The skill beneath the skill
What real adaptability looks like
A client this week said I did a wonderful job of “rolling with a shift in work style as well as a big job and an intense plan. And you did so with a smile.”
I’ve always known my background in education — of goal setting, project management, as well as managing expectations — would serve me well. It often serves me well when it comes to counseling people through a plan and a project. But I’ve been realizing something else:
Organizing work almost never goes according to plan.
I arrive expecting one project and am rerouted to another. The spouse has different priorities. Expecting an empty space to store things, I uncover yet another closet filled to the brim. The kitchen table becomes an estate project. The basement becomes a conversation about grief.
The work is never about the stuff, but about movement. And movement requires adapting to constantly changing circumstances.
“Rolling with it” is what I do.
Perhaps us organizers’ instagrams and websites deceive with their flawless imagery. We really do love a good before and after, but the reality is that most homes don’t look perfect. And every client is different. What worked yesterday won’t necessarily work tomorrow.
As a teacher, every class and every day was different, too. Most days I walked in with a plan I stayed up late working on, only to have it shift the minute I walked through the door.
There isn’t just one learning style, just like there isn’t one organizing system that works for everyone. Adapting to people and their current needs what I do.
People think I get hired because my own house is perfect. (HA!) Really, I just know how to calmly problem solve whenever and wherever a client feels overwhelmed.
If you’re in need of a bit of calm or problem-solving in your home, give me a shout. I’d love to assist.
Love always,
Brittany
PS: Here’s a photo of what my job looks like most days. ☺️
Do you have any spaces in your life that look like this? Tell me in the comments.