Are You An As It Happens Person?

Are you an “as it happens” sort of person. When a client described herself in these sorts of terms I thought what a great term. In deed an “as it happens sort of person”, would describe as someone who takes things in their stride, is flexible adaptable and easy going. These are all great qualities to possess.

However conversely it also probably is an indicator of someone who does not like to plan, organise and probably as a result at times puts themselves under a huge amount of unnecessary stress. It certainly was in this particular case.

What was interesting about this particular client who I will call Susan, was their underlying almost subconscious perception (and I suspect many others of us share this) that planning and being very organised can be a little bit restrictive, small minded and even obsessive.

Often just because we do not having anyone telling us to plan as in our home environment we often don’t spend time planning ahead, often to our detriment. I know I am often guilty of rushing around like a headless chicken. Packing too many things into too little time and often feel overwhelmed with what I need to get done.

I have also noticed that when I do sit down and plan – although I have taken time out of my busy schedule to do this it is such a relief. Even the act of making a To Do List is taking the stuff that is whirling around in your brain and putting it on paper is a very powerful act.

Susan – never had enough time, had paperwork she could not find, lacked confidence and often felt under stress. However bit by bit we worked away at scheduling time in her diary for organisational planning in different parts of her life.

The outcomes were outstanding in many more ways tha
I certainly had anticipated. The client found she had more time and felt less stressed. She was now using this time more effectively in many aspects of her life which we had not specifically focused on. Susan now feels much more confident in her own ability. She had gained more friends taken up a hobby and even lost weight. And most important she felt that she was in charge of her life not that her life was in charge of her.

I am sure that that these changes were not purely coincidental. Susan still is “an as it happens sort of person”, but now her subconscious self has recognised the old adage “Fail to plan and you plan to fail”.