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

Hollywood comes South, beauty and brains with a killer smile that teaches better methods and processes in time management, planning, overcoming barriers, and being more successful and productive as an... Read More

Marshall Tuck, Corporate Small Business Officer
Gulfstream Aerospace

I had a great coaching experience with Melissa. I was a little concerned at first about having a “virtual coach” since I am such a face to face person. I found out quickly I had nothing to worry a... Read More

Jennie Hobbs, VP of HR
Upstream Rehabilitation

Melissa is a high energy consultant who will assist you in maximizing your potential through tested organizing techniques. Her efforts have assisted me with better project organization and time manage... Read More

Privacy Manager

Melissa has an unusual ability to cut through the clutter and help her clients do the same. I continue to benefit from her work. She knows how to get a person organized and more productive.

Entrepreneur