Spring is here...and that means I'm usually either training or cleaning.  Last year it was definitely spring training for me, as I was deep into the certification process for the workshops I now lead.  This year it is spring cleaning, as I have some stuff to clean up.  Personally that is.  My home is actually in very good shape, thanks to a lot of help!

Why is this so important?  Cleaning up my life?  Because it has a direct impact on my work and it's effectiveness.  And the same goes for you. Here are three tips from my own spring cleaning experience that may help you as well:

1. Cleaning starts with us.  And that means making space in our schedules to do this work.  It takes discipline and time.  And I am sorry to say it is not as quick as cleaning your home, yard or garage.  A few things I do to help with the process are reflecting, journaling and getting some good reading material.  I also have a few good questions to get you started.  
2. Cleaning includes our relationships.  And that means taking inventory of who/what in your life is supporting you or weighing you down.  Both personally and professionally.  The song "Anchors Aweigh" always comes to mind when I am doing this work...it is critical to clear out that which is holding us back/taking up space.  Once I do, it frees up room for creating possibilities much better aligned to my purpose and where I am headed.    
3. Cleaning requires action.  It is not enough to think and reflect on all of this...what is going on with us, and around us.  Who is supporting us, what is holding us back.  It also requires rolling up our sleeves and acting.  Making the choices and doing the work.  And sometimes it is difficult.  But similar to spring cleaning our homes, it is incredibly rewarding once complete.  

In our workshop, Productive Relationships™, we invest part of our time building skills in the areas of Listening and Conflict Resolution.  Both critical skills to strengthen regardless if you are training or cleaning.

So how about you?  Are you cleaning or training this spring? Interested in learning more?