With Time to Spare

Organize to Make Life Easier

Sue McMillin

Organizing Consultant & Speaker

719-352-5535
sue@withtimetospare.com

  • Home
  • Business
  • Non-Profit
  • Home Organizing
  • Products
    • Books
    • Webinars
  • Blog
  • About Us
    • Client List
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Life Lessons / Perseverance, character builder

October 10, 2012 by Sue McMillin

Perseverance, character builder

Word count: 327
Read time: 1-2 min.

Henry Ward Beecher once said, “One difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one often comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won’t.”

We all have persevered in many ways during the course of our lives. Here’s one of my more memorable stories.

When I worked for the Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), I was a records clerk. I was responsible for 3 large “Lektrievers” of about 3,000 files total. We dealt with NFCU member’s files all day long-helping them with getting their member file to the right department when they wanted to borrow some money from the credit union. After about a year of this mind numbing, boring, monotonous job, our boss came through one day and proceeded to tell us that on top of our jobs, we had to go through the entire 3000 files and purge the old mangled, torn files and replace them with new files for the members. Of course not every file was ripped and haggled but many were.

Believe me, I tried to incorporate that chore into my everyday work but just simply could not get it done during my 8-5 job responsibilities. I was efficient, organized and had simplified my job down to the nuts and bolts of getting things done on time but I just couldn’t do the purging during the day.

So the only answer was to come in 30 minutes early, three days a week. I guess the boss saw the perseverance and diligence, because a year later when I finished the project, I was promoted to trainer of the records clerks. This was my first-ever job in the training industry, and the forerunner of my present job as professional organizer and owner of With Time To Spare.

But don’t let this story fool you about the real value of perseverance. I was blessed to receive that promotion, but through that experience, perseverance was worked into my character and has continued to serve me these past 30 years.

Filed Under: Life Lessons, Quick Reads

Recent Posts

  • Worry is the Language of Hell, Worship is the Language of Heaven
  • Turn Your Frustration into Celebration with Praise
  • Are You Going Through a Rough Time? Then You are in Good Company!
  • How to Create More Space for…
  • Clear, Clean, Celebrate!

Sue’s Story

I've been a professional organizer most of my adult life. Who I am and why I love my work comes from how I was raised and the mysteries of DNA!

From the most humble of beginnings in Kentucky to helping businesses and organizations across the U.S., I always try my best to share both practical and inspirational principles and techniques.

I hope you enjoy your visit here and come back often. And feel free to call or email anytime.

Even though you might reach me on my porch looking out at the Colorado Rockies, a born and bred Kentucky girl enjoys a good chat.

Order out of Chaos

Recent Posts

  • Worry is the Language of Hell, Worship is the Language of Heaven
  • Turn Your Frustration into Celebration with Praise
  • Are You Going Through a Rough Time? Then You are in Good Company!
  • How to Create More Space for…
  • Clear, Clean, Celebrate!

Quick Reads

  • Give your kids what they really want: your time, energy and focus
  • Conquering Your Stronghold With a Strong Suit
  • A Holiday Tale with a Twist
  • Be Generous This Christmas
  • Sue’s New Year’s Riddle

Copyright © 2012-2023 · Sue McMillin - WithTimeToSpare.com · Colorado Springs, Colorado
Website Design by Zero Gravity Web Works