Top Ten New Year Resolutions
New Year's is the only holiday that celebrates the passage of time. Perhaps that's why, as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become introspective. Inevitably, that introspection turns to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making resolutions, which offer the first of many important tools for remaking ourselves.
The following list is the result of our extensive survey, which consisted of over 300,000 responses worldwide.
1. Lose Weight and Get in Better Physical Shape
Physical activity builds physical vitality. With every year of your life, you have more to gain from being physically active; as your age-related risks of chronic disease increase, regular exercise generally slows or reverses that trend.
In fact, you're even more likely to notice the benefits of regular exercise if you already have a chronic condition.
Are you ever going to be fit again as long as you live? The answer is unless you make a resolution to get fit – you’re never going to be fit – ever. The choice is yours; it begins by opting for the stairs instead of the elevator, fruit in place of chocolate, and active rather than sedentary activities.
2. Stick to a Budget
It’s been said that the best defense is a good offense. Developing and sticking to a realistic budget is a brilliant offensive move as it prevents overspending and ensures peace of mind.
Many people find it very difficult to stick to a budget. It does take hard work and a lot of self-discipline, at least in the beginning. The good news is that most people find the longer they can stick to a budget, the easier it becomes.
3. Debt Reduction
One of the first things you have to do before any debt can be eliminated is to stop using charge accounts. If you continue to use the accounts, you are only fueling the problem, and building on it, not solving it.
Make a resolution now to stop charging anything and to get financially stable. If you can't pay cash for it, you don't need it, make it just that simple and you will find yourself out of debt in no time at all.
Keep a diary of all money spent, whether it is by cash, check, credit card, etc. Once you know where your money is going, then, and only then, can you take the steps needed to prepare a good budget that you can live with and make huge strides to budgeting your debt away.
4. Enjoy More Quality Time with Family & Friends
More and more people are resolving to spend more quality time with family and friends this year. This means you must consciously decide to actively and purposely work on improving your family situation every day.
You may need to do such things as reschedule business activities to make time for your kids, help your children set and achieve worthwhile goals, and setting aside an hour a day for the family, every day.
Starting right now, you can begin to make choices and take day-to-day actions that will create nothing short of a phenomenal family. You can choose to have one if you just resolve to do it and know where to put your focus. Making our families stronger and healthier is important to our communities, our state and our world.
5. Find My Soul Mate
Romance is alive and well as more and more people are looking for that special someone, their soul mate who lights their fire, the ONE whom they love unequivocally and who shares their worldview.
Soul mate relationships are the sort of romantic relationships most of us dreamt of when we were young and innocent: loving and erotic, committed and inspiring and best of all - lasting.
Soul mate relationships give both partners the fulfillment that deeply satisfies them and makes them feel that they have found the most wonderful person in the whole universe.
6. Quit Smoking
Becoming a non-smoker is probably one of the best decisions you can ever make, and is a life changing as well as a life saving decision.
The benefits to your health, relationships, finances, vitality, the environment and to your sense of self-esteem for having conquered a really hard-to-kick habit will make any and all of your efforts and determination more than worth while. The resolution to become a non-smoker will also help you to live longer and enjoy the finer things in life.
Once you’ve made the resolution to stop, acted upon it and succeeded, you'll feel great about what you have achieved. Resolving to give up is your decision, and will improve your life from that moment on. No one can make you quit, and no one can help you make the resolution. You have to do it yourself, you have to want to do it, and you need to do it now!
7. Find a Better Job
A new year provides a sense of getting a free do-over, so you can try again and get it right. Many people resolve to find better jobs or to take a new approach to the jobs they've already got.
It's corny, but true -- most of us get reflective at this time of year and if we are in jobs already, we begin thinking: Am I on the right path? Do I like where my position and my company are headed? Am I even in the right career?
So you've been hearing that voice again, the one that says you're not doing what you were born to do. That may be true, but how do you figure out what you should be doing?
To begin answering this question, examine whether your current career path matches your core interests, beliefs, values, needs and skills. Resolve to ask and answer those essential questions before making any new career changes.
8. Learn Something New
People throughout the world are realizing that a strong resolve to lifelong learning is more than just education and training beyond formal schooling. A lifelong learning framework encompasses learning throughout the life cycle, from cradle to grave and in different learning environments, formal, non-formal and informal.
Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language or musical instrument, or just how to become a better cook? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating and beneficial resolutions to keep. Challenge your mind in the coming year, break out of currents routines and challenge every comfort zone and watch your horizons expand.
