Simpleology Blog

Just today, two of my friends called me up to ask if I could be their New Resolution buddy. One wanted to quit smoking and the other wanted to lose weight. Before I could agree to or reject their request, I had to ask, "What does that mean?"

Operation Resolution
As a New Year Resolution buddy, I would be the guy they could call whenever they feel like they're about to fall off the wagon. You see, both my friends had tried making their respective resolutions for 2008. For one reason or another, they had both failed to make them stick.

"Look," I told them, "I can't commit to being your on-call New Year Resolution buddy. I support your efforts but I can't be your babysitter. One of my resolutions this year is to quit spreading myself too thin and I will break it if I sign up to help you keep your resolution. Besides, you would feel better if you manage to pull it off all by yourself."

Thankfully, my friends happily respected my decision. "Anyway," as one of them put it, "I bet there are many people with the same resolution who are also giving it another crack."

Timeless List
As it turns out, my friend knew the New Year Resolution crowd quite well.

A comparison of two New Year Resolutions surveys done by FranklinCovey Products shows that people are likely to make the same sort of resolutions. Could it be because they don't follow through on their good intentions?

Unfortunately, that, indeed, seems to be the case.

According to the survey's findings, forty-three percent of the 527 respondents say "they are not committed to the New Year's resolutions they set." The most popular reason for not being keen on making good on New Year resolutions was given by 25 percent of the respondents, who state "they have too many other things to do."

The survey further revealed that that more than 75 percent of respondents will break their New Year's resolutions within three months and almost one-third will break them by the end of January.

Good Intentions
Despite the daunting stats, people continue to make New Year resolutions year after year. (The practice is so popular that there's a site devoted to it.)

My theory is that people continue to see the start of the New Year as their chance to turn over a new leaf and start living a new and improved life. This aspect of the whole New Year resolution ritual is cool. I'm all for resolutions that aim for self-empowerment and self-improvement.

Then again, as the saying goes, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

Bottom line: Making New Year resolutions is great, but you have to commit to them. Otherwise, you'll just be going through the motions of making a resolution you have no intention of keeping every year. That certainly doesn't call for any New Year fireworks.

So, if you're making resolutions this year, make them stick. Though it may be hard to quit smoking (or any other vice) or start a fitness routine, keep in mind that you're doing it for your own good.

Want to know how you can make your resolution stick? For starters, you could sign up for Simpleology 101: The Simple Science of Getting What You Want and learn how you can use the Daily Time Praxis to live the life you want.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Posted by Bean Jones at 12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Did you know that the average American gains one pound to 1.5 pounds per year after age 25? Do the weight-gain math. That adds up to 10 to 15 pounds per decade--numbers which likewise signal the rising risk to your health. For instance, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are directly linked to obesity. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is essential.

To help you get fit and stay healthy, scope out the top five weight-gain culprits and find out how you can beat them:

1. Sedentary Style
Modern life keeps us from moving our bodies. Cars, long hours at the office, TV watching, as well as all other components of our lifestyle, make us fat.

The Antidote: Make a commitment to exercise 30 minutes everyday. Do something that you like (such as walking around the neighborhood) and make a routine out of it. If you're planning to start a more demanding fitness routine, make sure that you check with your doctor first.

2. Sleeplessness
Chronic sleep deprivation is bad for your health. It causes fatigue and throws off your internal body clock. This, in turn, causes you to overeat and inevitably gain weight.

The Antidote: Make sleep a top priority in your life. Shoot for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

3. Calorie Overload
Let's say that each day you take in 100 calories more than what your body burns. If you do this for 35 days straight, you will gain one pound. This happens easily, as most of us don't realize that constant calorie overload (no matter how "small") adds up to significant weight gain.

The Antidote: Don't fret! You won't be doomed to count calories. Instead, fill up on fruits, vegetables, and water prior to eating higher calorie foods. Don't let yourself get too hungry as this causes overeating. Remember to eat slowly and you'll eat less.

4. Chronic Stress
Stress is unavoidable. Poor reactions to excessive stress--such as overeating and resorting to fastfood fixes--cause you to gain weight.

The Antidote: Modify your automatic reaction to stress by meditating each day, taking periodic breaks, listening to music, and surrounding yourself with positive people and thoughts. Gorging on grease food won't do you any good.

5. Muscle Mass Loss
As we age, we slowly lose muscle mass. This gives way to weight gain because when you lose muscle mass, your metabolism also declines. This means your body's calorie needs will lessen. As such, if you don't modify your eating habits, you're sure to pack on the pounds.

The Antidote: To fight off the weight gain brought on by the loss of muscle mass, you have to build up your muscles. This doesn't mean you have to become a bodybuilder. But, in order to fight the effects of aging, you should do muscle bearing workouts at least two times per week. Try weightlifting or even yoga.

Follow these steps to maintain a healthy weight. No need to turn into a fiend whose life revolves around the weighing scale. Just go slow. Work on one step each week. Keep adding more and more healthy habits as you progress in your get-fit plan. Most of all, always be kind to yourself and enjoy the journey to total fitness!

Credits: Photo by Petr Kratochvil, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

The author writes about self-improvement topics such as health, personal-finance, goal-setting, and writing at Life Learning Today.

Suggested Resource: Want to find out what kind of food you need to eat so stay fit? Check out Simpleology 103: The Simple Science of Personal Energy to find out how you can eat your fill and still stay fit and energetic.

Posted by Kristin Stone at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A cautionary Christmas story. The 1996 comedy, Jingle All the Way, shows just how nutty parents can get when it comes to getting their kids the perfect present.

The holidays can get surreal.

Parents like me who are, of course, getting presents for their kids get pretty stressed out. This is when we lose our good sense and transform into fearsome creatures who make overworked shopping attendants weep.

In fact, I witnessed such an incident a couple of days before The Big Day. A frazzled mother of two (children in tow) gave a toy store cashier a piece of her mind. The woman yelled, "I just want my kids to be happy this Christmas!" (Thankfully, the pixie-faced lady who was the recipient of the tirade remained calm.)

I won't presume to know what Meltdown Woman was going through that day. But the fact that she seemed convinced her kids' happiness depended on her shopping trip bothered me.

Happiness should not be equated with shopping--at least not according to Dr. Christophe Andre, author of The Art of Happiness. His definition of happiness does not factor in material things. So, all those people (be it moms and dads or singles) who are in danger of losing sight of what the season is all about should try Andre's get-happy moves:

1. Accept all the whammies that life throws at you. You'll encounter setbacks: You'll be too late or make a mistake or say something stupid. As Andre says, "It's the rent you pay to live in the house of life." There's no point in being disappointed when things don't go your way. So, when you get irked at shopping attendants or cashiers, simply walk out of the shop to cool off. And, really, is it worth going berserk over stuff that's no longer available? Don't take it out on the shopping attendant when she tells you, "I'm sorry we've run out of Wolverine action figures."

