Your best just got better

Are you focused?

For more, click this link: Michael's Thoughts - then scroll down through the Daily Report, and see the section on Productivity. He writes about new things almost every day...

A while back, I read this one:

Clear intentions for right now ... Have a clear goal and proposed end time, and shut out unnecessary distractions until you're done.

How to get a "good idea" into the system for later review

So, when was the last time you wrote something on a large white board, a flip chart or (!) a restaurant placemat? Here is one way I get those ideas to resurface where I can use them.

Do you attend meetings, travel often, or write notes anywhere you can? If so, subscribe to the newsletter because this week I'll send you two other great ways to make it easier to get notes and ideas back to the office - where you can actually DO something about them!

There's an Africa you don't hear about...

Wow, am I inspired...

Some 10 years ago (!), as a high school teacher, I had the opportunity to "teach African culture" for 4 weeks. yes, in front of over 35 sophmores, as part of their "World Cultures" curriculum, I put together some lessons, activities, mini-lectures and readings using what I had at the time. Oh, if only I knew about TED then! Here's something I hope every high school student has access to...and, if you know someone who's interested in what's going on that's exciting, inspiring, changing...forward this along to them!

(Just Email the link to this blog entry to someone you know!)

What's it take to break a habit? I mean, make a habit?

Just finishing an amazing day here in Ojai, CA. As the month of may draws to a close (ok, is it surprising to anyone else that it's almost June!!! ... of 2007!!!) I'm sitting with a thought...

"If not now, when?"

Are you looking to change the way things get done? Are you looking to change the results you're experiencing? Are you ...

Rachel Carson - thank you...

Happy (early) Birthday, Rachel Carson... She would have turned 100 on the 27th (of May).

I first "met" Ms. Carson as an undergraduate student at the University of California. While studying California history, I focused my research on the environmental and natural issues the state has faced for the past 150+ years. Reading Silent Spring was an inspiring and disturbing process...one that set me on a path of interest that continues to this day.

The journey reading that book created a life of interest and follow-through. And, it's no longer solely focused on the environmental and natural aspects of life...

The art of the "Thank You" - it makes all the difference!

Well, last Monday (May 21st, 2007) we experienced a GREAT success. Over 20 people met in San Francisco for a presentation on Workplace Performance strategies. For 2.5 hours, I shared tips, tools and behaviors to enhance personal and professional performance. Several not-for-profit representatives spent some time together in the conference room of the Sports Basement near Crissy Field in San Francisco. (The announcement made such sites as CraigsList as well as the MindJet blog!)

It was a great morning, but the day got even BETTER when I received this note later that afternoon:

Hey Jason,
I just wanted to drop you a line and say thank you again.  I admire you so much for dedicating your time and energy today to come and speak to our small group.  I'm sure your accustomed to speaking to 2,000+ such as BP '08 and other great events, which is what made today so special for us. 

We learned so much from you, I just hope that you learned as much from us, as we did from you. 

You seem like such a great guy who has high standards for yourself, works hard, and is committed to always taking life to the next level.

Thanks again and keep up the hard work!

Chris S.

Where do you want to be in 6 months?

WOW! I just read Nathan's newsletter (to sign up, just send him an e-mail) about 6-month goal achievement. As a result of reading this article, I've already starting using the "process" to get started on some longer-term ideas. Here is the current issue (for more info, see his site...):

May is almost over, and the summer is almost in full swing. Before long, summer will turn to fall, school will start back up again, and then the holidays are right around the corner.

Does it seem like 2007 is zipping by to anyone besides just me? In less than 6 months we will be entering in, if not already in, our holiday schedule. Seems like now is a great time to start getting some small things done to make the end of the year a success!

The strategy behind "Hope"

I received this in my inbox this morning, and wanted to share. (I subscribe to The Futurist, and as a member I read all sorts of things that inform and motivate me to take action.)

As a result of this short article, I've re-arranged my day today. I'm going to get some things done in an effort to spread hope around to some of the people I've met and worked with recently. Read on...

THE STRATEGIC VALUE OF HOPE

Two aspects of "hope"--confidence in one's ability and the
determination to succeed--are powerful predictors of performance in
teams, but determination may play a more important role in success,
according to University of Arkansas education researcher Kathleen
Collins.

Parents of Teens: What to do this summer?

After another article published for parents of the Central California communities, my pal Joe Bruzzese and I are guests on a TeleClass this June 1st. Below...the info, and click here to sign up!

When we were young, we looked forward to summer as a time to "do nothing." Interestingly enough, our doing "nothing" filled our days with games, adventures, and coming home late-r for dinner. Now, teens are inundated with opportunity. Parents, meanwhile, are working feverishly to manage schedules, events, sports-practices, and...oh yeah, family time!

Join professional educators Joe Bruzzese and Jason Womack as they discuss managing multiple summer priorities.

In this TeleClass, you hear about:

#1 Identifying your teen's interest(s). Learn some practical ways to match the things your teen seems to spend the most time doing with local/community activities.

#2 Fostering independence and responsibility. There are more things than "getting a job" that your teen can do to learn to be responsible.

#3 Creating opportunities. By focusing on the concept of a summer "break" (time off to do something else), parents and teens can create before-unknown opportunities.

#4 Family Get-Togethers. Using family time, about once a week, to celebrate success and "dwell on the wins."


If you feel like screaming when you think about what to do with your teens during summer, you don't want to miss this TeleClass!

Work/Life Balance in the press

My colleague and fellow blogger Cindy Goodman (of the Miami Herald) added some ideas from my recent newsletter to her blog. I read through some of her other entries, and found some great ideas...consider taking just a few moments and finding something that might help your workplace performance and efficiency.