9. Volunteer and Help Others
A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms such as spending time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house to name a few.
Volunteering has risen sharply in the years since we began collecting resolutions. This suggests the possible emergence of a new civic generation and a resolve to make a bigger and better difference with your life.
Resolve to replace the pursuit of success and materialism with the pursuit of contribution and generosity. For this to occur, the critical question must move from, “How can I become successful?” to, “What can I contribute that will significantly impact other people's lives?” By focusing on what we can contribute, we automatically become successful.
10. Get Organized
Resolve this year to plan your days, reduce interruptions, clean off your desk, say "No", and make detailed lists. The benefits of getting more organized include being able to save time, as you no longer look for the same things over and over again or need to replace things you can’t find at all.
You will reduce stress because when you know where everything is, there’s no last-minute rush to find what you need and get out the door on time for school, soccer practice, or that important business meeting.
You will also find yourself being much more productive, as all the time you once spent looking for things can now be used to do more important or more enjoyable tasks.
Most people define being organized as quickly and easily able to find what you need. While this is certainly true, organization is so much more. The ability to staying organized lets you focus on accomplishing your most important goals. That’s the true benefit of being organized.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
GoDaddy Domain Renewal
I just renewed my Domain this night. I tried to look for promo codes that could help me save a few bucks. I got one that worked for me. I saved $3 dollars for using this code - cjc749dom. Thanks to goDaddy promo coder!!!
Labels:
godaddy promo codes
Thursday, November 19, 2009
7 Simple Stress Busters
When you feel a stress attack coming on, that's the perfect time to turn to one of these busters and kick that stress out the door:
1. Take a walk. Not only will walking give you the opportunity to clear your head and take a break from that hectic situation, it's great aerobic exercise.
2. Call a friend. We all have someone whose voice alone perks us up. Whether with a joke or a funny story, or just by listening, she will likely put a smile on your face and help you calm down.
3. Write in a journal. Expressing our feelings could be the best way to deal with stress. Keeping a journal is a way to capture those feelings at any moment.
4. Play a board game. Quick kids' games like Candy Land, Shoots & Ladders, Connect Four or even Twister are always good for a smile.
5. Work up a sweat. Have some pent up frustrations? There's no better way to get rid of them than by exercising. Pop in a pregnancy workout tape or head outside for a walk.
6. Plan something fun. Not only will you take your mind off things, but you'll be spending time eagerly anticipating a great getaway or meal later. It's a win-win situation.
7. Take a nap. Even if this just means laying down in a quiet room for an hour, it will give your mind time to de-clutter and your body a chance to recoup.
1. Take a walk. Not only will walking give you the opportunity to clear your head and take a break from that hectic situation, it's great aerobic exercise.
2. Call a friend. We all have someone whose voice alone perks us up. Whether with a joke or a funny story, or just by listening, she will likely put a smile on your face and help you calm down.
3. Write in a journal. Expressing our feelings could be the best way to deal with stress. Keeping a journal is a way to capture those feelings at any moment.
4. Play a board game. Quick kids' games like Candy Land, Shoots & Ladders, Connect Four or even Twister are always good for a smile.
5. Work up a sweat. Have some pent up frustrations? There's no better way to get rid of them than by exercising. Pop in a pregnancy workout tape or head outside for a walk.
6. Plan something fun. Not only will you take your mind off things, but you'll be spending time eagerly anticipating a great getaway or meal later. It's a win-win situation.
7. Take a nap. Even if this just means laying down in a quiet room for an hour, it will give your mind time to de-clutter and your body a chance to recoup.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Source codes - www.GoDaddy.com
I have decided to add a second domain - http://www.elemotera.com/ this morning through http://www.godaddy.com/ and I have saved $2.49 for the registration by just using a code.
Check out the codes on this link: http://www.scoreadeal.com/coupons/godaddy.asp. One of these may help you.
Check out the codes on this link: http://www.scoreadeal.com/coupons/godaddy.asp. One of these may help you.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
TIME MANAGEMENT
I hope these tips would help you controlling time instead of time controlling you.
Getting Started…On The Right Foot
“Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.”
—William James
1
It always helps to know where your time is going. So, keep track of how you spend your time for two weeks. Sound dull? Boring, maybe? So cut it down to a couple of days. Surprise! Most of your log will show you’re investing your time in people or things not really important to you or your goals.
2
Focus, focus, focus on STARTING tasks rather than finishing them. The greatest challenge is taking the first step and getting started. (Ah yes – doesn’t that feel good?)