2. Get your happiness fix and spread it any which way you can. There are more opportunities for happiness than you think. Embrace the moments. Pay attention to the people around you. Social ties are important for happiness. Shopping attendants and cashiers are people, too. Be polite to them. Be patient when they make mistakes. Also, don't forget to say, "Thank you." (This gesture is so powerful--so much so that it is one of the lessons learned at the Kaizen Club."

3. Don't ever pressure yourself to be perfect. "The ability to pause, mentally as well as in your actions, is important. Taking breaks is a prerequisite for experiencing happiness," says Andre. Don't put so much pressure on yourself to find that perfect gift ASAP. Gifts are great--but they're not the end-all and be-all of the season.

As you do these three moves, it's important that you make an effort to be inject optimism into your mindset. (For one, it'll come in handy when you have to outrun all the other parents and fight over the last action figure at the toy store.) "Optimism is an ingredient for happiness," explains Andre. "It gives you the power to try for happiness, and then when you get a little, you understand that trying to be optimistic was worth the trouble."

That sure would have been timely advice to Meltdown Woman.

Yes, presents will make kids happy. But I bet they'll have a grand Christmas with a mom or dad who's not in danger of having a meltdown for all the wrong reasons. Moreover, it may be a good idea to leave your kids at home when you're shopping during the peak of the mad holiday dash. Trust me, your kid will thank you for it. My six-year-old did. (I was crazy enough to take him with me when I did some last-minute shopping last year.)

Posted by Grace Cook at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'd like to share two quotes that I believe are important to keeping someone productive.

Ready? Good, here goes...

"Out of sight, out of mind is a productivity killer!"

and ...

Writer G. K. Chesterton said, "More often than not people need to be reminded, more than they need to be instructed."

With these quotes in mind, let me then share a few things that can keep you productive:

1. Keep your priorities straight. Write down the most important things and do them first! Remember that not every task that comes our way is created equal. While everything in its own way may be important--some tasks when completed give you a greater sense of accomplishment or reward.

Tip: Develop the habit of identifying tasks that if completed so that they're the first to get your attention each day.

2. Use lists. I'm a big proponent of keeping lists because they help remind you about what needs to be done. Keep these things in mind when you come up with your to-do list: include your most important items first, leave room for unexpected things, add time frames for when you will do something, and don't schedule things back to back with little or no time between them. Then, when you finish a task, mark it complete so that you'll get a sense of accomplishment to give you the boost you need to go through the other items on your list.

Tip: Don't panic if you don't accomplish every item on your list. Instead, at the end of the day, just place the items left behind on your to-do list for the next day.

3. Get a calendar. A calendar offers an easy "at a glance" view of upcoming events, whether they are today or in the near future. You can use a traditional paper calendar--such as a day planner that's small enough to carry with you. Or, if you prefer, you can opt for a desk calendar. I personally use a desk calendar as a "real world" backup, because my primary calendar solution is the Web-based Google Calendar. There is no shortage of software programs or other web based solutions to choose from.

Tip: With the Google Calendar, you will be able to create unique calendars within a larger calendar. You can have specialized "sub-calendars." For example, you can create one for personal use and one for work purposes. As you add new tasks you assign the particular "sub-calendar" to the task. One advantage to this is that while everything can be grouped on your calendar view, you can also easily view tasks by each calendar group. With a Web-based calendar, you could also have alerts sent to either your cell phone as a text message, or sent as an email to remind you of the events on your calendar.

4. Adopt a "Do it now!" attitude. Even the most well-laid plans get derailed when we don't get moving. It's not always because we don't want to do the tasks. At times, they just don't get done because other things come up and overwhelm us. The funny thing is when we simply do the thing we're neglecting, we find that it rarely takes anywhere near the time to do it that we may have originally thought it would. In any instances, we waste more time when we put off a task in order to wait for a more convenient time to do it. Isn't that ironic?

Tip: Keep in mind that becoming more productive is simply about doing what you know needs to be done as soon as possible, as well as using a few handy solutions and tools which will help you in your efforts.

For starters, these moves should help you get things done right through a more streamlined process that will give you more time to develop groundbreaking ideas. When that happens, then there's no doubt that you're on your way to the peak of your productivity.

Credits: Photo by Anna Cercova, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

The blogger is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. He focuses on topics related to motivation and human potential. You can visit him at Motivation Point.

Suggested Resource: You may also keep track of your tasks via the Daily Time Praxis, a productivity tool that's the core of Simpleology 101: The Simple Science of Getting What You Want.

Posted by Josh Hinds at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I've always gotten a kick out of popular science books--so I couldn't resist picking up London-based psychologist Dr. Claudia Hammond's Emotional Rollercoaster: A Journey Through the Science of Feelings.

Pure Emotions
In the book, Hammond examines nine powerful human emotions: joy, sadness, disgust, anger, fear, jealousy, love, hope, and guilt.

I must confess that I immediately turned to the chapter about guilt because I had read reviews highlighting Hammond's somewhat controversial stance on it.

And I wasn't disappointed. The segment was certainly thought-provoking.

Guilt So Good
Fortunately, controversy is not the only thing Hammond has to offer. She succeeds in making readers view guilt from a different perspective. Here are some of her assertions about guilt's benefits:

1. It keeps us from going over to the "dark side." "Guilt can push us to do the right thing," Hammond explains. As an example, she goes on to cite: "If you find a watch on the wash basin in a public loo, you'll probably wonder whether to take it or not. But then you may think about the feeling of guilt that will come to you each time you look at that watch." So, you either leave the watch in the hopes that the owner will come back for it or you take it and turn it over to the authorities.

2. It teaches us how to be truly sorry. "Guilt gives us information about ourselves and our behavior that we wouldn't have otherwise," explains Hammond. "If we've hurt the feelings of others, we would only know by feeling guilty about it, which causes us to say 'sorry.'"

3. It can help you come to terms with the past. "If you're always blaming yourself for things you did wrong, guilt won't bring you very far," says Hammond. "But in the right amount, at the right moment, guilt is not a wasted emotion at all. It is, in fact, very useful to bring people together and improve relationships." So, let's say you have a long-running feud with your brother. Your guilt over not giving him the benefit of the doubt could push you to reach out and try to see where he's coming from. If you're lucky, this move could pave the way for a stronger relationship--or, at the very least, a cordial one.

Trust Issue
Hammond further strengthens her argument by pointing out that we use guilt to identify the people we can trust. "We're more likely to trust a person if we know that [he or she] is capable of experiencing guilt. It shows that [he or she] has a conscience," she concludes.

