Favorite Organizing Quotes : Need some inspiration? Here are some of my favorite organizing quotes!
Clutter is stuck energy. The word 'clutter' derives from the Middle English word 'clotter,' which means to coagulate. And that's about as stuck as you can get.
--Karen Kingston
You can't turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again.
--Bonnie Prudden
Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.
William James
I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.
--Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)
The sculptor produces the beautiful statue by chipping away such parts of the marble block as are not needed-it is a process of elimination.
--Elbert Hubbard
The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot.
--Michael Altshuler
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
-Confucius (Chinese philosopher)
CHAOS: An acronym for 'Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome'
--WordSpy Website
Make room for the new you. You may not have totally determined who the new you is going to be, but you probably have decided that there are some things about the current you, that you want to change. Well while you are working on what the new you will be, start 'cleaning out a room' for the new you to live in. Get rid of the junk in your life both physical and mental that doesn't fit you anymore. Take things out of your schedule that are taking your time away from finding out what you want to do. By making room for the new you, you will create a vacuum that the new you will rush in to fill and you will be on your way to the top.
-- Edward W. Smith, Sixty Seconds To Success
My Pen My Word, My Word My Writings/ Blogging as an Expert/Self-Proclaimed Bible Analyst/Contemporary Moralist
Saturday, December 17, 2011
BUSINESS TIPS : How to Multitask to Get More Done
We understand that it is a season of bustle. In that angle, you don't have to be in a quagmire wasting time thinking of how to get all that done. Get a tip today here and have a fabulous christmas with order and discipline. Your time is very important. Ann Has something special for you. Enjoy.
The five principles outlined below are not difficult, but they do take discipline - and that's what efficient multi-tasking comes down to.
Multi-tasking shouldn't make you feel like you're in the middle of a cyclone; there is actually a way to apply effective multi-tasking principles that will help you keep your sanity AND add time to your day.
Here are five secrets of effective multi-tasking:
1. Give your full attention to the task in front of you.
This is sometimes an easy thing to overlook, but often the reason why our tasks take longer than we estimate. We allow ourselves to be distracted by what's around us and next thing you know you've started 3 projects and completed none. When you set a clear rule that you will focus on only one specific task at a time, you increase your efficiency dramatically. Not only will you become quicker at completing tasks, but you will improve your accomplish rate by finishing more tasks even quicker. This is a base principle in multi-tasking efficiency - learn to focus on the task at hand and ignore distractions.
2. Setting specific time frames for task completion.
Multi-tasking includes time management. It's amazing how focused we can really be when we have a deadline or a short amount of time to get a task completed. If you have 15 minutes to complete the task, focus on setting the intention that you will get it done within that amount of time so you can move on to your next task. However, you don’t want to complete something within the time allotted and have it done poorly. 3. Becoming effective at switching gears.
This is where a lot of people get tripped up. They finish one task and move on to the next, only to still be thinking about the task they just finished. When a task is complete, all emotional energy related to that task should be released. Look at the completion of your tasks as an emotional release. It's done - finished. You no longer have to think about it. You're moving on. One big key is to try and keep similar activities together so you don’t have to mentally make big adjustments between tasks. It wastes precious time when you have to switch between unlike activities.
4. Prioritizing high payoff and low priority tasks.
Concentrate on prioritizing your tasks from high payoff to low priority.
At the top of your list should be the high payoff items with the low priority items at the bottom. Emailing a friend to tell them about your date last night or your golf game and score does not qualify as a high payoff activity. Following up on referrals, returning calls to current clients, generating leads, etc. are tasks that qualify as high payoff activities. Generate the business first because that is what generates income. Everyone knows this but for some reason we just don’t always focus on it and make it happen.
5. Honor thy calendar!
Effective multi-tasking also relies on effective time management and that means, whether you like or not, working from a calendar. Without having to keep everything in your head, complicating your already busy life - you can write it down and let it go to some extent. You don't have to stress about forgetting it because it will be in your calendar. Honoring thy calendar can actually provide a lot of relief and control in your life.
Try it. You will be glad you did.
Schedule EVERYTHING - even showers, eating, drive time, working out, etc.
Through trial and error you will learn the best time for you to do certain tasks. Take exercise for instance; some people work out in the morning, while others prefer the evening. Schedule your tasks for time optimization. You can even color code certain tasks for easy, quick-glance reference.
If you are like me, you might have a tendency to schedule more than you can handle. To avoid feeling like you're always running behind, schedule your tasks and add 'buffer' time to each; say 15 or 30 minutes. If you actually do finish before the time allotted, then you have the gift of getting ahead on your schedule. If you are like me, there never seems to be a shortage of items on my list, so getting head feels really good.
If you have several activities that are alike or similar, do them all at the same time. This will help cut down on the chaos of the day and avoid the excessive need to change hats more than necessary. Consider setting specific times you check your email throughout the day instead of checking it constantly. When you can focus your energy on similar activities, it maximizes your effectiveness. You can even go as far as only taking client calls at certain times throughout the day, instead of answering the phone every time it rings. Have someone answer the phone, or simply set up your voice mail to explain what time you pick up messages and when the caller can expect a return call. An even better way to handle this would be to schedule a phone appointment to ensure time efficiency.
Calendaring may take some getting used to, but it really does make your life simpler by maximizing time and performance. You will feel in control of your life and enjoy it even more. With improved efficiency and great time management you will get more done in a shorter amount of time - all with less stress.
The five principles outlined below are not difficult, but they do take discipline - and that's what efficient multi-tasking comes down to.
Multi-tasking shouldn't make you feel like you're in the middle of a cyclone; there is actually a way to apply effective multi-tasking principles that will help you keep your sanity AND add time to your day.
Here are five secrets of effective multi-tasking:
- Give your full attention to the task in front of you
- Setting specific time frames for task completion
- Becoming effective at switching gears within like/similar activities
- Prioritizing high pay-off and low priority tasks
- Honor thy calendar
1. Give your full attention to the task in front of you.
This is sometimes an easy thing to overlook, but often the reason why our tasks take longer than we estimate. We allow ourselves to be distracted by what's around us and next thing you know you've started 3 projects and completed none. When you set a clear rule that you will focus on only one specific task at a time, you increase your efficiency dramatically. Not only will you become quicker at completing tasks, but you will improve your accomplish rate by finishing more tasks even quicker. This is a base principle in multi-tasking efficiency - learn to focus on the task at hand and ignore distractions.
2. Setting specific time frames for task completion.
Multi-tasking includes time management. It's amazing how focused we can really be when we have a deadline or a short amount of time to get a task completed. If you have 15 minutes to complete the task, focus on setting the intention that you will get it done within that amount of time so you can move on to your next task. However, you don’t want to complete something within the time allotted and have it done poorly. 3. Becoming effective at switching gears.
This is where a lot of people get tripped up. They finish one task and move on to the next, only to still be thinking about the task they just finished. When a task is complete, all emotional energy related to that task should be released. Look at the completion of your tasks as an emotional release. It's done - finished. You no longer have to think about it. You're moving on. One big key is to try and keep similar activities together so you don’t have to mentally make big adjustments between tasks. It wastes precious time when you have to switch between unlike activities.
4. Prioritizing high payoff and low priority tasks.
Concentrate on prioritizing your tasks from high payoff to low priority.
At the top of your list should be the high payoff items with the low priority items at the bottom. Emailing a friend to tell them about your date last night or your golf game and score does not qualify as a high payoff activity. Following up on referrals, returning calls to current clients, generating leads, etc. are tasks that qualify as high payoff activities. Generate the business first because that is what generates income. Everyone knows this but for some reason we just don’t always focus on it and make it happen.
5. Honor thy calendar!
Effective multi-tasking also relies on effective time management and that means, whether you like or not, working from a calendar. Without having to keep everything in your head, complicating your already busy life - you can write it down and let it go to some extent. You don't have to stress about forgetting it because it will be in your calendar. Honoring thy calendar can actually provide a lot of relief and control in your life.
Try it. You will be glad you did.
Schedule EVERYTHING - even showers, eating, drive time, working out, etc.
Through trial and error you will learn the best time for you to do certain tasks. Take exercise for instance; some people work out in the morning, while others prefer the evening. Schedule your tasks for time optimization. You can even color code certain tasks for easy, quick-glance reference.
If you are like me, you might have a tendency to schedule more than you can handle. To avoid feeling like you're always running behind, schedule your tasks and add 'buffer' time to each; say 15 or 30 minutes. If you actually do finish before the time allotted, then you have the gift of getting ahead on your schedule. If you are like me, there never seems to be a shortage of items on my list, so getting head feels really good.
If you have several activities that are alike or similar, do them all at the same time. This will help cut down on the chaos of the day and avoid the excessive need to change hats more than necessary. Consider setting specific times you check your email throughout the day instead of checking it constantly. When you can focus your energy on similar activities, it maximizes your effectiveness. You can even go as far as only taking client calls at certain times throughout the day, instead of answering the phone every time it rings. Have someone answer the phone, or simply set up your voice mail to explain what time you pick up messages and when the caller can expect a return call. An even better way to handle this would be to schedule a phone appointment to ensure time efficiency.
Calendaring may take some getting used to, but it really does make your life simpler by maximizing time and performance. You will feel in control of your life and enjoy it even more. With improved efficiency and great time management you will get more done in a shorter amount of time - all with less stress.
Learn the fundamentals of the game and stick to them. Band-Aid remedies never last.
JACK NICKLAUS
Legendary Professional Golfer
JACK NICKLAUS
Legendary Professional Golfer
Anne Bachrach is president of the California based accountability coaching firm, A.M. Enterprises. By utilizing her powerful processes, Anne's clients learn how to maximize their talents and experience a great quality of life. Her fresh approach to business is a much-needed change for stagnant businesses. For more information,
BUSINESS TIPS - Business know- how
Get Holiday shopping done in one day
By Patricia Schaefer
With me today on business circle is Patricia from business know how, and she will be our guest today as she talks about holiday shopping. Let me assure you of great fodder on her side. Enjoy the piece as well as your shopping.
By Patricia Schaefer
With me today on business circle is Patricia from business know how, and she will be our guest today as she talks about holiday shopping. Let me assure you of great fodder on her side. Enjoy the piece as well as your shopping.
| Prepare for the big day Make Your List The first thing you'll need to do is make a list of everyone you need to buy a gift for. Try not to leave anyone out; you don't want to have to make additional shopping trips. Use your address book as a guide, and don't forget to include those people who may not immediately come to mind; i.e., mailman, newspaper delivery person, garbage men, teachers, students, secretary, coworkers, boss, neighbors, hair dresser, manicurist, babysitter, house cleaners, and pets. Include any seasonal charitable donations you may want to make. As an added "insurance policy," plan on purchasing one or two extra generic gifts that can be used for anyone forgotten, or for someone who may drop by with an unexpected gift. For your list, you can create your own template, or if you use Microsoft Word, you can use the templates feature to download a gift list template from Microsoft.com. The list template has spaces to enter your recipients' name, gift idea, color, size, location and even has a box to check off when that person is "done." Print out this list -- it will be your companion as you shop. Don't sweat it if you don't know what to give everyone; part of the fun of holiday shopping is discovering great new gifts. Budget Wisely Now that you have your list, you might want to decide on the total dollar amount you can spend without "breaking the bank." Then decide how much will be allotted to each person on your list. Make up your mind that you will stick to these amounts; of course, a few dollars' difference here and there is fine. Be Fit to Shop Get a good night's sleep the night before the big day, and plan on eating a healthy breakfast, including some protein for added stamina. For those who plan on doing traditional shopping, set out your most comfortable clothes and walking shoes. If you typically carry a pocketbook, and it weighs more than your first-born child, remove everything in that bag that isn't essential to your goal at hand. Try to avoid wearing very heavy outer garments that will most likely end up being carried in your arms. Try to Go When it's Slow If possible, you'll want to shop on a weekday (Mondays and Tuesdays are typically optimum), as weekends are far more crowded and will only slow you down. Sooner is also better than later for online and catalog shopping; delivery times need to be factored in and may vary between merchants. Safety First Along with crowded stores at holiday time come criminals; car burglars and pickpockets to name a few. Don't let the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping leave you careless and vulnerable to holiday crime. Plan to be alert and careful as you shop. It's Time to Shop Traditional Shopping versus Online and Catalog Shopping Only you can decide which method or methods of shopping is best for you. Online and catalog shopping continue to account for a greater percentage of holiday purchases with each passing year. On the rise as well are retailers that allow customers to buy online and pick up their purchase in the store, and to return to the store items bought online as well. Shopping online from the comfort of your own home can indeed save you money, time, gas and aggravation. You can also find great holiday shipping rate bargains as well. Every year more and more online shopping sites offer free holiday shipping to customers, or free shipping if you purchase more than a set minimum amount; i.e., more than $50, $75. Just be sure to check the last available date for holiday shipping rate discounts. Comparison shopping is also a breeze online. Sites like Yahoo ( http://shopping.yahoo.com/) and Google (http://www.google.com/prdhp) make it easy to find and compare products and pricing. For the budget-conscious, it makes great sense to search online to get the best price. If you use online or catalog shopping for out-of-state gifts, the merchant can ship it directly to the recipient's address, and you'll save time and bother on wrapping and those long lines at the post office. On the other hand, you can't actually see or inspect an item online or in a catalog, or try it on. Errors in billing are also more common, and returns can be more difficult. And you'll need to be aware of any shipping and handling fees, which can sometimes be exorbitant. For example, it would not make sense to order one low-cost single item where the shipping fees double the original cost. Care must also be taken to protect your identify from online theft. If you’ve never purchased from a merchant before, check them out first with the Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews/). Also avoid online merchants who do not answer their phone or do not provide telephone or other contact information. Suggestion: Conduct your traditional holiday shopping at the very start of the day when you are most fit and rested. You'll get to fully enjoy -- see, hear, taste, feel and smell -- the full holiday shopping experience. When you've had enough -- or run out of ideas -- go home to the comfort of your own home, make yourself a cup of tea, and finish off those last few "hard-to-get" people