3
Every day something unexpected is going to happen. Count on it! So, set aside some “Oops time!” Don’t let these emergencies disrupt the rest of your day. Plan for them, act on them and then get back to work.
4
Think on paper. Writing things down minimizes confusion and stress. Write down your goals, to-do lists, and even the problems that you’re working on. You’ll find putting things on paper usually clarifies the situation. Committing things to memory can be a waste of brain power, not to mention a poor storage device as well.
5
Categorize your To Do list into A, B, and C priorities. “A” priorities are the activities that are critical for your success. “B” priorities are important but not critical. “C” priorities would be nice to do if you get the time. Begin with your “A” priorities and work your way to the “nice to do” items.
6
Here’s a suggestion that will help everyone: create a “talk” file for your boss, subordinates, peers and even your customers. Unless it is a real emergency, wait until you have at least two items in the file before calling that person with your questions.
7
Get a spiral-bound notebook, date it, and keep all your notes in the book for future reference. Quit writing on loose papers or sticky notes that tend to get lost.
8
Try something new. Read (really) the instruction manual that came with your electronic organizer. Even better, try the manufacturer’s web site to find new software updates and releases that may further your productivity. Bet you will find several time management tools you haven’t used. Let the organizer do the work so you can spend less time organizing yourself.
9
Use only one time management system. Whether you choose an electronic or paper system, one consistent system will eliminate much wasted time spent searching for information.
10
Abracadabra! Take a speed-reading course. You could already be a lot further along in this book!
11
How about all those passwords? Tough to remember? Simplify your passwords and have a logical, easy to remember reason for selecting each. Trying to remember a password is frustrating and a total waste of time. You may want to select passwords that can be typed on the keyboard with one hand so your other hand is free.
12
Take a Saturday and devote two hours to reorganizing yourself. Take a fresh look at how you are organized and look for opportunities to improve. You will probably discover several areas where you can eliminate some personal time wasters simply by becoming a little better organized.
13
Create a “quiet time” for planning. Let everyone know your closed door means “do not disturb” unless there is an emergency…or someone in your family calls.
14
Throw things away! Yes, even those ticket stubs from the last football game. Ask yourself, “What is the worst thing that could happen if I throw this away?” Most of the time, you can live with your answer, so start filling that wastebasket!
15
Date stamp (ker-chunk) every item that hits your desk. This will help you decide when to file or throw away the paper.
16
If you get heartburn from throwing paper away, create a drawer or file to store your stuff for 90 days. If you have not used it within 90 days, you can safely throw those “keepers” away.
17
Still not comfortable — even after the 90 days? Then find the “office pack rat” and become their new best friend. Someone around the office has a copy of every memo and report from the past 10 years. Love that person — but throw your trash away.
18
Trust me on this, too! Most of all filed materials over a year old are never needed again. Archive the files and get them out of your way. If possible handle the paper only once and avoid the “I’ll just put it here for now” habit.
19
The key to paper management — KEEP IT MOVING! (Now, how simple can we get?) Move the paper to your out basket, your file, your “to read” folder or to your trash. Don’t let paper just sit.
20
Wait! Do these three things before you leave the office: (1) clear your desk, (2) plan tomorrow’s activities and (3) enter your next day’s to-do list in your organizer. Then go home. Planning the next day before you leave reduces stress and allows you to enjoy your time away from the office.
Your Work Space…Home Sweet Home
What’s man’s best friend (besides the dog)?
The wastebasket! – Business Week
21
Okay, listen up! Clear your desk…NOW! Despite what some people believe, a cluttered desk does not indicate genius. Au contraire! It signals confusion and creates stress. Even mini-clutter will grow and eventually fill every inch. Keep your desk clear of everything except your project du jour and your family picture.
22
Get rid of that paper! Shuffling and reshuffling paper from pile to pile or file to file wastes time and keeps you from focusing on what needs to get done. Find a gigantic wastebasket and fill it up. The larger the wastebasket, the more you will use it. Throwing things away then becomes an art. Enjoy!
23
Files should not be an obstacle course. Put your most often reviewed files at the front of the cabinet. Here is a test to see if your current filing system works. Within two minutes, can you retrieve any paper you need? Go. If you failed the test you are wasting time searching through your files.
24
Never clear off your desk by randomly throwing things in a drawer. Gotcha! You will eventually have to go through that drawer. Instead, create a logical system for storing these items in your desk.
25
A picture or two on your desk is probably not distracting, but limit pictures to a special few. The more pictures on your desk, the more distractions and interruptions you invite.