Well, I don't know if everybody will agree with Hammond's insights. But I have to say that her argument has added to my knowledge about what makes people tick--be it when they're dealing with guilt or any other emotion.

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The most important question that an employee must ask is not "Am I earning enough?" or "When will I get a raise?" It's not "What's my job title?" or "Will I get a bigger bonus than the guy in the next cubicle?"

The most important question on the job is this: "Am I happy at work?"

Working Wounded
You spend most of your waking hours at work. In fact, it's likely that you spend more time at work than the total number of hours you spend with your family and friends.

Thus, hating your job is not just an inconvenience--it's a serious problem. It can cause stress and depression. It can make you sick. Ultimately, it can kill you.

The death certificate may say "cancer" or "coronary," but the real killers are the years of frustration in a horrible workplace.

On-the-Job High
And yet, a job can be a tremendous source of happiness. It can give you success--as well as professional and personal growth. It can let you contribute to something important. It can be a source of positive, meaningful relationships with both managers and co-workers. It can, in fact, be a hell of a lot of fun! And while this is hardly the norm today, it could be. In fact, where I'm from, it is.

In Denmark, where I live, employees fully expect to like their jobs. Few Danes put up with bad management, stress, overwork, bullying, or anything else that makes them unhappy at work.

Besides, most Scandinavian companies have a genuine commitment to their employees' well-being. They've practiced this worker-friendly policy for years. Unfortunately, there are companies in some other parts of the world who don't practice this philosophy.

This is why Danes--and Scandinavians in general--have the world's highest job satisfaction ratings. It's also one of the reasons why Scandinavian nations regularly top the lists of the happiest countries on the planet, both in life and at work.

Top Goals
What is your ultimate goal at work? Is it to make a million bucks? To make it to upper management? To turn your humble startup into a behemoth that outshines even Google? Or do you just want to make it through another work week without losing your sanity and your will to live?

Those are all worthy and noble goals, but none of them should be your first priority. Your ultimate goal in your work life, the lodestar that helps you choose direction should be something else and much, much simpler. It should be happiness at work.

Not only will this make your work life better it will also improve your happiness in life in general. And ironically, this attitude will make you more successful at work.

Smile Factor
Studies show that when you're happy at work, you're more productive, creative, motivated, and energetic. You learn new skills faster. You relate better to managers, co-workers and customers. You're a way better leader. If your job involves selling, you sell much more.

All of these combine to make you more successful.

Finding Happiness
And the really good news is that anyone can be happy at work. However, you may not find that happiness in the job you have right now. If your boss is a micromanaging fiend, your co-workers are always whining, and you get bored by the tasks assigned to you then you will probably never find happiness there. If that's the case, it may be best for you to find another job where you can be happy.

Otherwise, it's about realizing a simple truth: You job is not something that happens to you--it's your choice--and your happiness at work is your responsibility.

So ask yourself the most important question today: "Am I happy at work?" If your answer answer is "Yes"...fantastic. If it's "Heck, no!" or even "Not really..." then it's time that you do something about it.

Simply Sincere
What can you do? The simple things work best. You can praise co-workers who do great work. You can say a loud and cheerful good morning when you come in. Make sure to remember the good things that happen to you at work - not just the bad.

But, whatever happens, The important things is that you do something!

Credits: Image from Wikimedia Commons.

The author makes people happy at work. (He really, he does!) He speaks and consults in businesses all over the world--showing companies how to transform the workplace into a happy and profitable place. He is the author of Happy Hour is 9 to 5: A Practical Guide to Making Yourself and Others Happy at Work. Because loving what you do is just that damn important! He blogs at www.positivesharing.com.

Suggested Resource: Want to know more ways to get happy at work? Sign up for the Kaizen Club to learn heartwarming and empowering life lessons that can help you spread happiness at work or everywhere you go.

Posted by Alex Kjerulf at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With technology practically taking over the world, it's easy to get jaded about Christmas. But thank goodness for those who keep the Yuletide spirit alive--like the blogger named Santa Claus, who is the author of the Santa Claus Blog.

The year-round blog is definitely loaded with entries that are a joy to read. Written in the first person, it gives readers a glimpse of what kind of manager Santa Claus is and how he deals with the challenges of running North Pole, Inc. (NPI). There are even press releases about NPI. In fact, I got kick out of the one announcing the elves' return to work.

In addition to the authentic entries, the blog also features fun polls. The author's attention to detail is just awesome.

You have to read it to believe it.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

By the way, if you want your blog to be as fascinating as the Santa Claus Blog, check out the cool blogging tips in Simpleology's blogging course.

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The gift of laughter. Being able to share a laugh over the nuttiest things--like this "music video"--beats lavish presents.

While presents may be the order of the day in the thick of the Yuletide festivities, I still believe that one can celebrate Christmas minus the frills. It can't hurt if we all make an extra effort to cheer up the people around us. And, yes, there are many "priceless" ways to put a smile on people's faces.

Here are three ways to do it:

1. Laugh out loud. Researchers at the University College London are all for a good laugh. According to their findings, merely having someone give a good guffaw activates the region of the brain that also controls vocalization. In short, if you hear people laugh, it should prompt you to chuckle yourself. I guess there's something to be said about a famous quote which goes like this: "Laugh, and world laughs with you. Weep, and you weep alone."

2. Ditch money discussions. A study published in Science--a weekly international journal published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science--reveals that people who constantly have money on their minds "tend to be less social," as well as "reluctant to accept or lend a hand." Having money is not a bad thing--but becoming obsessed with it is. So, if you encounter someone who starts talking about bills right off the bat, change the topic ASAP.

3. Say, "Thank you." For one reason or another, a lot of people have forgotten this simple courtesy. This is unfortunate because expressing thanks has the power to lift moods instantly. In fact, it's such a powerful emotional booster that even lawyer Carolyn Elefant (who is most likely thrust in stressful situations as part of her job) wrote an article about it: "Say 'Thank You' Because You Mean It." This is precisely why the art of gratitude is highlighted in the Kaizen Club.

Hopefully, doing these three things during the Christmas season will help us appreciate life more--so much so that we'll go out of our way to spread good cheer all year round.

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Women often get a bad rap when it comes to money. In sitcoms, for instance, most of us are portrayed as shopping addicts who'll think nothing of maxing out our husbands' credit cards or scatterbrained spoiled brats who'll blow $400 on a pair of shoes but will forget to pay the rent.

