Hey, Reader!

Struggle is a part of life. We all struggle with something, be it physical, mental, or spiritual. Life is not perfect, it’s messy Filled with ups and downs. While life is messy, there are things we can do to make it a title less chaotic. Having the right tools is essential.

Of all my life’s struggles, my battle with productivity has been at the top of the list. The struggle to get things accomplished has only gotten harder since being laid off last year.

I remember when I was young, getting this done was easy. Not because I had a system, but because I had less to do and more mental focus. Things were easier in my youth.

As I transitioned into adult life, I started “doing life” on my own. Chaos was ever-present, but my ability to focus was still sharp and I managed. Youth, it seems, has it advantages.

Entering Corporate America, I learned the need for, and the power of, task management. I made lists, lots of them, for everything work related. Checklists and post-it notes — that was my system. It was simple and effective. But I was only doing it for work. Outside the cubicle walls, I was not organized at all.

When I started talking to Mark, I realized I needed a better system. He was organized and productive on a different level. Seeing that level of productivity was eye-opening. I needed a system that would increase my organization and productivity in all aspects of my life.

In my time with Mark, I have learned a lot about productivity, but even more about myself. In order to put together the right system, I had to know what makes me tick. A journey of self-discovery began.

Routines are more important than I thought. I had none at all. Consistency is the only way to make or break a habit. I was the least consistent person I knew. I discovered that I can’t do it on my own. Accountability and feedback are far more important than I realized.

Having a coach like Mark isn’t just about being more productive. It’s about having someone that will take the journey of self-discovery and improvement with you. Along the way, that coach will provide the tools necessary to learn and grow.

There will be setbacks and struggles on the journey. I still struggle with consistency and prioritization. But Mark has helped me become a better and more productive person that I was before. He continues to drive me foreword, even when I don't want to move.

Life’s mess is never going away, but it doesn’t have to own you. Finding the right system — and the right person to walk it with you — can turn the chaos into progress. The journey of self-discovery is still messy, but it’s a whole lot more manageable and even fun when you don’t have to do it alone.

Daniel Bornt