Tag Archives | surroundings

Create a Life Plan in 30 Minutes or Less…and Why You Need to

By on January 2, 2012 in Happiness, Life Balance, Mood, Personal Growth, Questions, Work

Do you have a life plan? If not, it’s time to think about creating one. We are not talking about some 20 page research paper with charts and graphs and maps. Just a general snapshot of where you are right now in all the areas that matter and where you’d like to go in the future.

This should take no more than 30 minutes. This is your life we’re talking about…you can find 30 minutes. And if you can’t …we need to talk, you and I.

How would you rate your life on a scale of 1 – 10? – Are you satisfied with that rating? What would you be satisfied with?

Write a brief description of the current state of your life. – Health, relationships, work, finances, spiritual or emotional well-being, community, etc. Whatever is going on. Just briefly jot it down.

What makes you happy? – There must be some good things, some things that bring you joy and make you laugh.

What are the drains on your energy and happiness? – What people, situations or behaviors are your kryptonite? We all have these things (or someones) that suck the life out of us like vampires draining our life force.

What isn’t working in your life? - These are the obstacles to living a satisfied life of fulfillment…Do you need to lose weight, be more organized, find a different job, end or change a relationship, manage your stress better or maybe just learn to laugh again.

Now describe your ideal life. - I’m not talking about a commercial for the “Rich and Famous,” some Hollywood fairy tale. I’m talking about what kind of life would truly make you happy to get out of bed in the morning. What would you be doing? Who would you be with? How would you be feeling?

What do you need to do to get that life?  – What needs to happen for you to get from point A to point B? Again, not a detailed outline of actions for the next 20 years, just some general goals to work toward, a few habits to adopt or a change in attitude or surroundings to adopt.

Something to think about…Why? Why do you want whatever it is that you want? What do you really want to accomplish in this life? What kind of person do you want to be? What do you want to be remembered for?

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10 Ways to Make Change Work for You

By on October 10, 2011 in Energy, Habits, Health, To-Do

Change is not the enemy. In fact it can be the best friend you never knew you had.

From time to time it’s beneficial to shake things up and get out of a rut, even if you think that rut is working for you! You’d be surprised at what a measurable difference a small change in routine, environment or process can make. Change can be a valuable success and happiness tool if you learn to make it work for you instead of avoiding it at all costs.

Commit this week to making just one change in the way you live and work.

10 Change Suggestions to get you started:

  • Rearrange your furniture in your office or a room at home – Especially if you work from home (I recently moved my desk so that I was no longer facing the wall and immediately found I was happier and more productive.)
  • Change the colors that surround you – Colors have been scientifically proven to affect mood and creativity (you don’t have to paint your walls…new curtains, a throw pillow, flowering plant or an inexpensive wall hanging can work.)
  • Wear something different – Buy something completely different from your usual wardrobe, even a new tie or scarf will work or wear favorite clothing in a new combination.
  • Shift your normal routine – Do you always get groceries or go to the bank on the same day? Do you always check your email first? How about when you take breaks and lunch? Shake it up and see how it works (you can always go back.)
  • Try out a new commuting activity – If you normally talk on your mobile phone or listen to the news, how about listening to an audio book instead or try a silent commute (might be uncomfortable for some, but I find the silence to be great opportunity to mull over creative ideas.)
  • Expand your social circle – Eat lunch with someone different, invite a colleague or acquaintance for coffee, ask a neighbor to dinner ( you never know where you will find your next friend mentor or business contact.)
  • Swap activities – Do yoga at lunch instead of sitting in the lunch room, try Zumba instead of the treadmill, Pilates in place of yoga or biking instead of your usual morning run (altering your exercise routine not only keeps it more interesting, but also is more effective at improving your fitness and health.)
  • Eat a different meal – If you always have a bagel or muffin for breakfast, try having eggs or yogurt and fruit instead (the extra protein will increase you alertness and energy level.)
  • Examine one firmly entrenched process and see if you can tweak or overhaul it (well established processes and equipment that may have worked quite well at one time, may not be the most effective method now.)
  • How about changing your attitude or behavior – Gulp! This is the toughest, but by far the most effective change strategy (If you notice that you complain or criticize often, try remaining silent when the urge strikes.  Or if you’re always late, make it a priority to be on time for a week and see how it feels.)
Most importantly…Smile…It changes everything.