To help erase these stereotypes, here are three books written by women for women who want to bring home the bacon (as opposed to just "cooking" or "eating" it):

Prince Charming Isn't Coming: How Women Get Smart About Money by Barbara Stanny In her delightfully empowering book, Stanny asserts that women don't need to wait around for a man in order to have financial security. Instead, she's all for genuine financial freedom. She asserts: "'Mr. Right' or 'Prince Charming' need not be a man, or even a person. Our 'prince' could be an ideal job, an insurance settlement, the lottery jackpot, or just an amorphous 'something'--anything that we fantasize will save us financially. To become genuinely smart with money, we must get to the point where we can say with total conviction, 'I can do it myself!'"

Rich Woman: A Book on Investing for Women by Kim Kiyosaki
Kiyosaki hits a home run for women with this book, as she shares tips on how they can take the reins on their finances and take it further by launching their own businesses or by making smart investments. "The problem is so many of us have not been educated about money and investing. This book is not about how to buy car insurance or save pennies at the grocery store. I think we women are a little smarter than that," she states. Enough said.

Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny by Suze Orman
Bent on dispelling the preconceived notions about females and money, Orman encourages women to be proactive with their finances. "The shifting roles of women at home and at work have dramatically changed where and how money interacts with a woman's life," she writes. "Yet what I see is that while women have established or expanded their roles and relationships, when it comes to navigating the financial ramifications of this new world, they are using old maps that don't get them where they really want and need to go."

Aside from reading these books, women who want to manage their finances like pros should also check out Simpleology 102: The Simple Science of Money. The course applies to anyone who wants to feel empowered by bringing home the bacon--and then some.

Posted by Grace Cook at 8:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There's nothing like good company to keep a blog as lively as possible.

Folks, welcome Simpleology's newest staff writer: Grace Cook!

She is, to borrow Mark's words when he introduced me, an "extremely switched-on" lady. (I hope you're cool with this description, too, Grace.)

With more of us in here, it will indeed be one merry Christmas and a very exciting New Year.

Welcome, Grace!

Posted by Bean Jones at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Workaholic Blues. Your mind shouldn't be "at work" all the time--or you'll end up like the overworked guy in this charming ad.

Productivity is a habit. The more you focus on the tools and methods that make you productive, the more they become a natural part of your workflow. Thus, I've listed the four habits you can develop to help you become more productive in every sense:

1. Break it all down. Break down your work into actionable, bite-size chunks. This will make everything easier and it will take you less time to do all your tasks. In effect, you will be more enthusiastic about working on the said tasks and, perhaps, effectively eliminate procrastination from your life. You will know this has become a habit when you come across day-to-day obstacles and you automatically think about how they can be broken down.

2. Practice the 80/20 rule. Being productive is not about doing everything. It's about doing things right. Implementing the 80/20 rule (otherwise known as the Pareto Principle) is the ideal starting point for this. In a nutshell, the rule asserts that "80 percent of your outcomes come from 20 percent of your inputs." Bottom line: There are tasks that require you to invest a little time (20 percent) so that you can reap the majority (80 percent) of your desired outputs. For example, in a five-day workweek, you spend one day preparing a report which will enable your company to make its presentation and, perhaps, snag a client. In this instance, the hours you put in to prepare a good report bring back significant returns for your company.

3. Be proactive. Being proactive involves taking matters into your own hands and looking for ways to enrich your life. Sticking to routines which don't work is hardly effective or constructive. If something is preventing you from being as productive as you can be, you have to find out what it is so you can improve--or maybe ditch it entirely. Whenever you face an obstacle in your life, you should immediately work to resolve it.

4. Create balance You don't have to be "on" all the time. In fact, trying to do work at all times will actually be detrimental to you, as this will lead to burnout. It's important to understand the need for balance in your life. If, for instance, you are not getting enough sleep then you will be too drained to work effectively. Likewise, if you spend more time sleeping at home, your work will pile up at the office. If you get the right balance you will be energized enough to perform at your best. You will know this has become a habit when you can comfortably relax on the sofa and watch a film without feeling guilty about not thinking about work for a few hours.

The blogger is an aspiring book author who covers productivity, organization, and self improvement with an heavy focus on practical, actionable advice. You can check out more of his posts at Organize IT (or alternatively subscribe to the RSS feed).

Suggested Resource: To find out just how productive you can be with these practices, sign up for Simpleology 101: The Simple Science of Getting What You Want. Use the Daily Time Praxis to assess your progress and get more tips on how you accomplish so much more at work and at home--without getting burned out.

Posted by James Mallinson at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

When we asked, "What is the most critical element of your business?" we were stoked by your answers.

We got a lot of different--and brilliant--ones but there was only one person who got the exact answer: "Traffic!"

Congratulations, Deidre!

As our top respondent, You'll be getting full access to our exciting Word of Mouth Transformation (WOMT) course.

We've also picked two runners-up...

Angelo, who said that "the most critical element to any business is referrals" and Rebecka who said that "without customers, you have no business."

They, too, will be getting full access to the WOMT course.

Have a Merry WOMT Christmas, guys!

Please get in touch with the Simpleology Support Center so you can claim your prize.

Posted by Bean Jones at 3:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you haven't read the last few posts, scroll down and start with the one titled "Why Being Predictable Is a Good Thing." Then, this post will make a lot more sense.

Let me ask you this...

Are you a sprinter or a marathoner?

Either way, I think you'll agree that you can't use the same strategy to win both races.

For example, imagine a marathon runner trying to win the 100-meter dash by "pacing" themselves during this ultra fast 10-second race. It doesn't work, does it?

Likewise, a sprinter trying to win a marathon would never be able to maintain their 100-meter pace because they would "lose steam" well before the finish line.

So how does this relate to your business?

Well, like running, in business you have to choose a strategy based on the type of "race" you are planning to run.

Let me explain...

Short term promotions are like a sprint. They generate a quick burst of cash flow but in order to sustain that momentum, you've got to do it again and again.

This can be dangerous because both you and your customers can get burnt out very quickly and the promotions become less and less effective.

Likewise, if you are looking to grow your business every year, you need to be more strategic and methodical by adopting strategies that build lasting momentum.

In some of our earlier posts this month we established that predictable systems serve as a great foundation for which to build a business.

Then, when you add systems built around the most critical ingredient to any business--Traffic--you have a winning formula for success.

But all of this can be taken to a much higher level when you focus on building predictable systems around the most effective form of traffic which is Inspired Word of Mouth.

See, Inspired Word of Mouth is a natural process that only comes from making gradual and steady improvement to what Mark calls The 4 W.O.M.K.A.I.s.

That may sound technical, but it's not. When you hear it, it will all seem so simple. Everything will make sense.

More about The 4 WOMKAIs in a moment.

First, let's talk about "gradual and steady."

Every decision you make in your business has to be in line with your overall objective. If that objective includes long-term success, then doesn't it make sense to do something on a daily basis to reach that goal?

