I recall a lesson l learned back in the Fourth Grade, one I’ve been working to apply every since. It’s been a minute, but the strange excitement I felt about that lesson still bubbles up like it was yesterday.

The unit was intended to help we young students at the time get more organized around our study skills. The strategies and approaches the teacher shared with us gave me a real since of possibility, what I was capable of if I followed them.

The basic ideas went something like this:

1. Keep your materials in one place.

2. Keep your desk clear to work.

3. Make a list of the topics and tasks and approach to the study. [Sort of a to-do list for the work.]

4. Take thoughtful, consistent notes. [It wasn’t Cornell Notes; but maybe a prequel.]

I was a good student, not great, but those skills gave me glimpses of excellence. And I loved applying them, loved working to get better.

All these years later, I have deviated from those organizational skills and practices. They were intended to clear the way for a student to learn more effectively and stay grounded so the mind would not get cluttered and distracted. Throughout my work life I’ve had better times and more struggling times of organizational regimen.

That said, I love the idea of getting better, and still love the application (and results!), of those strategies to do so.

Why? Maybe because it just comes down to making your work better.

GOOD.