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Are You Up for The Challenge?

By Royale on March 26, 2012 in Productivity, Time

I challenge you to a race…

A race against time. A race against yourself.

What could you do faster? Where would a bit lower quality be OK if it saved you time? What is necessary, but you’d like to spend less time on it?

Perfection is the enemy of time. Distraction is the enemy of time. Overwhelm is the enemy of time. Mindless activities are the enemy of time.

We are often our own worst enemy of time.

In many cases, we can do something to save, recover, and take back that time.

Challenge yourself to a race.

I’ll be doing it along with you.

Great candidates for a TIME CHALLENGE:

Email –always at the top of the list

Social media – another top contender

Household chores – vacuuming, mopping, dusting, clean up

De-cluttering and purging – tackle those pile, closets, shelves

Organizing – rearrange, put items back, restore order

Filing – just do it

Phone calls – keep it brief, no chitchat

Meetings – agenda, timer

Writing – stop censoring and editing as you write; edit later

There are many others. Tasks you dread. Activities that are time wasters. Necessary, but tedious. Whatever may be on your, “Oh no, not again,” list.

Here’s the simple challenge.

Choose an activity. Decide the amount of time to allot. Settle on the acceptable quality. Set a timer. GO!

How many emails can you get through in 20 minutes?

How many words can you write in an hour?

Can you get the filing done in 15 minutes?

What can you cover in a 30-minute meeting if you stay on topic?

How many calls can you make in 45 minutes if you cut chitchat?

Dusting race – 10 minutes. Good enough is the key phrase.

Sort, purge, piles. 30 minutes. 60 minutes. When in doubt, throw it out.

So many options. So much time saved.

The best part. When you’re done, use some of that recovered time to treat yourself.

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4 Strategies to Overcome Any Obstacle

By Royale on March 19, 2012 in Goals, Habits, Health, Personal Growth

There are few among us, who don’t have dreams, desires, projects or goals that we haven’t been able to achieve. Or perhaps it’s a nasty habit we want to break. Often we haven’t even been able to take the first step.

I Want….

For some it’s career goals; start your own business, change or advance your career, or continue your education. For others, it may be a health goal: quit smoking, lose weight, or exercise more. So many seem to struggle with disorganization and clutter (if you have piles, you know who you are.) Financial goals can be especially difficult, as can habits of procrastination and lackluster productivity.

The good news is, we can be successful in any area. The bad news is, we do have to put in some work. Simply deciding what we want or making the decision to change a behavior is not enough.

We first need to understand, that it makes no difference what we’re trying to achieve, the process, preparation and strategy is the same. The most important step is the first; START. Just take that first step, it the most difficult. As with anything, it gets easier as you gain momentum.

Overcome Obstacles

1. Be aware of barriers – Examine past failures. It’s important to gain an understanding of what has stopped you from getting what you want or making positive changes in the past. Look back at personal failures (failure is not a dirty word, just an opportunity to learn,) as well as professional aspirations where you just couldn’t quite hit the mark.

What got in the way? Why did you stop trying?

If you want a different outcome this time, you have to eliminate the obstacles, the barriers to success.

2. Examine patterns of behavior – We are creatures of habit, easily slipping back into behaviors we have learned and practiced in the past. Unfortunately, many of these behaviors are not helpful. In fact, they may be the biggest reason we are unable to change.

Do you have a certain pattern of behavior that keeps popping up and getting in the way of your goal? Do you self-sabotage, or make excuses? Do you keep so much on your plate that there is no energy left for something new? Do you tend to give up or refuse to ask for help?

All of these are common disruptive behaviors that stand in the way of change. As the famous saying goes, we are our own worst enemy.

3. Watch out for triggers – What situations are most likely to cause a relapse? Do you slip into unhealthy habits around particular people? Are certain surroundings more difficult than others are?

If you want to quit smoking, don’t take breaks with other smokers.

Trying to lose weight; minimize eating out, especially buffets.

Is the mall a temptation to spend money? Stay away or leave credit cards at home.

4. Plan ahead – The secret is to determine what has prevented you from succeeding in the past and to plan for a different outcome. Develop a strategy to overcome obstacles before they happen. Put a strategy in place before a problem arises. That’s much more effective than trying to use willpower at the time.

If you struggle to exercise with regularity in the morning, put your clothes out the night before.

Always wanted to start a business, but just couldn’t get started? Find a mentor to walk you through, to help identify pitfalls and suggest strategies that work.