For example, exercising for an hour isn't going to make you instantly fit.

But exercising for an hour each day will get you in shape.

But what small exercises can you do on a daily basis that would lead to your company being in the best financial shape it's been in?

Well, you now have the unique opportunity to follow a fellow Simpleology student whose company was already generating $1,499,384. However, they made a commitment to implement The 4 WOMKAI's each week and a year later they more than doubled their revenue to $3,474,343.

Think of this like following someone as they get in the best shape of their life. So what is the secret to their success?

They made simple daily changes built around The 4 WOMKAIs. To see what those changes were, click here.

Credits: Photo by Anna Cercova, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

Posted by Bean Jones at 4:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Before we dig into our next post, I recommend that you read the last two blog posts. That way this one will make a lot more sense.

First, we talked about how uncertainty can hold you back and that the best way to conquer this is with a predictable system.

Next, we discussed the most critical element to any business: traffic. Even if you don't do any marketing whatsoever, as long as people are visiting your website or store, you have a chance to make a sale.

Then again, we said that not all traffic is equal. There are some forms of traffic that bring you a lot more people who are a lot more targeted. These are the people who are truly excited about you and/or your products.

Would you like to know what that source of traffic is?

Before I tell you, let me cite once again one of our Simpleology students who focused on using this one form of traffic every week last year.

Sales Revenue 12 Months Preceding: $1,499,384.00 Sales Revenue 12 Months After: $3,474,343.83

These numbers say a lot.

It's fair to say that the entire increase may not be due to this one method but it certainly played a large role.

You see, most business owners make marketing too hard. And when marketing is hard, it becomes painful, tiresome, and unpredictable.

Have you ever felt that way?

There is a much easier way to do it!

In fact, this simpler way will allow you to ...

• Build a base of loyal fans who steadily and surely bring more and more business to your door.
• Make slow, gradual, almost effortless improvements that will not only consistently increase your sales, but will also make running your business easier and easier.

Unfortunately, even though most entrepreneurs know about this tried-and-tested way, they don't actually know how to use it.

And even the people who use it don't exactly know their way around it. In fact, very few of them use it in a predictable way to produce gradual, consistent and reliable results.

The amazing part about what I'm going to share is that it isn't difficult to implement. It's something anyone can do--no matter what kind of budget they're on. All it takes is knowing what small gradual changes to make and then coming up with a clear plan for implementing them.

Business only becomes hard when you keep doing stuff that doesn't work.

It's all pretty simple...

If you do stuff that gets results, you'll keep doing it. (Of course!)

If you do stuff that doesn't give results, you'll get frustrated and quit. (Naturally!)

So what is this ultra effective traffic-generating method?

What I'm referring to is Positive Word of Mouth Marketing.

This comes from a customer's spontaneous desire to tell someone about your product. They tell people because they love your product so much they want others to know about it.

You're probably saying to yourself, "Hey, I already knew that!" But let me ask you this killer question...

Do you know how to implement Positive Word of Mouth Marketing practices on a regular and consistent basis?

You see, if you know how to go about Positive Word of Mouth Marketing, people will often completely bypass the sales process and go right to the order.

Think about it. Have you ever experienced a situation where a friend or family member told you about something and you just went and purchased it based on their recommendation?

They were so enthusiastic about the product, sharing with you all the benefits that they've gained from it. As such, even before you went to the store or website, you already knew you were going to buy the very same product, too.

But did you notice something about what I mentioned above...

When your friend told you about this product, they weren't compensated for it. After all, they genuinely liked the product and just eagerly told you about it.

This is different from Incentivized Word of Mouth Marketing (which isn't nearly as effective). This is Inspired Word of Mouth Marketing.

The exciting part about this is you can actually have more control over the process. All you have to do is implement some small, uncomplicated changes over a gradual period of time to take your business from "getting by" to "booming."

That's all there is to it.

Next, we'll explore how to design a very simple plan to start implementing these gradual changes. I will tell you upfront, this will be a unique experience if you decide to participate because you'll be able to follow the Simpleology student I mentioned above, week by week, as he makes these changes in his business.

You'll see exactly how he went from sales revenue of $1,499,384.00 to sales revenue of $3,474,343.83. You'll also see the exact plan he used so that you can do the same in your business.

It's going to be a blast so stay tuned!

Credits: Photo by Vojko Kalan, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

Posted by Bean Jones at 9:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Traffic Tactic. Sandwich giant Subway brings out the big guns by tapping Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps to entice "hungry" buyers.

If you haven't read the two previous posts, scroll down to take a look. Check out the answers submitted for the contest. They will really open your mind.

OK, so the question was, "What is the most critical element of your business?"

We got a lot of different--and brilliant--answers but there was only one person who hit the nail right on the head for the contest. (Congratulations, Deidre!)

The most critical element to any business is...

Let me explain with a story about my blog post-inspiring food run.

A few days ago, I decided to grab a bite at a sandwich shop just around the corner from my place. I had planned to do some solo brainstorming for what I was going to blog about while I munched on a chicken sandwich. Then again, since there were just a few people in the shop, I ended up talking to the salt-and-pepper-haired man behind the counter--who also happened to be the owner.

It didn't take long before we started discussing business. That's when I asked him, "What do you do to get people into your store?"

"Not much really. We just hope the people walking by will decide to come in," he replied.

At first, I didn't really know how to respond but then I asked him another question: "What if it's a rainy day?"

He answered, "Business is always slow when the weather is bad. But isn't that the case for everyone?"

I think he must have guessed my answer to his question just by the look on my face. I had my baffled-nosy-customer look: I had one eyebrow raised and I was mouthing a silent "What!?!" The sandwich shop owner merely shook his head and chuckled.

Anyway, it was then that I decided to share with him The Most Critical Element to Any Business.

You see, this critical element applies for all kinds of business--whether it's based online or it's an actual establishment. It's the same for all businesses--be it a chain of supermarkets or a little sandwich shop.

Bottom line: If you don't have anyone visiting your website or dropping by your store, you'll never be able to sell any products. You need TRAFFIC!!!

In our previous post, many of you mentioned things like cash flow, persistence, communication, market research, and so on.

Make no mistake about it, all these things are important.

However, it all starts with traffic.

If people don't see or hear about what you have, absolutely no business will ever be done.

Granted, once they see your product, a whole new set of forces will influence the sale. But, it all starts with traffic.

So if my new friend the sandwich shop owner decides to be proactive in his marketing, he should look for a number of ways to spread the word about his sandwiches. He would give people more reasons to visit his shop over and over again.

The problem is, too many business owners don't realize the importance of proactively generating a consistent stream of traffic. As such, their business is dependent on "hope."

