This week I had the opportunity to interview Kris Rowlands, creator of the blog Fresh Focus…On Productivity! live from her computer via email message. Kris was kind enough to set aside time in her busy day to do this and even though it was not likely that tough for her to schedule such a time based on her tremendous ability to organize and be productive, I appreciate it all the same.
Me: First off, you have been a proponent of productivity and GTD for quite some time, yet your site Fresh Focus…On Productivity! Isn’t exactly the longest-tenured on The Internets. Does that mean there’s still hope that you can embrace Eventualism instead?
Kris: No chance in all the Universe! It’s taken me a long time to get my proverbial sh*t together, and i ain’t about to mess with my system now. To do so would be just crazy! Seriously, though, I’ve been into productivity and organization for over 25 years. Now don’t tell me that you are a poor host and didn’t check out my bio? Shame on you Mike!
Me: Now, Kris…you know I don’t feel shame. Seriously still, what has been the most rewarding experience you’ve had since starting up the site (excluding this interview)?
Kris: Helping clients is the most rewarding thing I can do. I love to see the small baby steps that lead up to the “walking on the moon” steps. I truly get joy from watching my clients succeed: it fulfills me.
Me: You are an avid “tweeter” and really seem to enjoy feedback of all sorts. In fact, you engage your readers through your site more often than most. Aren’t you afraid too many people will disagree with you? Or, even worse, you’ll have to respond to them?
Kris: Now if you’ve read my blog for any period of time, you know that I flourish and thrive on interaction with the readership. In fact, if they disagree that gives me even more reason to interact with them! I love a challenge and love to hear others point of view. It make me think and reevaluate my point of view. In addition, I learn from all of them. Without learning, we as a planet are dead.
Me: Without planets, we also are dead…but I digress. What do you REALLY think of David Allen’s new book? You can tell me. I promise I won’t tell anyone.
Kris: Really? You want the truth? YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH! Oh, wait……..wrong movie. Anyhoo……..I really do like what I’ve read so far. I’d love to get an audiobook so I can listen to it from my BlackBerry.
Me: You design templates for GTD, you offer coaching services, you post regularly and post well. Is there anything you don’t do?
Kris: I don’t eff dogs.
Me: If you could choose one of the following, which would it be: Being more organized, Being more productive or watching Being There starring Peter Sellers?
Kris: Being more productive. It would be fabulous if I could be so productive as to add ten hours to each day. THEN they MIGHT be long enough!
Me: Your bio states that you found yourself initially exercising your organizational skills in retail upper management. With the holiday shopping season just gone by, did you find yourself missing the retail sector?
Kris: Never, nope, no way. The main reason I left was the abuse that is handed out by customers. Yes, the customer is always right, but it’s about how you prove that point that matters. Ever worked retail at Christmas? Then you know what I mean.
Me: Are you sure?
Kris: Indubitably.
Me: We all know productivity can take a vacation – in my life it has gone into full-blown hiding – but can a person go on a vacation from productivity?
Kris: Go dust off the dust bunnies out from under your bed and pull out your productivity, Mike. Productivity can’t take a vacation. Even if you ARE on vacation, on the beach, sippin’ Mai tai’s and catching some rays, you are productively doing that, now aren’t ya!
Me: After looking under my bed, all I found was a vacation itinerary for someone named “B. PRODUCTIVE.” Not sure what that means. Anyway, your GTD Mastery series was fantastic – so have you? You know, mastered it?
Kris: It? It what? OH! GTD. Nope, never, no way. If anyone masters anything, then you are no longer learning, For me, learning is paramount for feeling productive.
Me: Is there an expiry date on Fresh Focus…on Productivity? I’ve looked all over the site and it isn’t apparent, unlike on most food products.
Kris: Nope! All natural, no preservatives, 100% organic productivity, all the time. With GTD and Organization thrown in for spice!
A special post-interview message from Xerxes Vardy: I’d like to thank Kris for doing this interview with my dear, deluded cousin Mike. She writes a great blog and offers private corporate and consultation services. Kris will identify your areas of concern and then look at the reasons why you have difficulties in this area. Once she have assessed the reasons why, sessions will work on a plan to overcome those reasons and move past them. After the root of the issue is identified and dispersed, then (and only then) can work be started on the plan to organize and be productive in your daily life AND MAINTAIN IT. Together with you, Kris can create custom forms or use the ones already have created. It’s all up to you! She will not going to go right to the problem and try to remedy the issue, together you will analyze the symptoms and work through them for a positive change in your life. This isn’t your typical “get it organized” session: this is a deep, personal session that will address your issues and get to the root cause.
Rest assured that ALL coaching sessions are confidential and private. She works in a closed office in her home and can assure your privacy. If done by phone, all calls can be recorded at your request and only with your permission for later review and contemplation. Click here more more info.
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