26
Organize your desktop! If you are right-handed, make sure the phone is located on the left side of your desk. You want to keep the right side of the desk (and your right hand) free to take notes. Just the opposite for lefties.
Right-handed people should place the calculator on the right side of their desk. Ditto the above for southpaws, the proud but under-represented!
27
Avoid glass desktops. They glare and are hard to keep clean. You don’t need to spend valuable time wiping off fingerprints
28
If a report comes across your desk that you can’t use, notify the sender and ask to be deleted from distribution. The key question to ask is, “Would I pay for this report if I had to?” If not, get rid of it.
29
If you only use a few lines of a report, ask for a reformat, if possible. Four pages when you need four lines just doesn’t make sense — does it?
“If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it.”
Olin Miller
The Work Environment: Color Your World…Productive
“It is better to strike a straight blow with a crooked stick than spend my whole life trying to straighten the darn thing out.”
—Ken Blanchard
30
Now hear this! Never say “yes” without considering the time investment you are committing. Having the courage to say “no” to requests that are inappropriate or unnecessary could be your most effective time management tool!
31
Take the time to understand the role of every department in your organization. This time invested up front will eliminate your “panic” when someone has an urgent request outside your department.
32
“Perfection paralysis” is expensive. Sometimes it is not worth the effort to make things “perfect.” Take a look at time costs involved and weigh these against the benefit of perfection. Many times second best in operation is better than first best on the drawing board.
33
Copy the world every time you send a memo? But, realistically, does “the world” really care? When writing a memo or sending an e-mail, only distribute to the people who really need to know the information. Some of “the world” feels obligated to respond and then everyone’s time is wasted.
34
Want to get your written point across — fast? Limit your sentences to fifteen words.
35
Are you really listening! Every time you say, “But I thought you said,” you might as well be saying, “I wasted all this time doing the wrong thing.” Listen, clarify, and make sure you understand the task before going forward. It is a good time investment for both parties.
36
Is it your job to pick up every ball that someone drops? Avoid this label at all costs! Think about it!
37
Don’t try to solve other people’s problems. You may be empathetic to their situation, but if you spend your time solving their problems, Surprise! Their next problem will become yours, too! The best thing you can do is help others learn how to solve their own problems.
Interruptions…The Office Plague
“‘Got a minute?’ never means just one minute. Before you answer, always ask, ‘What’s this about?’”
— Alec Mackenzie
38
“Hey, you got a minute?” That’s a question, not a demand. Don’t get angry with the interrupter if you answered, “Sure!” to their question. General rule: If you cannot eliminate the interruption, make the interruption as short as possible.
39
When people arrive to interrupt, meet them at the door and talk outside your office. Letting them in may add minutes to the interruption.
40
Stand up! When someone shows up unannounced, keep standing until you decide if you want the conversation to continue. Standing is not comfortable for most people and the length of most interruptions is in direct proportion to the comfort level of the interrupter.
41
Signal the end of the time allotted by politely saying, “One more thing before you go.” Be respectful but take control. Remember that this is your office and you’re responsible for the time here.
42
Get rid of extra chairs in your office. You can always pull one from somewhere else if you need it.
43
Arrange your office so that your desk doesn’t face the door. People are less likely to interrupt if they can’t see your face.
44
Keep track of the origins of your interruptions. Don’t be surprised to find your biggest interrupter is your boss! After getting over the shock, sit down with your boss and see if you can find ways to decrease the number of interruptions so that you can be more productive.
45
Schedule “one-on-one” sessions with your staff and boss. Gather everything you need to talk about and take care of it at one sitting rather than interrupting each other the minute something comes up.
46
When you don’t want to be disturbed, put your candy dish away. It is an interrupter magnet!
47
Give yourself a break! You can accomplish 60-minutes’ worth of interrupted work in just 20 minutes of non-interrupted work. Is there a better investment of your time?
48
Want to make a positive difference in the time investment of your company? Ask your peers and subordinates, “What do I do that wastes your time and hinders your performance?”
49
Henry Ford was always dropping into the offices of his company’s executives. When asked why he didn’t have them come to him, he replied, ‘Well, I’ll tell you. I’ve found that I can leave the other fellow’s office a lot quicker than I can get him to leave mine.
“Guard your own spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Getting Started…On The Right Foot
“Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.”
—William James
1
It always helps to know where your time is going. So, keep track of how you spend your time for two weeks. Sound dull? Boring, maybe? So cut it down to a couple of days. Surprise! Most of your log will show you’re investing your time in people or things not really important to you or your goals.
