Your best just got better

Productivity...what's it mean to me?

The other day, I was on a nature tour of an estuary here in Homer, Alaska. During the tour, the Volunteer Guide (thanks again, Abe!) showed us the Fireweed plant, and talked about how it is one of the first plants to grow after a fire passes through the landscape.

It just so happens that earlier that morning, I was writing about productivity: What it means to me, and why I think it's important.

Every day, our clients get up and in one way or another, "go to work." From the research analyst at one of the investment banks we work with to the retired senior executive now traveling the United States learning about our big country...Everyone makes a "promise" about what they are going to do that day.

Being productive, simply stated, is "doing what you said you would, in the time you promised." That definition has been my own guiding principle since getting into the game, back in October, 1997. That was the first time I attended a "live seminar" dealing with productivity and time management as learned behaviors.

I often look back on that seminar (Called "Managing Actions and Projects," lead by David Allen, the author of the book Getting Things Done) as one of the many stepping stones that got me on the track of personal and professional development. Since then, I've attended dozens of 1-3 day courses, listened to scores of audio programs, read hundreds of books and articles, and I've presented over 700 live seminars myself under the banner of "Productivity Training."

Now-a-days, the work I do daily has its roots in the one-on-one consulting work that keeps both Jodi and I busy on three continents as well as engages us to write, record and promote our ideas about business and business development.

Like a hillside can count on Fireweed to grow after a seemingly devastating event like a wildfire, I want people to know that in a world of overwhelm and stress there is an opportunity "just on the other side" that can be learned, practiced and enjoyed. Productively speaking: You CAN do everything you said you'd do, in the time you promised!

What "one question" can you ask to connect with those around you?

Are you staying connected this summer?

Recently, Joe and I talked about waiting for the scheduled trip or vacation getaway to get connected eaves families with significant gap in their ability to stay connected during the summer months.

Look for conversations and activities that will keep your family connected on a daily basis. Try this, ask each person in your family the following question each morning, “What are you excited about today?” Heading into the day with something exciting on your mind paves the way for a follow up discussion when everyone comes together later in the day.

Set...A...Bigger...Goal!

If you've never accomplished something a little bigger than you...

'Tis the season...Triathlon season that is! This year, I plan to complete 6 triathlons, another half dozen running races, and one bike ride from Marin County back to Ojai, CA (let me know if you're in...We always get a group together for the 4 day journey!).

There are at least three "-tions" you will experience when you set a goal a little bit bigger than yourself...Innovation, Inspiration, Information...

Innovation: Setting a goal, by very nature of you thinking about something you don't yet have, or have not yet experienced, gives you the opportunity to "think outside the box." For years now, I have practiced goal setting in all sorts of places other than my office desk. You see, if I am in a bookstore, on a train, sitting in a conference room of a hotel, or in a movie just 10-15 minutes after it just ended...I'll have different thoughts about what I want to be, do and have.

Try it out...Grab a pen and a notebook and go sit on a bench, go to lunch at a "fancy" restaurant, or simply sit on the floor. Then, on the top of the paper write down, "In the next 6 months I would like to be, do and have..."

Inspiration: Now, be careful, because if you really do this activity with full intention, you're going to write down more than you can actually do in the next 180 days. So, the real trick is to turn potential into action...To turn opportunity into focus...To turn overwhelm into intention.

Inspiration is a special effect...Just think about the first time you saw the movie Star Wars (ok, I was only 5 when it came out, and I remember the lasers and light sabers were simply out of this world!). Inspiration is something that resides inside that needs some outlet, needs some action to match so that what we think about...We do.

Information: And, what pulls (and holds!) it all together is gathering, processing, and sort the information we will use to continue our momentum. Whether digital (audio/video presentations, e-mail, PDFs, etc) or physical (books, magazine articles, mentors, etc) the information you have around you will play a significant role in getting you from here...To there.

Here's a hint: Write down a 7-9 month goal on a 3X5 note card and tape it to your bathroom mirror. Each morning, wake up and write down AT LEAST one resource (person, building, book, author, website, etc) you could look into that would move you toward completion.

• Want a quick start? Go to the bookstore, and subscribe to at least 2 magazines about the topic you are inspired to take on. Just think, if each magazine only had 2 articles that were relevant, in the next 12 months you would be 48 times smarter in your area of interest!

