August 22, 2009 at 2:20 pm
If you are having trouble concentrating, as is common when going through sever change, try setting a goal. For example, work 45 minutes, then take a 15 minute break, then work another 45 minutes, and so on. Or, set a time frame for certain activities: “I will go to the gym at 6:30 each morning, at least 3 days per week” or “I will work on my writing at least 2 hours per day,” or “I will work on this project M-F from 10AM-2PM each day,” etc. Make your goals realistic so as not to discourage yourself and make them appropriate to the project, and something that will assist in achieving your goals.
Another tip is to list, before going to bed, the three most important things to accompish the next day, and then do them.
Another example:
I used to have a large bulletin board in my office, and each project was a column, visually. I would break down each project into sets of activities, and use a medium point magic marker to write on a 3X5″ file card for each activity set. I would thumbtack them into columns, with the bottom file card the first activity set that had to be done. Because the writing was in a medium-sized marker, I could see it across the room from my desk.
As I accomplished each activity set, I could remove the card, thus the lists (columns of cards) became shorter as I progressed through a project.
I would set goals for myself as to how many cards I would want to remove each week or each day.
August 21, 2009 at 2:16 pm
More thoughts from Judy Peebels at www.TheJournalingJenius.com, with her permission:
Do you ever get overwhelmed with everything you have to do?
Is your to-do list so long, that you don’t know what to do first?
My coaching clients tell me that sometimes they are so overwhelmed they become paralyzed and incapable of even knowing where to start.
Create a mind-map
- Take a blank sheet of paper and start in the middle.
- Write a word that represents the core - maybe that word is just “stuff” or a particular project
- Draw a line out from this word, following a flow of thoughts by adding branches to the new word, etc. For instance, if you were planning an event, one branch might be the Venue and then branching out from that are al the aspects relating to the venue - room, seating, flowers, etc. Another branch might be Invitations, with branches for list of people, printer, # of RSVP’s, etc
- It doesn’t have to look pretty and it only has to make sense to you.
Mind mapping can give structure and organization through a visual representation rather than just a to-do list.
Once you have created your mind map, pick one point and look for one small thing you can do right now.
Often times, the quickest way out of overwhelm is to just get yourself in motion.
For more information on mind mapping -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map
August 20, 2009 at 2:02 pm
You have a project to do or an idea for a new product, service or book. The blank page can sometimes be daunting.
Storyboarding with Post-it® notes is fun and easy. It helps with the creative process and can provide a way to organize ideas. It’s less restrictive than making a list or an outline. It can help define your “Elephant Bites” of a project or book.
In the 1930’s the Walt Disney Studio developed a methodology referred to as storyboarding. For more info go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storyboard,
Unless you’re making a movie and need pictures, Post-it® notes work well for thoughts and ideas.
First, find a place for your storyboard. You can use a wall or a large piece of paper. Sketch paper or flipchart paper works really well for this. Take a Post-it® pad and jot down ideas - one per note and stick them on the wall. At this point the organization doesn’t matter. You can do this brainstorm in one sitting or over time.
Once you have all your ideas out, you can move the notes around and organize them. If you are working on a big project, you could even use different colored notes for sections and sub-sections.
Then step back and figure out what action to take. For instance, if you have used this process to outline chapters in a book, you could pick one chapter and create a storyboard just for that chapter. Or if you are ready, just start writing that chapter, then the next, and so on.
What if you don’t have a large piece of paper? You can storyboarding anywhere–on the wall, closet door, journal pages, etc. Sticking the notes in your journal means you can carry it with you and work on it anywhere, anytime you have a new idea.
The above thoughts are from Judy Peebles, The Journaling JeniusTM, www.TheJournalingJenius.com
August 18, 2009 at 2:08 pm
The following thoughts are shared by Judy Peebles, The Journaling JeniusTM, www.TheJournalingJenius.com , so the products she refers to are her own, not mine!
Do you really need to do it? Can someone else do it?
First, weigh the consequences - Ask yourself, “what’s the worst that will happen if this doesn’t get done?” Sometimes we have things on our list out of “shoulds”, or guilt or someone else’s agenda. Take these things off your list.
Second, make a list of people you know who would be willing to help you. Sometimes we just don’t ask. Be sure to ask for help. I did, and now my sister, Dianna, does all my product design work. Even though she’s in Pennsylvania and I’m in California with today’s technology it really works. She’s awesome, I really enjoy working with her, and together we’ve created some amazing products.
Third, if you aren’t yet able to hire people, or bribe family members or friends, consider trading services. This may not be your business service, maybe fixing a casserole for a busy mom who is willing to do your bookkeeping on a part time basis, or pick up your dry cleaning on her way to or from picking up her kids from school.
Get creative!! Get More Done!! And Have Fun!!
August 17, 2009 at 6:00 pm
In any situation, you can choose peace. You can be drawn into drama, or you can choose peace.
When you feel this freedom, it is such a relief. I can be at peace! I can feel good about my actions. I can feel good about my life.
By Inspirational Author Erica M. Nelson (www.EricaNelson.com or AuthorEriceNelson@gmail.com):
Even when others are embroiled in drama, you do not have to make the same choices they are making.
As you choose peace, more and more often, you will align with others who do the same. Your light shines. Everything becomes more operational. Your life smooths out and you see opportunities where before you saw only shadow.
Today, choose peace.