Question everything, move forward, enjoy the journey.

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Overwhelmed? Stuck? Stressed? Try This Simple Strategy

By on June 17, 2011 in Stress

We all feel overwhelmed occasionally…some of us more than others. And by us…I mean me, though it probably applies to many of my readers as well.

It’s the new way of life on the 21st century isn’t it?

I’m not going to tell you that I can cure the insidious attacks of overwhelm and manic busyness that we so often fall victim to. I would however like to share a very simple strategy that has worked for me…at least it works when I remember to use it.

You can use this strategy any time you feel stuck, stressed or unable to focus, have thoughts swirling round and round in your head or just can’t figure where to start or what to do next.

Trust me. It works. And it’s very easy.

I call it one of my Sanity Savers!

STOP

Step 1: Stop!  - Stop whatever you are doing; a few minutes won’t kill you. This stops the spiral.

Step 2: Take a breath – Just take one minute to take a few deep breaths. You can count to 10 if you wish (or use affirmations or mantras if that works for you.) I just breathe slowly in, hold it for a few seconds and breathe out. Repeat a few times. Simple. This lowers your stress and calms the mind. You think and act better with a calmer mind.

Step 3: Order – Briefly use just a few minutes to bring order to your “zone.” Only your immediate zone and only a few minutes. This is not the time to organize your whole house or office or even the entire room. Just look at what’s right around you and tidy it up. Do not sort through all of your piles, or scrub your kitchen sink. Just put away what you don’t need and straighten what’s left; this may be the top of your desk, your kitchen counter, your bed, your work table or even your car if you’re driving. Clearing your space focuses your mind.

 

Step 4: Pick – Choose one thing to do next. Just one. It can be a phone call, an email, a chore at home, a project you’re working on. It really doesn’t matter what you choose. Now that you’ve regrouped, calmed your mind and cleared your space it’s easier to move forward. One step at a time.

It’s that simple, though it’s not always easy.

Remember…Life moves ahead one thought, one breath and one action at a time.

Do you have other techniques to share? What works for you?

 

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You Never Know What You Might See if Your Eyes are Open

By on May 27, 2011 in Life Balance, Personal Growth
Balloon soaring

Image by RoyaleScuderi via Flickr

The most important lessons often come when you least expect them.

This past weekend I awoke very early on a Sunday morning for absolutely no reason at all…maybe. One can argue that there is a reason for everything if you look hard enough. The spring is still chilly in central NY where I live, but since for once it wasn’t raining so I decided to brave the front porch with my coffee. And I am so glad I did!

Shortly after I settled in to talk with my husband (who is an annoyingly chipper early riser by nature,) I spotted a brightly colored hot air balloon in the distance. It seemed to be floating over my little city, not in a hurry, just gently making its way north. I looked for a moment, and then turned back to my conversation.

When I looked up a few moments later it was almost directly over my house. At which point I sprinted for my camera, breathlessly returning in the nick of time to capture the magnificent sight. The occupants of the balloon waved as I frantically snapped photos, most likely marveling at the crazy woman with the camera. And then quickly it was over and the balloon glided away.

What is my point you ask. Well, I honestly do have one. Really.

If I hadn’t taken the opportunity to go outside and savor the early morning, I would have missed this moment. If we hadn’t looked up at that precise time, we would have missed this moment. If the winds hadn’t shifted to change the course of the balloon it would have remained nothing more than a dot on the horizon …and I would have missed this moment.

The lesson?

Keep your eyes open and be aware of what is going on around you. We often have our heads down and get so caught up in what we are doing that we miss opportunities that slip right by without our notice.

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Do We Even Know How to Saunter Anymore?