Whether in work, or sport, family or play, set a goal a "little bit" bigger than yourself and see how the BIG 3 [Innovation. Inspiration. Information.] come together for you!

Get your head in the game...

Does perception stop you from taking action? What four words do you see here?

opportunityisnowhere

I read recently that the U.S. President Lincoln once said: “People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

Over the next month, “make up your mind” to change your perceptions and see more. Here are four words to consider:



Opportunity is now here.

Who is on your dream team? (Part 1)

CREATE YOUR DREAM TEAM
You have probably heard the saying “garbage in, garbage out.”

Apparently, it’s not as simple as that. First of all, it’s not garbage in, garbage out; it’s really “Garbage in, garbage stays. “ (Thanks to Nido Qubain for sharing that with me!)

In fact, those people we spend the most time with contribute to our mental outlooks. Therefore, it’s important to engage with the kind of people you want to influence you on both practical and subtle levels.

Surround yourself with other people who inspire you, design new realities, and seem to do the impossible. They may be entrepreneurs, educators, or artists – people inside or outside your profession. You may have someone in mind already, someone who inspires “awe” each time they respond to the simple question, “What’s new with you?”

ACTIVITY:
Get out a sheet of paper and write the first names that come to mind:

· List of 10 people you look up to and admire.

· List of 10 people you would like to spend an extra hour with sometime in this month.

· List (gasp) 10 people you would like to spend less time with.

You don’t HAVE to do anything about these 30 people, but at least you’ve started to objectify who is already on your team (and who, potentially, might need to be “cut” from the team!).

It is not selfish to say...

...the most important person in my network is me.




Are you looking forward to building, maintaining and enhancing your network and relationships this year? If so, be sure you are taking care of yourself. Looking out for number one, I have learned, is not all about being selfish. There are many reasons to take excellent care of you...So you can take excellent care of others!



1) When you're well-rested, you're a bit more patient, kind and understanding with yourself and others.

2) When you're well-nourished, you're a bit more focused, present and productive.

3) When you get to win, you're enthusiastic, inspired, and ready to take on bigger and even more important projects.

4) When you are acknowledged by others, you get that feeling of empowerment and exhilaration of a job well done.

Looking out for and taking care of me is the most selfless thing I can do in a relationship in a network with other people.



It's not until I feel an abundance, an overflow, an ability to maintain control, that I can experience and enjoy what I currently have.



That I can turn to those that I know in love and give of the extra to them. We all know it's not possible to put more water in a full cup. But, we can start by sharing some of what we have. The more we give, the more room we have to receive. Right now in your network, there's someone who is need...and, that someone might be you!

I am at my best when (a picture to go along with our newsletter this week!)

If you subscribe to our newsletter, look for this week's issue to outline a strategy for being at "your best."

If you're not subscribed, quick, go to our website and enter your address! Sign up for our free E-mail newsletter, "Solutions for the Speed of Life."



Here is a picture to go along with our upcoming newsletter:

Four things that make for a more effective day

Over the past decade or so of studying time management, personal productivity and workplace efficiency, I’ve learned there are at least four things that make for a more effective day.

Understanding that "change" is what we deal with, and maximizing (1) processes and (2) systems to more efficiently get things done IS a way to gain an advantage over our work.

We could easily get all-consumed by what we have to deal with: We need to understand (3) theories and (4) practices of the psychology of work to most effectively engage with our work and our lives.

How much energy do you have? How much do you need?

Fill up, and go further...faster!

You probably wouldn't drive a car more than a few miles (or kilometers) with an empty tank of gas, right?

Well, I have a quick question...how full is your tank of "energy?" Think about it, you've got two areas to consider:

1) Mental Energy: Are you informed and inspired today?
2) Physical Energy: Are you rested and ready for the rest of today?

Get Fit at Home - London Personal Trainers

Last fall I was in London, and after a run one afternoon I thought, "I wonder if there are any running clubs I could join while visiting London." Well, a little webs-searching led me to this site:

Link: London Personal Trainers And Coaches Bring The Gym To Your Home.

Personal Trainers Who Still Make House Calls!

Bring fitness, health and happiness into your own home. ... let our trained, qualified and experienced personal trainers create the perfect fitness programme for you and work with you to achieve that dream body.

I haven't met with anyone from this organization, but the e-mails we exchanged led me to believe they are professional, courteous and knowledgeable. Maybe when I'm back in April (this week went so fast!) I will get a chance to meet up with them.