I’m all about sustainability, it is the very trademark of my business. By definition, it means the capacity to endure. Yet we must acknowledge that in life, things change, people change. We grow, we evolve, and so we must continually adapt our daily systems to our current needs.
Countless times, I’m reminded that establishing sustainability can only exist through maintenance, the quintessential X-factor. As a flower needs the rain, our systems need the same TLC. There is no one trick pony, no eternal fix.
Organization needs “nurturing,” in order to sustain itself. We must give it proper attention or it simply will not endure.
I re-visit client’s homes and realize that sometimes the systems didn’t work, not because they weren’t good, but because their “needs” had changed. Or, perhaps I didn’t hone in on their specific preference of learning styles. I could never have known that, until it failed. Together we had implemented solutions that we thought would be fail-safe, but in fact, they could not be sustained. It worked, until it didn’t.
So we tweak, and if necessary, tweak once more. It is more than a tedious process. Make no mistake about it, it is a life long journey.
Typically, I begin with an elementary improvement of organization, and the client is seemingly happy. But with time and an increased awareness, the client yearns for more. They are invigorated and inspired with the noticeable improvements.
Whether it’s a paper filing system or the transformation of their spaces, their standards have been piqued. And so their enthusiasm requires me to micro-manage further. The systems continue to improve. To witness their evolution and personal growth is often remarkable, and one that still astounds me.
Sustainability is achievable but not in a vacuum. Be mindful that with growth, comes change. We never stand still, we keep on moving, forever evolving, and so must our life systems. We must maintain the systems by fine-tuning them to our distinct proclivities. Then, and only then, can sustainability prosper.
So ask yourself if your home, office, or life organization has sustained itself. Are your systems still working for you? Have you adapted to the changes in your lifestyle? Evaluate. Perhaps you’re missing the X-factor.
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