By on March 23, 2011 in Habits, Health, Personal Growth, Stress

Generally I am lucky to barely even glance at the word of the day as I peruse my feeds, gadgets and daily morning intake of information. Today however, I was struck by the sheer audacity of the word. Saunter.

Saunter (verb) Walk leisurely and with no apparent aim.

Synonyms: stroll

Usage: The teacher watched his students saunter back into the school building after lunch, apparently in no hurry to get to class on time.

Yeah right… When was the last time you saw anyone saunter? Do we dare? Do we even know what that means anymore? This life, this world we live in, this culture of busyness we are immersed in does not allow for sauntering anywhere. Not at home, not in public, certainly not in the workplace.

Our children have never learned to stroll, as adults we never slow our pace, even the elderly retired folks I know seem to be in a hurry on their evening strolls. What has happened to us?

Perhaps we can’t return our lives to the slower, less stress-laden pace of yesteryear, but could we at least try it once in awhile?

This week, saunter somewhere, anywhere, just to show you can.

I dare you!

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People Are the Key to Successful Branding

By on February 21, 2011 in Uncategorized

On a recent college visit to SUNY Delhi with our daughter we were struck by the visible difference in the attitude and demeanor of this institution from the last few that we have perused. From the young lady at the information desk, to the professors in the Architecture department, to the student guide who was fun and engaging, everyone seemed to enjoy their jobs.

My first thought was to dismiss this as something the school demands as part of it’s marketing to prospective students and their parents. But no, that’s not it. As we continued our tour we saw custodians, building laborers, campus security and other faculty all greet our student by name with a smile. They waved to us and called out a greeting. I was very puzzled at this point, still quite frankly in pessimistic disbelief. These people cannot be this content at their jobs.

Our last stop was the cafeteria where I had the most pleasant encounter with one of the lunch ladies. Let’s face it, this is not a notoriously well paid, fulfilling career for most. Quite honestly I never expected to be greeted with a smile, let alone a very enjoyable chat while she was efficiently doing her job. As we departed she smiled and waved and wished us a pleasant day. I was just floored. Maybe I shouldn’t be, but these types of employee encounters are so rare…

What is the point of all of this? Well, there are several.

Revenue – My daughter will most likely choose this college in large part because of that very atmosphere.

Company culture – These “behind the scenes” employees convey the tone and philosophy of the entire “company” better than any “frontline” workers ever could.

Branding – Reputation is everything. This institution by its very way of conducting business with its students has set itself apart from other institutions and carved a niche within the educational market as an “engaged, positive facility with a community feel.”

This is quite an accomplishment both from a business perspective and a consumer perspective. Whether one of my children attends or not, you can be certain that I will give a glowing referral to anyone who asks about potential colleges.

Cheers to SUNY Delhi for superior branding… even if it is an unintentional by-product of employee satisfaction.

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How to Stay Positive in the Office

By on February 16, 2011 in Goals, Mood, Relationships, Work

*Please note – This is a guest post from James Adams

Every weekday morning you get up, you drive to your job, you sit at your desk or in your cubicle, and then you go home and do it all over again. The process can become monotonous, boring, and a real drag. Since you likely spend nearly a third of your life at work, you want to learn to be happier there. In order to achieve that happiness, it is important to project a positive attitude. In fact, according to livestrong.com, employees with a positive attitude can boost customer satisfaction, have more energy, and even feel a greater sense of purpose. Consider these ten tips about how to stay positive in the office as a way to a happier and healthier life.

