prand said:
Must be a very common real personality type.
There is no 'disorganised' personality type, at least not in popular theories of psychology. The OP should be aware that all the various personality tests have critics..and for good reason.Reflective thinking and cognitive therapy may be recommended if the OP thinks lack of organisation is affecting him negatively.
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff