I'm a big believer that time management is really choice management . . . and not always the BIG, HUGE, IN YOUR FACE, choices . . . but the daily little choices that become habits. Habits - according to the Bing Dictionary, "regularly repeated behavior pattern: an action or pattern of behavior that is repeated so often that it becomes typical of somebody, although [...]
Distractions and interruptions can certainly derail the most carefully planned day. Having a clear (and workable) plan to overcome these distractions can help make anyone's day more productive. But sometimes, the obvious solutions just aren't "doable" for YOU. Sometimes you need to adapt to fit your personality and lifestyle. Yesterday I explained how a Parking Lot can help to reduce internal distractions. Yet, the [...]
What do you do when the solution to a problem, creates an even bigger problem? Recently a client and I were discussing distractions. From a time management standpoint, he felt he "could" accomplish so much more if he could just eliminate (or at least reduce) the distractions in his day. He was able to identify two different types of distractions mental and physical. Mental [...]
Real Life Scenario #10 - “My obstacles are mental distractions. I think of something other than the original task, and lose focus quickly.” If you’ve been following my posts this month – you know that I’m tackling real life time management scenarios all month long. If you have missed a previous post – be sure to check out any that apply to YOUR life. “This may [...]
One of my favorite distraction busting techniques is to "park" ideas as they pop into your head. Then, once you finish the task at hand, go back to the ideas in your parking lot and decide what to do with them. From a time management and choice management stand point, this is a much for effective use of your time than switching tasks each [...]
The sun is shining! For many of you, this may seem like a silly way to start a post. But here in Ohio - it's been a while since I've seen the sun! (Today is actually day 2!) [newsletter-sign-up-form] I'm a big believer in do what you love, and love what you do. Last year on National Don't Go to Work Unless it's Fun [...]
Having a weak working memory can be frustrating. You KNOW not to lock your keys in the car, yet you sit them on the seat so you can grab your water bottle, purse, and files – and the next thing you know – you've locked your keys in the car. Or – you run into the corner market for some milk and . . [...]
Cookies, cookies, and more cookies. This is the time of year when you see cookies everywhere! In fact, today is even National Bake Cookies Day. If you like to bake – what a wonderful time of year for you! If you prefer not to bake then you certainly would appreciate an alternative. I fall into the “I’d rather not bake” category. (For a pretty [...]
Awareness * Work * Evaluation How often do you start a project only to be pulled away by people needing your attention? Earlier, I recommended following a 3 Step System to reduce distractions: Step 1 – Awareness (what distracts you and when), Step 2 – Work (how can you adjust your environment), and Step 3 – Evaluation (what is working, what isn’t). How did you do? If [...]
You CAN Control Your Distractions! How often do you start a project only to be pulled away by people needing your attention? Or, you are in the middle of a task and the phone rings? Or, one minute you are researching a new sales technique on the computer – and the next you are looking online at the latest fashions for spring? Anything that [...]