2
Focus, focus, focus on STARTING tasks rather than finishing them. The greatest challenge is taking the first step and getting started. (Ah yes – doesn’t that feel good?)
3
Every day something unexpected is going to happen. Count on it! So, set aside some “Oops time!” Don’t let these emergencies disrupt the rest of your day. Plan for them, act on them and then get back to work.
4
Think on paper. Writing things down minimizes confusion and stress. Write down your goals, to-do lists, and even the problems that you’re working on. You’ll find putting things on paper usually clarifies the situation. Committing things to memory can be a waste of brain power, not to mention a poor storage device as well.
5
Categorize your To Do list into A, B, and C priorities. “A” priorities are the activities that are critical for your success. “B” priorities are important but not critical. “C” priorities would be nice to do if you get the time. Begin with your “A” priorities and work your way to the “nice to do” items.
6
Here’s a suggestion that will help everyone: create a “talk” file for your boss, subordinates, peers and even your customers. Unless it is a real emergency, wait until you have at least two items in the file before calling that person with your questions.
7
Get a spiral-bound notebook, date it, and keep all your notes in the book for future reference. Quit writing on loose papers or sticky notes that tend to get lost.
8
Try something new. Read (really) the instruction manual that came with your electronic organizer. Even better, try the manufacturer’s web site to find new software updates and releases that may further your productivity. Bet you will find several time management tools you haven’t used. Let the organizer do the work so you can spend less time organizing yourself.
9
Use only one time management system. Whether you choose an electronic or paper system, one consistent system will eliminate much wasted time spent searching for information.
10
Abracadabra! Take a speed-reading course. You could already be a lot further along in this book!
11
How about all those passwords? Tough to remember? Simplify your passwords and have a logical, easy to remember reason for selecting each. Trying to remember a password is frustrating and a total waste of time. You may want to select passwords that can be typed on the keyboard with one hand so your other hand is free.
12
Take a Saturday and devote two hours to reorganizing yourself. Take a fresh look at how you are organized and look for opportunities to improve. You will probably discover several areas where you can eliminate some personal time wasters simply by becoming a little better organized.
13
Create a “quiet time” for planning. Let everyone know your closed door means “do not disturb” unless there is an emergency…or someone in your family calls.
14
Throw things away! Yes, even those ticket stubs from the last football game. Ask yourself, “What is the worst thing that could happen if I throw this away?” Most of the time, you can live with your answer, so start filling that wastebasket!
15
Date stamp (ker-chunk) every item that hits your desk. This will help you decide when to file or throw away the paper.
16
If you get heartburn from throwing paper away, create a drawer or file to store your stuff for 90 days. If you have not used it within 90 days, you can safely throw those “keepers” away.
17
Still not comfortable — even after the 90 days? Then find the “office pack rat” and become their new best friend. Someone around the office has a copy of every memo and report from the past 10 years. Love that person — but throw your trash away.
18
Trust me on this, too! Most of all filed materials over a year old are never needed again. Archive the files and get them out of your way. If possible handle the paper only once and avoid the “I’ll just put it here for now” habit.
19
The key to paper management — KEEP IT MOVING! (Now, how simple can we get?) Move the paper to your out basket, your file, your “to read” folder or to your trash. Don’t let paper just sit.
20
Wait! Do these three things before you leave the office: (1) clear your desk, (2) plan tomorrow’s activities and (3) enter your next day’s to-do list in your organizer. Then go home. Planning the next day before you leave reduces stress and allows you to enjoy your time away from the office.
Your Work Space…Home Sweet Home
What’s man’s best friend (besides the dog)?
The wastebasket! – Business Week
21
Okay, listen up! Clear your desk…NOW! Despite what some people believe, a cluttered desk does not indicate genius. Au contraire! It signals confusion and creates stress. Even mini-clutter will grow and eventually fill every inch. Keep your desk clear of everything except your project du jour and your family picture.
22
Get rid of that paper! Shuffling and reshuffling paper from pile to pile or file to file wastes time and keeps you from focusing on what needs to get done. Find a gigantic wastebasket and fill it up. The larger the wastebasket, the more you will use it. Throwing things away then becomes an art. Enjoy!
23
Files should not be an obstacle course. Put your most often reviewed files at the front of the cabinet. Here is a test to see if your current filing system works. Within two minutes, can you retrieve any paper you need? Go. If you failed the test you are wasting time searching through your files.