They hope people will come into the store--even on a rainy day.

They hope these people will buy their products.

They hope that their customers will tell their friends and family.

And they continue to "hope" that they'll achieve all their business goals and dreams.

Now, I know you aren't in this category. I'm also pretty sure that you don't want to fall into it. That's why it's important for us to develop a plan that utilizes proven success strategies.

You see, one of the things that we know for sure is that even though traffic is the most critical element for any business, not all traffic is equal.

For example, people who have a craving for a tasty sandwich are much more likely to buy than those who are just casually walking by. And the people with the craving are even more likely to buy if it's lunchtime, when they haven't eaten yet and they've heard that you have, say, $1.00 off their favorite sandwich.

So what's the most effective way to consistently generate a bunch of "hungry" buyers?

Let me share this with you...

One of our students at Simpleology made a commitment to really focus on using this one method over the last 12 months.

Take a look at what happened...

Sales Revenue 12 Months Preceding: $1,499,384.00
Sales Revenue 12 Months After: $3,474,343.83

These numbers speak for themselves.

Now, of course, there were some other contributing factors to his success. Then again, he was consistently doing this one crucial thing week after week and, as a result, his business grew and grew.

Just who is this Simpleology student and how exactly did make his business grow so fast? You'll know all the fascinating details soon enough.

In my next post, I'll tell you all about what he did and discuss how you yourself can use it to build a solid base of happy customers that are eager to buy from you again and again.

Stay tuned!

Posted by Bean Jones at 2:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

The suspense will kill you. Uncertainty fuels actions films like Casino Royale (2006). But, in real life, it's bad for business.

In a minute, I'll be announcing the start of a contest where three people will get the chance to win a copy of "an extremely powerful system" that will guarantee customer loyalty as well as bring in a steady stream of new customers and clients.

But before we get to that, let me put you in suspense for a bit.

Get Real
As I stated in my previous post, I'm all for predictability. Never mind if it's not the least bit exciting. After all, while uncertainty is the root of the thrill factor in action movies, it sucks in real life.

When we are confused, we don't transform into action heroes who can make nifty weapons out of paper clips. Instead, we become paralyzed. We start to second-guess every move we make. Indeed, if paper clips are within reach during such times, we'd likely be chewing on them.

Can you relate?

Fresh Obstacles
I know I can. I remember when I first set out to be a freelance wordsmith. For starters, I had to look for projects and, in a way, fight to get writing assignments. Then, when I found them, I had to wait for my check to come in. It was torturous because back then I didn't know if I would have money coming in to pay my bills. After all, my income was anything but predictable.

But, looking back, the more serious challenge I faced was creating a steady demand for my services. Heck, all I had going for me was my bravado. I didn't really have any "marketing system" in place and it always felt like I was scrambling from one project to the next.

I endured the gut-wrenching ordeal of wondering whether I'd end up moving back home-- especially when a project was coming to a close and there wasn't another one to prepare for.

Common Ground
However, when I talked to other "freelancers"--an artist, a woman who had opened a flower shop, and a lawyer who had gone into private practice--I found out that I wasn't alone. This kind of uncertainty is everywhere--especially when you don't have a solid system for marketing your services.

I know, I know. The word "system" (like the word, "predictable") isn't cool.

But, yes, it is critical. As soon as I implemented the right system, I knew with absolute certainty when and where I could get new clients. That was when I started to relax a bit and stopped doubting if I could survive on what I earned as a freelance writer.

All in Place
You see, the more systems and procedures you have in place, the more freedom you have. Systems create predictable outcomes, and predictable outcomes create peace of mind (not to mention enough cash to pay the bills and set aside for rainy days).

Plus, with a solid system, you will have the freedom to, say, take a month-long vacation if you want to.

Why?

Because you've got systems in place to generate business while you are gone and systems for handling that new business--all without it needing any input from you.

Sounds liberating doesn't it?

Trust me, it is.

Delayed Reactions
But here's why so many people get tripped up. They're not clear on where to start. They don't know what they need to create systems for and more importantly, which ones are most critical to their success.

And once someone gets buried in the day-to-day of running of a business or the constant search for projects, they never seem to "find the time" to identify the most critical areas of their business and then build systems around them. It's a common situation and it prevents a lot of people from becoming a massive success.

Critical Element
So to continue this discussion, let me ask you a question...

What is the most critical element of your business?

Before you leave your answer, I'll give you three hints:

1. Without "this" your business would be a guaranteed failure.

2. Every business (no matter what niche or market) depends on "this."

3. Creating a system around "this" will always create an endless stream of new business.

The Rules
Make your guess by starting the sentence with:

"The most critical element to any business is..."

Keep in mind that you must start your guess with the sentence outlined above along with a brief description of why you think it's the most critical element to any business. (Example: "The most critical element to any business is patience because it'll help you stick to your guns even when things don't go your way.")

When you submit your answer you'll be immediately entered into a draw to win one of our most popular Simpleology courses which outlines this critical system. The first person to guess it correctly will win a copy and then we'll select two random winners.

Posted by Bean Jones at 9:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (189) | TrackBacks (0)

The best things in life are the things you can count on. This old FedEx ad proves that, yes, predictability can be an asset.

Like Clockwork
As I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate predictability. I appreciate it when my building superintendent comes to inspect stuff every Thursday. I appreciate the courier coming on time whenever I have things picked up. I appreciate my mother calling to check if I'm alive and eating well on Mondays. (Even though I tell her not to do it anymore.)

Then it hit me...

I'm part of a very predictable system myself.

Simply Predictable
You see, the reason why Simpleology works so well is because it's predictable. The process has been proven over and over again which is why people trust the methodology. And since we've earned their trust, they follow the steps accordingly and they achieve tremendous clarity and momentum in their lives.

But the moment someone's environment becomes uncertain, confusion enters the picture and begins to shred through any focus or clarity that one may have.

This is particularly true for someone starting their own business or somebody doing freelance work. There are a lot of factors that influence hundreds or even thousands of tiny decisions that are made everyday which have an immediate effect on the bottom line.

The Next Best Thing
But what if you could eliminate the noise and bring the same kind of intense focus to your business?

Every decision would be centered and in line with the direction you are headed. You wouldn't be distracted by the next "latest thing" and you could have peace of mind that every step you take is towards a more profitable relationship with your customers and clients.

During the next few days we'll explore this powerful force and if you can master it, your profitability will certainly increase. Goodness knows we all need some certainty in an uncertain world.

Meanwhile, if you have not taken Simpleology 102, sign up for it and at least give it a rapid run through before you start this next one. It will give you a decided edge.