  1. Appreciate to be appreciated: It is often said that you reap what you sow. It is easier to have a positive attitude when you are appreciated by those around you. Show that appreciation to others and you will soon see it returned by them.
  2. Avoid brewing negativity: The break room, the smoking circle outside, or anyplace that people may sit around and talk about all the negative aspects of the job are bad for your positive attitude. A big part of staying positive is simply avoiding negativity. Likewise, it is important to keep your own negative talk in check. Don’t be a complainer; complainers don’t have positive attitudes.
  3. Create small, tangible, attainable goals: when you reach a reasonable goal, you create a situation to feel good about. String together a series of successes and your attitude will undoubtedly be a positive one. Even the smallest successes can help, so be generous with yourself and make a lot of goals that can be reached. Make sure your goals are tangible or at least measurable – it is easier to be positive when you know you reached the goal and can see it in front of you.
  4. Find ways to have fun: whether it is a harmless little work prank, a quip that brings a smile to a colleague’s face or friendly competition in the sales room, having fun can help to create a positive environment for everyone involved. Finding fun in the work place is a great way to stay positive at work, but also a good way to spread that positive attitude.
  5. Improve yourself as a professional: seek out professional development. Whether it is through classes, a seminar, or attending a conference. Developing yourself as a professional will give you the confidence necessary for success at your job. As you feel more confident and competent in your job, you will feel more positive.
  6. Be a spin-doctor: One great way to maintain a positive attitude at work is to always look for the positive. When something doesn’t go your way at work, look for the silver lining. Be the one who spins the tough break in a positive way. Your attitude will improve and others will notice.
  7. Learn: when something bad happens, learn from it. When someone else in the office has a success, ask them how they did it. As you learn how to be a better employee, your attitude will be more positive. Confidence breeds positive attitudes.
  8. Show perseverance: You know what they say – if at first you don’t succeed… But it really is a great way to create a positive attitude. By trying and trying again until you overcome the tough obstacle can do wonders for your attitude. Nothing can ruin your attitude more than giving up, but there are few things that will give you the boost that overcoming adversity can.
  9. Get organized: By knowing where things are, what has to be done, and when you have to be where, you feel like there is purpose in your work. Start with to-do lists, cleaning out that messy file drawer in your desk, or simply getting rid of the coffee rings on your desk. By creating some level of order around you, you will just feel better. Feeling good is the root of a positive attitude.
  10. Be inclusive with success: when you have a success or when your team achieves an important goal, be generous with your praise of others. By creating more positive attitudes, you are developing fertile soil in which to grow your own positive attitude.

Work can take a toll on anyone. However, finding a positive attitude in your office is a great way to relieve the stress and, at the same time, improve your productivity. By implementing some of these ideas into your work day, you can improve your focus and cultivate that important positive attitude.

This is a guest post from James Adams, one of a team of writers at CartridgeSave where he reviews the latest ink cartridges for printers.

If you’d like to contribute a guest post, please contact me via the website contact form.

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Environment Has Huge Impact on Happiness and Productivity

By on February 9, 2011 in Work

home officeYour environment is a crucial piece to increasing productivity. Whether it’s in a traditional office, a home office or even an area used for “home” projects (kitchen, garage, workroom, etc.) it needs to support your particular requirements. That is not being indulgent or selfish, that is wise and knowing what will help you be happiest and perform your best. the conditions with which you surround yourself have a huge impact. Simple changes can have big pay-offs.

Do you have:

  • Good equipment – comfortable chair, good desk or table, quality tools(pens, computer, knives, etc.)
  • Sufficient lighting – natural and/or artificial
  • Adequate airflow & temperature – window, ventilation, heat, air-conditioning or fan
  • Appropriate atmosphere – music, scents and decor that energize and help focus you

fishTake into consideration your work style, physical preferences and personality. I prefer to work alone, at home, in a well lit, warm room, surrounded by plants, pets and pictures. You may flourish in the midst of energy and movement. You may prefer a more sparse atmosphere that doesn’t remind you of home.

You decide.

And feel free to experiment. Try something different until it feels right.

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Housekeeping Routines: How to Improve Your Routine

By on January 6, 2011 in Life Balance

From time to time I like to feature guest posts by other contributors. If you’re interested in guest posting on this blog please contact me. James has some tips for helping you organize your space.

Housekeeping Routines: How to Improve Your Routine

Keeping your home clean, tidy and organized is a task that most people put off for another day, which is only serves to make cleaning up even more time-consuming when you finally do bite the bullet. It doesn’t need to be that way. With an optimized routine when you know exactly what to do, where to do it and when, you can turn an unwieldy and stressful chore into a lightweight point cheerfully ticked off your to do list.

