Organization/ Time-Task Coaching

for young adults and executives

"MY" SYSTEM

I'm an avid user of the Getting Things Done system by David Allen, with a few tweaks here or there. I enjoy a diverse and hopefully useful life... but wouldn't be able to do so without a simple and effective system to manage my projects, appointments and tasks. That system is GTD; feel free to take a look at a run-down of the basics of the GTD system by DavidCo coach Kelly Forrister or this poster (or this one, easier to read but not buy!) of the essence of the system at the GTD expert's store. I've run numerous workshops on this system over the years. If you're a GTD-lover, to use some GTD speak: I test out as a first-degree black belt and score an easy 80 on the GTD Mastery 100.

APPROPRIATE TO YOU!

I've used everything from smart phones and Outlook to a stack of notecards and a paper calendar. The specific technology isn't that important - what's important is to develop a coherent system that both catches what used to fall or slide and that matches what you'll actually use. Paper and pen? Electronic? Regardless, it'll have to have some key components, and put the right to-dos at your fingertips at the right time - it's got to help you work, study and play as relaxed as possible. I've enough theory and practice to help you design a system for yourself and start using it successfully.

WHY DOES ORGANIZATION MATTER FOR YOUTH?

It's recognized by the dominant culture that less stress and more relaxed productivity (and the ability to really relax without anxiousness) is a common adult ideal... but what about for youth? Having worked with teens and young adults for a number of years, I've found that one key piece to success, however defined, hasn't been taught consistently in school - managing time and organization. Even when students are academically gifted, I've seen them hit a brick wall when procrastination and natural talent isn't enough. Young folks have to learn to effectively organize their responsibilities, however many or few they are, in order to succeed. Often, it doesn't take a very complicated, perfectionist system - just a realistic system designed to match the needs and inclinations of the owner, whether an early teen, high school student, college student, or young adult. That's where I can come in.

I'm not a stodgy old fart or a theoritician. I'm approachable and realistic as a coach for young adult studnts, since I'm still connected to student realities while having significant work and community experience and perspective. I aim to hook young folks early on the usefulness of having a system they can rely on. When folks have a personal investment in a system, instead of just some "shoulds" and suggestions from others, it'll last.

I've worked with young adults in a number of places: with college-bound juniors and seniors at the North Carolina School of Science and Math, with teens in a residential treatment center for anger management, and with middle school students in a small, nonprofit, tuition-free school for boys in Durham. For success in each place, having an organization system was a, if not the, key tool. It certainly was for me; I threw myself into personal organization theory and practice full force a number of years ago and couldn't balance multiple jobs, teaching & training in martial arts, grad school...and a life without it.

WHAT IS YOUR COACHING RATE?

Like my other consulting work, I charge based on a pay scale. I believe in the importance of upfrontness about rates as well as ability to pay; our culture has a great deal of secrecy and shame about money, so I'd like as much as possible to model clarity here for the benefit of the relationship. The details of "how often and how much" can work many ways: I've been taken on as a regular consultant at a few hours a week over six months and worked with a young person in a four-meeting package deal.

YOUTH (15-18)
	Family income under
		$25k	$20/hr
		$45k	$30/hr
		$65k	$40/hr
		$65k+	$50/hr
ADULT
		College w/ loans	$20/hr
		College w/o loans	$30/hr
		Working, income less than $25k/yr	$20/hr
		Working, income: $25k-$35k/yr	$30/hr
		Working, income: $35k-$50k/yr	$40/hr
		Working, income: $50k+	$50/hr

 

Also like my consulting work, prices are negotiable, and I have done and will continue to donate my services as well in appropriate situations.

Drop me a line at to start a one-on-one conversation about needs and services.