Has procrastination become a habit? Or spending too much time on Facebook? Set a timer.

Finally

Whatever your goal, get help, enlist support, find a partner, or ask someone who’s already been successful at what you want to do.

You can do it. Change is possible.

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5 Steps to Large Scale Change

By Royale on March 14, 2012 in Personal Growth, Purpose

I’m branching out a bit from my usual content to share an issue that grabbed my attention and I somehow felt compelled to share. Most of us have become aware of the “Kony Video,” and the surrounding controversy. The question is what if anything, do we do about it? Over the weekend my 19-year-old daughter, who is away at college, asked me what I thought about the situation. This stirred me to look and think. If this has gotten the attention of our youth, then it is deserving of ours.

My Response

“My take is both good and bad. Anything that brings awareness to atrocities in the world is a good thing and kudos to this group for getting our younger generation involved in concerns of our world. Apathy is our greatest threat and they are trying to change that. That’s very positive.

The bad… This issue is not as simple as presented. There’s a lot more to the story. The situation is evolving. What is the role of the government of Uganda? How are the donations being spent? Why does this deserve more attention than larger scale atrocities? Is military action the best solution? Should we be trying to fix the world when we have horrible problems at home? When is it ok to spend our money, use our influence, and risk our soldiers? Lots to consider…

So, what do I think? The best thing you and your friends can do is to become knowledgeable about all of the atrocities taking place throughout our world and what is currently being done about them? Also, get informed about our own problems, the number of homeless, hungry, the violence, damage we are doing to the earth and how we are spending our money. Remember that media is often propaganda; good or bad…Do your own research and form your own opinions.

I’m pleased and proud of you and your friends for paying attention to something larger than yourselves. It’s the only thing that will save our future.”

In case you haven’t been following the situation, you can watch the “Kony Video” on YouTube. The Huffington Post has some articles discussing the larger controversy, but there are many others out there.

As I told my daughter, I believe apathy is our greatest threat. We have the power to affect change, but how do we use that power effectively? Moreover, how can we teach our younger generation to do the same?

What We Can Do

1. Pay Attention – Be aware of what’s going on around the world and in our own back yard. Nothing can be done until we first get informed about the issues that plague us.

2. Choose What Speaks to You – What pulls at you? Where do you feel the most compelled to take action? We are most effective and have the most impact when we focus on things that illicit the most passionate repose.

3. Do Your Research – Gather information about all sides of an issue. What is the situation? What has occurred in the past? What is being done now? What are the proposed solutions? Pros and Cons.

4. Form Your Own Opinions – Nearly all forms of media present a slanted point of view. It’s nearly impossible to be completely objective and neutral, even for news outlets. Perceptions and beliefs do impact the way information is presented. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as long as we are aware of it. Use your research to form your own conclusions, instead of simply adopting the conclusions of others.

5. Take Action – There are many effective ways to take action and affect change.

Spread the word, shine a light on the issues, and share your concerns with others.

Give money and/or time to a cause.

Use your political power; vote or contact your politicians.

Utilize the power of the pocketbook; when money talks, people listen.

Food for Thought

What if career and financial success, health and fitness, beauty, happiness, balance, stable marriages, good parenting, or spiritual connection are not the purpose of life, but merely paths?

What if the purpose, our legacy, is in fact, to use an old cliché, “To make the world a better place for those who come after us?” What would we do differently?

Are we being naïve in thinking we can make a difference?

No, I don’t think so. We can’t fix the entire world’s problems overnight, but we can each have a small impact, which when combined add up to huge changes.

Your turn. Share your thoughts and comments.

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Why Positivity Might be the Secret to Life and Work Success

By Royale on March 12, 2012 in Inspiration

Not only are these ideas wonderfully inspirational, but incredibly useful as well. But how can we incorporate them into our own lives and work? We can start by asking some questions.

Let’s take a closer look:

P is for the Potential that was given to each one

Are we living up to our full potential?
Do we even know our full potential is?
What can we do differently to live up to our potential?
What is holding us back?

O is Opportunity – we must grasp it when it comes

Are we open to new possibilities?
Do we grab new opportunities when they are presented to us?
What holds us back?
Why are we afraid to try stretch outside our comfort zone?

S is the Stress we all try to relive

Why do we tolerate the stress in our lives?
What are the biggest stressors in our lives?
What or who do we need to step away from?
How can we reduce stress?

