About Me

I was not born organized or productive.

<gasp>

I became organized and productive through years of self-education and trial-and-error early in my career.

<sigh>

I learned that productivity is a skill set, not a personality trait.

 

I graduated from Wake Forest University using a weekly calendar and eventually earned a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.  But even more than my 25+ years of corporate and small business management experience, being a mom has taught me the importance of being organized, setting priorities, and balancing work and life.

In 2007, it occurred to me that other businesspeople shouldn’t have to struggle with getting organized like I did, so I quit my corporate job and hung out my shingle as a productivity coach, speaker, and writer. Since then, I have helped thousands of businesspeople nationwide maximize their effectiveness, balance their priorities, and generate outstanding results.

Here are some things that I love:

  • My family (of course – all else pales in comparison)
  • Helping overworked and underappreciated people (this is my business after all)
  • My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (his name is Dobby)
  • That my husband does all the grocery shopping (I cook the food)
  • Outlook Tasks (sometimes Trello)

I dislike raw onions and the feeling that I may have let someone down.  I believe that perfectionism is a key cause of disorganization, and I blame my ridiculously unattainable desire to be perfect for the struggles I often have to manage my time and not overbook myself.  Yes, even organized folks have these struggles.

If you are still reading, then it’s probably time to stop.

Still here?  Hey, how about we connect on LinkedIn?

Okay, it is really time to stop.

…but make sure you sign up to get my blog in your inbox before you leave.

 

Melissa Gratias, Ph.D

Melissa Gratias, Ph.D

Dr. Gratias is a productivity specialist who finds life-affirming messages in Muppet movies and Buffy the Vampire Slayer episodes.  Despite being a time management expert, she can’t read analog clocks well at all.  Follow @melissagratias on Instagram, but don’t ask her what time it is.

What do people say about working with me?

I recently had the good fortune to participate in a one-on-one electronic organizing session with Melissa Gratias. I was so overwhelmed I felt that I would never be able to accomplish all that I neede... Read More

Small Business Owner

Hiring Melissa as a consultant was the most beneficial professional development expense of my career. Her personalized approach to overcoming obstacles in task management and organization in the work ... Read More

Communications Manager

At work, I am using my [to-do list] regularly. My desk remains clutter free. I continue to be aware not to “front load” [my priorities] and am becoming better at estimating time frames. I still am... Read More

Compliance Manager

I hired Melissa to help streamline my email and time management activities. Melissa did an excellent job with both items and I have definitely been more productive. Melissa’s expertise, professional... Read More

I/S Manager

The most beneficial/valuable thing that I learned was that all of the paper is not needed, we have just been taught that way. A paradigm shift is needed to enhance our ability to be resourceful instead... Read More

Compliance Manager