Posted by Bean Jones at 5:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

But how many of you soon saw that hope dwindle into frustration? How many of you (and be honest now) started muttering things like:

• "It seems to work for other people, but I just can't get it right."


• "I'm frustrated that sometimes I can get it to work, but sometimes I can't. What's the trick?"


• "Why am I having so much trouble?"


• "I think the universe is against me."


• "I'm trying very, VERY hard but still nothing is happening!"

Don't worry, you're not alone. About 97% of people also couldn't make the Law of Attraction work for them the first time round. Think about it, just like anything else, you have to practice many times before you see success. A child doesn't learn to walk without falling over a couple of times, right?

But in practice, everything is easier said and done. When you're frustrated, it's hard to stay positive. And it's especially harder to stay positive when the evidence all around you is screams negativity like the unstable economy or senseless acts of violence such as those recently seen in Mumbai.

And do you know what happens when you fail to stay positive? That's right! You start attracting negative things in to your life.

So how can you make the Law of Attraction work for you--without getting frustrated? How do those who successfully implement the Law of Attraction do it with such confidence and finesse?

Well, here's three quick tips so you will never feel frustrated or tired of begging from the universe, because you know how to start manifesting like a pro.

1. Allow yourself to receive.

Just like a lost child who approaches a police officer and asks, "Excuse me Sir, can you tell me how to go to the post office? Can you? Can you? Can you? Can you? Can you?" Well, if the child goes on and on asking, the police officer can't even give an answer, right?

Well, it's the same thing with your mind. If the only thing your mind is doing is transmit, transmit, transmit, the universe--which is trying to respond--can't give you a single thing because you're not allowing yourself to receive!

So, have the confidence in yourself and stop exhausting yourself by running around person to person begging for riches, and then wondering why nobody is dropping a penny in your cup. (Hint: It's because you're running away too fast for them before they can even reach for their wallets).

Just think of your desires and leave it out there, go away, and trust that your cup will be filled with gold coins (or whatever it is you asked for) when the time is right.

2. Be patient with yourself.

Receiving takes time.

Sadly, many people give up just a couple of steps before the finish line because they've decided that if it's not working by now, it's never going to work at all. Worse still are those who throw in more and more energy because they think that with more resources, the results will come faster.

This is like expecting 9 mothers to conceive and deliver a baby in 1 month. You also can't bake cookies in half the time by doubling the temperature. You'll incinerate those cookies to ashes!

In simple terms: Everything in this world has a natural development time, and this fact will not change no matter what resources you throw at it.

So relax and be patient. Remember that you too, as part of the universe, are also governed by the laws of the universe, and you cannot change the natural development time.

If you remember this, you will less likely work yourself up into frustration, or worse, push yourself into a downward spiral of negativity.

3. Support and educate yourself.

Like the child who is learning how to walk, you need support. You also need guidance on how to do it, and the role models to look up to.

Many people give up because they think that "The Secret" is the "be all and end all" solution. Well, it's NOT. "The Secret" is just a small portion. It was never intended, and has never been, the whole answer.

Coming to the conclusion that the Law of Attraction doesn't work when all you ever did to educate yourself was watch "The Secret" 19 times (without looking at changing the habits of other areas of your life) is like coming to the conclusion that exercising is not an effective way to lose weight because all you did is run on the treadmill for 2 hours a day (but you're still stuffing yourself with fried foods and cheesecakes).

So seek and be hungry for new knowledge. Also, make an effort to be amongst people or communities where you can support each other, learn from each other and also share new knowledge that you have found.

While the Law of Attraction is not an overnight delivery service, it will indeed deliver, if you do your part too!

Credits: Photo by Petr Kratochvil, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

The author is a self-made successful entrepreneur, established blogger and personal development enthusiast whose mission is to help more people learn how to achieve their life dreams by applying the Law of Attraction correctly.

Posted by Brian Wong at 4:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (21) | TrackBacks (0)

Going Overboard
Case in point: a 2006 survey done by LivingWithBadCredit.com, reveals that 67 percent of people who signed up for store credit cards during the holidays that year were still paying off their debts until August the following year.

Likewise, a recent Gallup poll revealed that Americans will spend, on average, $616 this holiday shopping season. The figure is said to be "the lowest in Gallup's 10-year history" of tracking the spending habits of Americans during the holidays. Though $616 is still a pretty big amount, it is a vast improvement from our average Christmas spending in 2007, which was estimated at $866.

Even so, it's evident that we still have a lot to learn when it comes to being wise with money during the holidays.

Thrift Shop
To make sure that we don't get into a tight financial fix this Yuletide season, here are five tips that will help keep our spending in check:

1. Make a realistic list. Make a list of people you want to give gifts to and write down how much you can afford to spend on each person. People often get high on the holiday cheer and start buying extravagant gifts that are worth several months of rent money. So, if you can only spend, say $40, for your sister's gift then don't go overboard. It's really the thought that counts. Besides, people who love you will appreciate your presence whether or not you are giving them presents.

2. Don't card it. In his article "Tips on Saving Money at Christmas," Ben Minor advises: "Do away with Christmas cards. If you take into consideration the amount of cards you'll send out this year then you'll quickly realize that it can be costly. Instead of cards, send out postcards or personalized letters. [You could also go for] e-cards."

3. Go green. Aside from recycling Christmas ornaments, you can make your Yuletide celebrations more eco-friendly if you reuse wrapping paper from gifts you've received or the Comics pages of old newspapers.

4. Get crafty. Minor explains: "Instead of purchasing a $50 gift basket, you can buy $10 worth of goodies and assemble it yourself." This tip inspired me to put together Christmas loot bags for my little nephews, nieces, and my friends' kids. I'll buy an assortment of funky animal-shaped cookies or candies and then place a bunch of them in a colorful bag. I plan to spend $10 for each bag.

5. Use cash. Don't give in to the temptation of using your credit card to shop for presents. Use cash to buy presents and remember to shop within your means so you won't be saddled with a heavy debt that you'll be struggling to pay for months.

The Real Gift
These five tips aren't rocket science, so following them should be easy. This way, you make sure that you give yourself a great Christmas gift: a debt-free New Year.

We should all realize that though Christmas is the season to be jolly, it certainly shouldn't be the season where we all spend like crazy.

For more advice on how you can curb your spending and tips on saving money all year round, check out Simpleology 102: The Simple Science of Money.

Credits: Photo by Petr Kratochvil, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

Posted by Bean Jones at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Distress Alert. This clip from the movie Office Space (1999) shows how toxic the workplace atmosphere can get if employees get "stressed out" the wrong way.

Do you feel tired and stressed throughout each work day? Take heart. You are not alone.

Stressed Out
Unfortunately, stress is always going to be a part of our lives. We all go through it. In fact, the only people who are not stressed are those who are no longer alive.