24
Never clear off your desk by randomly throwing things in a drawer. Gotcha! You will eventually have to go through that drawer. Instead, create a logical system for storing these items in your desk.
25
A picture or two on your desk is probably not distracting, but limit pictures to a special few. The more pictures on your desk, the more distractions and interruptions you invite.
26
Organize your desktop! If you are right-handed, make sure the phone is located on the left side of your desk. You want to keep the right side of the desk (and your right hand) free to take notes. Just the opposite for lefties.
Right-handed people should place the calculator on the right side of their desk. Ditto the above for southpaws, the proud but under-represented!
27
Avoid glass desktops. They glare and are hard to keep clean. You don’t need to spend valuable time wiping off fingerprints
28
If a report comes across your desk that you can’t use, notify the sender and ask to be deleted from distribution. The key question to ask is, “Would I pay for this report if I had to?” If not, get rid of it.
29
If you only use a few lines of a report, ask for a reformat, if possible. Four pages when you need four lines just doesn’t make sense — does it?
“If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it.”
Olin Miller
The Work Environment: Color Your World…Productive
“It is better to strike a straight blow with a crooked stick than spend my whole life trying to straighten the darn thing out.”
—Ken Blanchard
30
Now hear this! Never say “yes” without considering the time investment you are committing. Having the courage to say “no” to requests that are inappropriate or unnecessary could be your most effective time management tool!
31
Take the time to understand the role of every department in your organization. This time invested up front will eliminate your “panic” when someone has an urgent request outside your department.
32
“Perfection paralysis” is expensive. Sometimes it is not worth the effort to make things “perfect.” Take a look at time costs involved and weigh these against the benefit of perfection. Many times second best in operation is better than first best on the drawing board.
33
Copy the world every time you send a memo? But, realistically, does “the world” really care? When writing a memo or sending an e-mail, only distribute to the people who really need to know the information. Some of “the world” feels obligated to respond and then everyone’s time is wasted.
34
Want to get your written point across — fast? Limit your sentences to fifteen words.
35
Are you really listening! Every time you say, “But I thought you said,” you might as well be saying, “I wasted all this time doing the wrong thing.” Listen, clarify, and make sure you understand the task before going forward. It is a good time investment for both parties.
36
Is it your job to pick up every ball that someone drops? Avoid this label at all costs! Think about it!
37
Don’t try to solve other people’s problems. You may be empathetic to their situation, but if you spend your time solving their problems, Surprise! Their next problem will become yours, too! The best thing you can do is help others learn how to solve their own problems.
Interruptions…The Office Plague
“‘Got a minute?’ never means just one minute. Before you answer, always ask, ‘What’s this about?’”
— Alec Mackenzie
38
“Hey, you got a minute?” That’s a question, not a demand. Don’t get angry with the interrupter if you answered, “Sure!” to their question. General rule: If you cannot eliminate the interruption, make the interruption as short as possible.
39
When people arrive to interrupt, meet them at the door and talk outside your office. Letting them in may add minutes to the interruption.
40
Stand up! When someone shows up unannounced, keep standing until you decide if you want the conversation to continue. Standing is not comfortable for most people and the length of most interruptions is in direct proportion to the comfort level of the interrupter.
41
Signal the end of the time allotted by politely saying, “One more thing before you go.” Be respectful but take control. Remember that this is your office and you’re responsible for the time here.
42
Get rid of extra chairs in your office. You can always pull one from somewhere else if you need it.
43
Arrange your office so that your desk doesn’t face the door. People are less likely to interrupt if they can’t see your face.
44
Keep track of the origins of your interruptions. Don’t be surprised to find your biggest interrupter is your boss! After getting over the shock, sit down with your boss and see if you can find ways to decrease the number of interruptions so that you can be more productive.
45
Schedule “one-on-one” sessions with your staff and boss. Gather everything you need to talk about and take care of it at one sitting rather than interrupting each other the minute something comes up.
46
When you don’t want to be disturbed, put your candy dish away. It is an interrupter magnet!
47
Give yourself a break! You can accomplish 60-minutes’ worth of interrupted work in just 20 minutes of non-interrupted work. Is there a better investment of your time?
48
Want to make a positive difference in the time investment of your company? Ask your peers and subordinates, “What do I do that wastes your time and hinders your performance?”
49
Henry Ford was always dropping into the offices of his company’s executives. When asked why he didn’t have them come to him, he replied, ‘Well, I’ll tell you. I’ve found that I can leave the other fellow’s office a lot quicker than I can get him to leave mine.
“Guard your own spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Labels:
time is gold,
time is running
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