I is for the Ideals we should try to achieve

What ideals do we wish to live by?
How well are we doing that?
If not, why or what is keeping us from sticking to our ideals?
How can we cultivate a stronger connection to our true ideals?

T is the Tranquility we all find on the way

Do we have a measure of tranquility in our lives?
What is the lack of peace and calm costing us?
What things or activities bring us tranquility?
How can we incorporate those items into our lives more?

V is for the Vacuum that in our life we try to fill

What hole are we trying to fill?
What are we trying to fill it with?
How is that behavior hurting?
What could we do differently?

I is for the Instincts that we follow at will

When do we follow our instincts and when do we not?
What prevents us from following our gut instincts?
What is the most difficult aspect of our lives to follow our instincts?
How might we trust in our instincts more?

T is for the Tribulations of each day we are alive

What is the greatest source of our tribulations?
Are our challenges due to unforeseen circumstance or due our own behaviors?
Is there a way we might better prepare to face life’s difficulties?
Who might be a source of support?

Y is for a mighty YES and determination to survive

What have we said YES to and why is it important to us?
What have we been afraid to say YES to and why?
Are we truly committed to our goals and desires?
How might we develop a greater sense of perseverance?

When we can answer these questions for ourselves, we will be much closer to living the life we desire.

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Want to Know the Secret to Achieving Goals?

By Royale on February 27, 2012 in Goals, Health, Inspiration, Motivation, Personal Growth, Stress, Work

The secret to achieving goals in life, whatever they may be lies in the attitude and level of commitment with which we approach them. We are capable of so much more if only we believe it is possible.

Whenever we approach our desired goals with a committed, unswerving attitude, no obstacle is too large and no setback too severe to overcome. Attitude and perception can be a shaping influence in how successful our individual pursuits of achievement will be because it is our mind-set that allows us to triumph over adversity.

We are more likely to pursue our dreams persistently when we trust that success will be the ultimate and foreseeable result of our efforts. Unanticipated difficulties will not deter us, prepared as we are by the expectation that our paths will be littered with the unexpected. Confident in our ability, we move forward, assured of the attainability of our goals. Our unwavering determination will enable us to achieve our goals with less stress and a more positive attitude.

What goals are you wholly committed to?

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How 1 Simple Strategy Can Change Your Life

By Royale on February 6, 2012 in Books, Goals, Health, Personal Growth, To-Do

Image via Wikipedia

Trying to reach a goal, get organized, be successful, improve relationships or get healthy, but feeling frustrated? Our goals, projects, can appear so daunting, so unreachable. The end result seems so far away; we’re never going to get there.

This simple strategy can help anyone.

Go for the quick result, the small victory.

What does that mean exactly? A quick result is a doable action that gives you tangible results quickly. Picture a mini-goal, a small portion of a larger undertaking. It can be anything as long as it moves you toward your goals.

Some examples:

Your house is a mess – straighten and purge one closet, clean one small area or wash the windows so you can see a visible result.

Trying to get more organized – make a master list of everything you need to do, eliminate one or two piles, clear off your desk or the kitchen counter, go through old mail or clear out your email inbox.

Want to be more successful – contact one person who can help you with your project, complete one small portion, spruce up your resume, set up a LinkedIn profile.

Longing to write a book, but can’t get started – Forget about the finished manuscript; write one chapter or just create an outline.

Trying to get healthier or more fit – Don’t go on a severe diet or try to run a race out of the starting gate; plan your meals for the week so you can avoid take-out, sign up for an exercise class that interests you (and actually go,) concentrate on losing 5 pounds, or being able to run 2 miles, whatever is doable for you and that you can achieve in a short period of time.

Remember the saying. life is a marathon, not a sprint. That is also true of achieving goals and making significant changes in your life.

To give you a real life example that we can all understand; my mother struggled with her weight her entire life, fad diets, exercise attempts to no avail. One day she had a revelation; this life change could not be achieved overnight. Small steps were the answer. First step, join Weight Watchers and establish accountability. Second step, eat more vegetables, lose 5 pounds, again and again and again. Third step, walk around the block every day. This was a small victory for a 60+ woman who had never been physically active. Then walk a mile, then two, then three.

The process, small victory after small victory after small victory. 18 months later, a large victory, over 100 pounds lost, the elimination of nearly all medications, a new wardrobe and a clean bill of health.