  1. Tackle one room or area at a time. If your schedule is already hectic, the idea of cleaning the whole house from top to bottom is likely to send you into a panic. However, you do not have to feel this way as long as you break it down into digestible parts. For instance, one day of the week you could handle the kitchen, then the next day scrub down at least one bathroom, and so on. In this way it is easier to get things done, and you will not need to rush just to finish and move on.
  2. Keep the house free of clutter – Do not let a pile of magazines overcome your coffee table, and avoid letting the children leave their toys all over the yard. When the time comes to clean you are only adding extra work; after all, you cannot wipe the coffee table if it is covered in personal possessions. Put things away when you are not using them. If something is old and you do not even look at or wear it anymore, toss it or give it away. Should the item prove to be worth something, there is nothing wrong with selling it to bring in a little extra money. This not only helps speed up the cleaning process, but you will feel more at ease with less mess to deal with.
  3. Get the whole family involved in the house cleaning process – Assign the children to vacuuming and emptying the dishwasher on certain days of the week. Have the spouse wash the windows and take out the trash when needed. The more people that are involved with the routine, the easier it will be to get it all done.
  4. Keep a calendar of chores that need to be completed – Choose a place in the home where it will be displayed; a wall in the kitchen, your room, or next to the front door is all good locations. It does not really matter what you go with, as long as it is in plain sight and hard to overlook. By keeping track of what needs to get done, you are less likely to forget something, leading to a lot more cleaning than you anticipated or wanted.
  5. Do certain chores at certain times of the year – In the winter season, known for its chilly weather and onslaught of snow, it would be unreasonable to leave rugs outside to dry. Removing leaves and debris from the pool is not critical. Nobody would expect you to clean out the garage during such weather, either. These housekeeping routines are not absolutely necessary, and can wait for warmer weather. By taking these chores off the list, you will be able to tackle what matters the most, rather than focusing on things outside of the months where they are appropriate. Keep in mind that some things can and should be done all year.
  6. Do not ignore the hidden issues – In other words, though you may have wiped away the food stains in the kitchen, you may not have completely removed the germs from the area. Be sure to add disinfectant wipes and other cleaning solutions to your shopping list; when you make sure that your home is clean when it comes to both visible and invisible issues, it will become a safer place. For a house with children, this is something that will be especially prevalent. It does not take too long to do, however, and can make all the difference in the world.
  7. Clean for only a few minutes a day – On top of taking care of one room at a time, another way to help prevent the feeling of panic is by spending only a few to fifteen minutes on each project. Should you attempt to clean for longer, you may become tired, and thus not want to do it anymore. Then the next day you are liable to be lazy about it, believing that it is not worth the work involved. Unless it is an emergency, such as an unexpected guest coming for a visit, excess cleaning should be avoided. Take it slow, and do not act is if you are being graded on the results. As long as you do your best, that is all that matters.

This is a guest post from James, a full time writer for Spares Next Day who specialize in hoover bags for vacuum cleaners.

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The Newest Addition

By on November 12, 2010 in Personal Growth

Sometimes I get lonely in my home office, so I have been thinking about getting a fish for some time now. I had to get past, pets are for kids, we already have two dogs and a hamster and it’s another responsibility. Just last month I was talking to a couple of women I know and I offhandedly mentioned that I would like to have a fish in my office to look at, talk to and help me relax. One of the women, whom I’ll call Kay, very simply said to me, “and so you should have a fish.”

I didn’t really give this conversation much thought until this week when I was once again thinking about how much I would like my “office companion fish.” I heard her words in my head “giving me permission” to have something I would like. I wondered why I would need permission, why do I hesitate to fulfill my wants? I haven’t figured out why this happens, but I do know that Kay gave me a little nudge I needed to have something I desired.

What things do you long for, but deny yourself because you “need permission?” I’m not talking about extravagant budget-breaking expenditures, I’m talking about often small things that your very soul desires, that you refuse for no real reason. I give you permission and in Kay’s simple words, “and so you should…”

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