Then again, stress isn't all that bad...as long as it's the right kind.

Different Strokes
There are actually two different types of stress: distress and eustress.

Distress is the negative type of stress. It happens when less-than-ideal situations arise and you feel like you want to crawl under a rock and never come out.

Eustress, on the other hand, is the type of stress that makes you feel good. This happens when you feel exhilarated or have an adrenaline rush because of something positive that you've experienced, such as going on a roller coaster ride or getting through a crucial presentation.

Doing Good
Here are some tips that you can use to decrease the "distress" in your life:

1. Delegate. This does not mean that you're passing on the buck to someone else. You're just making sure that you are taking care of the most urgent tasks. So, if you're in danger of spreading yourself too thin at the office, ask some of your colleagues who have a few minutes to spare to help you out with tasks like alphabetizing files or photocopying some documents. (Tip: Don't forget to return the favor in the future when they're the ones with their hands full.)

2. Take a break. No, don't have a Kit Kat. (Well, unless you really want to). Taking five-minute breaks from time to time can really help recharge your mind. Go out for a short walk and see how much better you will feel when you get back to your desk.

3. Create a realistic to-do list. This one is so important. Having a to-do list will help you figure out what you need to get done. You can prioritize your tasks as needed, create goals, as well as break down larger tasks into manageable chunks. This will help you achieve your goal faster.

4. Don't rush. Take the time to make sure you've dotted your I's and crossed your T's. Rushing through your work will only create mistakes and you will end up doing the same task twice.

5. Just say "No!" If you feel that you are overwhelmed with work, tell the person who's giving you the extra task/s that your plate is already quite full. Make it clear that you would either have to say no to the added tasks being sent your way or you could delegate one of your other tasks to another person so you could prioritize the latest task/s being given to you.

6. Take a vacation. You'd be baffled by the fact that many people don't take advantage of their earned vacation days. The North American lifestyle can be very hectic, as opposed to the European mentality, where workers get a minimum of five weeks off each year. So, when it's time for you to take time out for some well-deserved rest and relaxation you have to enjoy it. All work and no play will just turn you into a burned out mess.

Time Out
So remember, make sure you take some time for yourself. Otherwise, you will end up going from eustress to distress. And you certainly don't want that. Because if that happens you'll just be a hindrance--rather than a contributor--to office productivity.

The author--who has been an administrative assistant for many years--shares his extensive knowledge of organization and tries to keep up with the latest office trends in his blog, The Professional Assistant.

Suggested Resource: Keep track of how much eu-stressing contributes to your productivity by doing the Daily Time Praxis from Simpleology 101: The Simple Science of Getting What You Want.

Posted by Richard Rinyai at 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

With all the energy drinks out in the market, we sometimes forget that the best energizer and thirst quencher is good old H2O. As John Gordon--energy coach and author of The 10-Minute Energy Solution--states, "Water is the ultimate energy drink."

To make sure that you stay hydrated and always energized throughout the day, check out Gordon's tips:

1. Drink before you munch. If barely two hours have passed since your last full meal and you already feel the need to nibble on something, drink a glass of water first. We often mistake the body's thirst alerts for hunger pangs.

2. Keep on sipping. Drink a cup of water when you first wake up in the morning to replenish the water your body used up while you were sleeping. Then, all throughout the day, keep sipping water. This is so you never reach the point when you're so thirsty that you end up downing several glasses in one go. Doing so will only make you feel bloated. Just how much water should you drink? The Institute of Medicine--as cited in a CNN article--advises that men consume roughly three liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume a little over two liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day. (Ideally, the said beverages shouldn't come in the form of processed drinks.)

3. Make it clear. As much as possible, drink water instead of soda, juices, or energy drinks. If you have to down energy drinks, make sure that you don't overdo it. Keep in mind that all processed drinks contain sugar. If you find yourself craving for some flavor, you're better off squeezing some lemon juice and stirring in a teaspoon of honey into a glass of water.

If you want to up the ante on your get-fit plan, sign up for Simpleology 103: The Simple Science of Personal Energy to get all the information you need on the kinds of food that will keep you energized for life.

Credits: Photo by Jorge Barrios, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Posted by Bean Jones at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

If you think you understand what "time management" is all about, then you're making a big mistake. Time is simply one of those things that just cannot be "managed."

Panic Attacks
Yet, we've all had that awful feeling of regret when we think that we're "wasting time" or "not using my time wisely."

In these instances--be it at home or at work--we usually scramble to catch up. Of course, we just end up making a mess out of everything because we let our obsession with time management get the best of us.

Habit Management
Instead of trying to manage time, we'd all be much better off focusing on something else that we can manage.

Instead of trying to beat the clock all the time, we should concentrate on performing our tasks efficiently. Simply put: We should concentrate on task management instead of time management.

Core Knowledge
In the long run, only those who have refined their task management practices can achieve above-average levels of productivity. In order to get on the right track right now, you have to master these seven core practices:

1. Capturing. This involves entering new items that you need to do into a specific place or places in your system called capture points--which could range from a simple (and realistic) to-do list on a notepad to detailed correspondence sent to your email.

2. Emptying. This involves clearing out your capture points at defined moments in the day. For instance, you can schedule checking and answering your email just twice a day, spending strictly one hour at each time.

3. Tossing. In the course of Emptying, you can also trash the items that are not relevant to you. Don't get attached to the clutter or it will overwhelm you before you know it.

4. Storing. Also in the process of Emptying, you can put away or segregate necessary information such as your address book or separate email folders. Don't succumb to procrastination or you'll end up wasting time looking for the information you need later on.

5. Acting Now. If there are urgent concerns that come up while you are Emptying, you should prioritize them and take immediate action. But, keep in mind that not everything is an emergency. So, make sure that your priorities are straight. There's nothing worse than dropping all your other tasks to attend to one that won't do you any good.

6. Scheduling. Be mindful about updating your calendar when Emptying. Schedules usually get lost in the shuffle.

7. Listing. Refresh your task list as you are Emptying. The fact that you're done for the day is a good thing--but it also means that new tasks will be taking their place.

Practice Sessions
Understanding these practices is the first and primary step to maximizing the time you have. You just have to commit to improving your execution of the said practices. And, yes, you have to be consistent at all times if you want some peace of mind at the end of each day.

If you manage your tasks well, then time (or the lack thereof) will cease to be an issue.

Credits: Photo from Cuckoo Clocks.

The author owns a Florida-based management consulting firm. Visit him at his website, 2Time: Time Management 2.0.

Suggested Resource: Can't seem to find time to do everything you need to do? Use the Daily Time Praxis in Simpleology 101: The Simple Science of Getting What You Want.

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