while you page through a catalog or view some online shopping and comparison sites. Shop at online sites that offer free shipping to optimize shipping and handling savings. Make the Most of Your Time Don't waste your time or gas money driving here, there and everywhere in search of the perfect gifts. Select one local shopping mall or outlet center, or a small number of stores in a limited geographic area. Once you reach your shopping destination, do not scope out an entire store or mall first to see everything it has to offer. Simply purchase your items the first time around. One of the best ways to optimize your shopping time is to buy a variation of the same item for a number of people. So, if you have five nieces, and you come across a hat, scarf and glove set that you absolutely love -- and the store has it in at least five different colors -- you're all set. Multi-item purchasing is also a great way to save on shipping and handling fees; generally, the more you spend and purchase, the less shipping cost per item. Don't second-guess your gift selections. If you bought "Aunt Madeline" a beautiful warm throw, and then you spot something you think she'll like better, resist the urge. Once you cross someone off your list, consider them "fini." If you don't, you'll simply waste valuable time. The very act of shopping amidst holiday decorations, songs of good cheer, and a cornucopia of eye-catching gift selections cause some individuals to throw caution to the wind, forget about their pre-planned budget limits, and find them adding "just one more gift" again and again to the mix. If you do find yourself swept up in the spirit of the season, stand firm against "buying" more. Instead, think about applying that same holiday spirit to your community; volunteer some of your time to a lonely soul, or give to someone truly in need. What to Do for the "Hard to Buy" People on Your List If you're like most shoppers, every year there is usually one or more people on your list who are exceedingly difficult to buy for. An absolutely terrific way to not only find the perfect gift for these people, but actually enjoy yourself along the way, is to go to shopping sites like surprise.com or findgift.com. You can search by traditional categories like "occasion," and "hobbies & interests," or creative categories like "always cold," "gadgeteer," or "stressed out." A recent search on findgift.com for my impossible-to-get-for Dad in the "Hard to Buy For/Seniors" category had me doing cartwheels when I found an "Apollo Program Pin Set" from the 11 manned Apollo missions. Dad worked as an aeronautics engineer on a number of these missions. Suggestion: First peruse shopping sites for gift ideas. Pick out your items, and then go to a comparison site like Yahoo Shopping and Google Shopping to get the best price for each particular item. The Lincoln Logs Classic Edition Frontier Cabin was recently priced at $39.99 on a popular shopping site. The identical item on Google Shopping was priced from $29.99 to $49.99, depending on the vendor. Purchase it at the lowest price and you've just saved yourself some money. Follow the game plan outlined above and you can reasonably expect to get your holiday purchases completed in one day, and maybe even enjoy a jubilant shopping journey as well. As with anything else, be realistic. Even if there are a few gifts left to get at the end of the day, your concentrated efforts will most likely have resulted in a greater shopping efficiency than usual. This will go a long way in making your holidays less stressful and considerably more festive. Copyright 2011, Attard Communications, Inc. Patricia Schaefer is a staff writer for Business Know-How. She can be reached by email at pschaefer@businessknowhow.com. |
Thursday, December 15, 2011
OFF CHANGING CLOCK STICK
"Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society. The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimists the parachute."
G.B, Stern - British Novelist
G.B, Stern - British Novelist
LEISURE: POETRY
Poetry is like a lollipop in life that needs to be enjoyed and appreciated in equal measure. It has deep roots that leads to water catchments that keeps life fresh and prolific. Scrutiny, focus, and interpretation is what poetry requires. It is leisure time for you to catch a breath as you listen to voices of integrity and purpose. On this segment therefore, wait upon incisive commentary packed with poems as an icing. Bank your time here to develop new perspectives about many issues surrounding your life.
BOOK INDUSTRY
Just like creation, books too have special purpose as to why they exist in this world. They have a primary objective of filling the gap as well as enhancing life. They scour, inform, create awareness, educate and nurture most countries that have the highest number of titles, writers and their profiles, including the place where most book enthusiast/readers exist. On the fortitude, wait on profound news from book industry as they unfold. We have the zeal, and trust us to keep our word to you because excellence and integrity is what we thrive in. Be informed. society into excellence and integrity. Under book industry, we will lay bear exclusive reports of what is happening, buzz words, and also go further and reveal to you the second oldest book in the world, who the author is and what is the content. You will also know market frequency,
ETHICS & PROFESSIONALISM: CAREER GROWTH
You need to grow and prosper as a career person. Learn to align yourself to ethics and professionalism in your industry. Observe rules and regulations of work procedures. Cut off protruding characteristics that have no value and development. Mind your language and how you carry yourself. Seek competence and work from a highly skilled level. Know your trade inside out. On this category , we will put you on spot on mischievous and unprofessional habits that demeans your advancement and set you into a regular guy. I believe no one wants to be ordinary. Tend your career and earn satisfaction.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)