September 20th, 2018
One Thing Learned:
Preparation Defeats Worry!
Becoming a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO)
At the end of 2014 I was close to logging 1,500 client hours to become eligible to
sit for the Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) exam. Carving out CPO “reading
time” each week and participating in a monthly book club was part of my plan. Once
I confirmed my actual test date, the worry kicked in, along with self-doubt. I said to myself, “What if I don’t pass? How will I deal? All this time, effort, and money will be wasted. I haven’t taken a multiple choice test in 20 years, how will this go?” Negative thinking gets us nowhere, right? I was determined to give it my best shot.
Here are some things I did to prepare:
- Frequently said: “When I pass”
- Made flash cards
- Read & reviewed book notes
- Studied a little every day
- Took the Prep Course
- Told a lot of people about the test
Because I had taken the time to prepare, when I arrived for the test I was relaxed and ready to go. We know this applies to more than tests. It applies to our daily routines, work responsibilities, speaking opportunities, travel, and really any new challenge.
Yes, I am an organizer, so I am aware of the importance of planning. However, knowing and doing are two different things. Take time to put an action plan in place. Be prepared and we are less likely to be worried.