Another example, a young woman longing to write a book. A wife, a mother, a career, too busy, no time. She decides to write an hour at a time while her children are at swimming lessons. One chapter at a time, week after week after week, small victories. The end result, The unbelievably successful Twilight Series. A string of bestselling books and movies that have grossed more than 2 billion dollars.

One small victory at a time… Imagine what you can do.

What project are you struggling to finish? What goal seems unreachable?

What small victory could you manage?

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7 Types Of Effective Communication And Why You Need To Know Them

By Royale on February 1, 2012 in Personal Growth, Relationships, Work

It’s not enough to know whom you are talking to, communicate, influence, and in the case of our children perhaps teach. If you want to be effective in your communication, you need to understand the best way to reach them. This has been proven time and time again.

This is the key to success, better relationships, and higher productivity at work. In fact, this strategy has been shown to lower stress by minimizing conflict and encourage camaraderie and teamwork, whether personal or professional.

Roosevelt and Churchill in conversation (Zorba the Geek) / CC BY-SA 2.0

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a customer, client, child, spouse, co-worker, or members of a board or committee. You must connect in the manner that resonates with them. It sounds difficult, but it really isn’t once you start practicing it.

Types of communication:

Informing – Some people just want the facts laid out for them. They pay attention to facts and figures, studies and other concrete data.

Analyzing – These people don’t want specific facts, but rather a summary. You need to offer an analysis and boil down the information or request in a meaningful matter.

Persuasive – This type of person wants to know what’s in it for them. Why should they agree to act in a certain way or perform a specific action? They must be convinced. Present your argument.

Mediating – Compromise, compromise. With these people, you have to be willing to give a little. They need to feel heard and respected. Find the common ground and find the solution that satisfies you both.

Emotional – This kind of communication is all about feelings. Knowing what is important and what touches these people is the key. Appeal to their emotions and connect on a compassionate and understanding level.

Entertaining – Wit, humor and levity influences these people. Serious facts are useless, be interesting and lighthearted when possible.

Inspiring – Offer motivation, inspiration, and big picture results. These people need to feel as though they are making a difference, some kind of impact.

The way to practice communication that is more effective requires that you improve your observation and listening skills. Pay attention to the people around you and be more interested in general. We could all use a little more of that.

What type of communicator are you? It helps to understand that too.

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Tackle the time Wasters!

By Royale on November 7, 2011 in Productivity, Time, To-Do

Image by openDemocracy via Flickr

Simple Steps

Weekly challenge: Tackle the time wasters!

Identify 5 time wasters that eat up your time, your focus or your energy.

Then choose one item to reduce or eliminate. (I know you’re ambitious, but making one change at a time yields the highest rate of success. You can build on that later.)

Care to share? What are your time wasters and which are you tackling this week?

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How to Salvage Even the Worst Day

By Royale on October 14, 2011 in Energy, Work

Image by cheriejoyful via Flickr

We’ve all had days when it seems like nothing gets done or everything conspires to get in our way.

It’s Ok. Really. Tomorrow is another day…Literally another chance to have a productive, meaningful day.

When you have limited energy, time and focus, just fall back to your “Good Enough” list.

My day is “good enough” when I:

Make my bed (This is huge for me…always make my bed first thing or my day falls apart.)
Write something…anything (This is my work and my passion…for you it might be different.)
Talk, hug and play with my children and husband.
Move a little bit – even walk or yoga for 10 minutes.
Do one thing of value (Might be a work task, phone call, email or one step forward on a project.)
Listen to someone and offer the most valuable gift of support and understanding.
Appreciate the beauty around me (For me it’s nature, photography, plants, pets.)
Expand my mind (Books and interesting conversation.)
Create order (Clean my space, organize my work, home or technology.)
Laugh (A chuckle can go a long way towards saving a horrible day. Better if you share it with friends.)

What do you do to salvage a bad day that has gotten derailed?

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How to Move Forward – Even if Your Team Won’t

By Royale on September 2, 2011 in Productivity, Work

Image via Wikipedia

Whenever you feel like you are stuck, at work or at home, at the mercy of others or fate, ask yourself these simple questions.

What can I do to solve the problem?

What is within my control?

What actions can I take without permission or input from others?

I can only control what is within my power. Often, especially when we are part of the team (or family) we feel hemmed in and held back by the actions or lack of actions on the part of others. But if we focus on what is actually in our control and what is within our ability, then we are able to move forward regardless of what those around us are doing – or are not doing (which is often the case.)