It seems like everywhere you go, you hear the same message. I don't have enough time, I need more time, I'd love to exercise more, play more, __________ more (fill in the missing word) but I just don't have the time.
Here are a few of my favourite time-savers. If you have any more to share with me (and your fellow readers), please post them in the comments section below.
1. Do your grocery shopping when the stores are empty
I've started doing our weekly shop on Friday nights at 6.30. My favourite Pick & Pay closes at 7pm so the store is not very full and all of us shoppers are in "accomplish" mode so not a lot of browsing and so on. We're armed with our lists and get on with the job. I've saved at least an hour from doing the weekly shop on Saturdays like I used to do.
2. Whenever you cook, cook double
I cook at least double of everything for the nights when I have coaching appointments or consultations in the evenings. It then takes just a few minutes to defrost in the microwave and saves me about 30 minutes (you guys know I don't believe in spending a lot of time in the kitchen anyway, unless it's to organise something : ). You can freeze individual portions of just about anything - soup, rice, casseroles, etc.
3. When you return home from the shops, cut all your vegetables immediately.
Yes, it will take a bit of time, but it saves you time during the week when you're busy. Remember, you can spend some time every night getting out all your chopping boards, knives, etc. AND cleaning it afterwards, or you can do it once a week. I vote for once a week. Do the same for your meat and chicken if you separate it out for different meals.
4. Set up a menu plan for the week
I mentioned this point last month with regard to saving money, but the best part of it for me is that it saves me time. You don't have the indecision every night of opening that fridge or cupboard and wondering what to cook. It's already decided. Try it and see - you won't look back. You can download a free menu planner off my website.
5. Choose your clothes in the evening
This is another underestimated time saver. When you choose your clothes in the evening, you can see if your shoes need to be cleaned, if all the buttons on your shirt are still intact, and so on. Then in the morning, and if you're like me, you need all the help you can get just to get out of bed, you're set to go.
6. Pack your lunch in the evening
Not only does this save time, but it also helps you to remember everything. I have a little cooler bag that I use to pack my lunch while supper is cooking (or defrosting). I pack my sandwich, cereal, yoghurt, my cup-a-soup and my two fruits.
7. Use TV time for other mindless tasks
I understand that TV is relaxation time but this works for me. I exercise with weights, wrap gifts, pack my bag, update my diary, sew buttons, go through my old magazines, etc, etc. all while watching TV. The list goes on and on. At least at the end of a show, I feel like I've accomplished something instead of just being a couch potato.
8. Tape TV programmes and watch them on video later
I'm a HUGE Dr. Phil fan and I tape the programme every day. If I had to sit and watch the programme live (well, first of all, it's right in the middle of the day) it would take an hour, or to be more precise, 58 minutes. Because I tape it and fast forward through all the ads, it takes only 43 minutes. The reality TV shows like Survivor, Amazing Race and The Apprentice are usually only about 37 minutes long. Just goes to show how they plug all the shows with ad breaks.
9. Batch routine tasks
Keep all your filing together so that you file 5 things at once. Make all your telephone calls at the same time. Write out all greeting cards for the month at one time. And wrap all the gifts at one time too - yes, in front of the TV!
10. Automate as much as you can
This is what I'm trying to do with the business more and more, like automating this newsletter, so I can focus more time on my core genius. For example, I use the AutoText function in Microsoft Word extensively for all emails I write a lot, like questions on my coaching and workshops, my e-signature, etc.
I'm actually also busy compiling these into a FAQ page which I'll upload to the website soon. I read a great tip in an online newsletter recently. Whenever you comment on a blog, make it meaningful and use the same wording as a post on your own blog. I did this with my spending fast post on the blog.
By the way, I'm going to discuss lots more of these types of productivity-type tips at the Spring into Organising workshop.
Bonus tip - say no to things you don't want to do.
That's all I'm going to say because this is the topic for next month's newsletter!
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it:
Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular "Take charge of your life" monthly ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.organiseyourbusiness.com/
Friday, August 04, 2006
Monday, July 03, 2006
July - Saving money
Inspirational quotes
· In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing. -- Theodore Roosevelt
· Learn to use ten minutes intelligently. It will pay you huge dividends. - William A. Irwin
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Marcia's monthly motivational message
15 ways to save money
When I ask people what their financial goals are, saving money is always in the top 3. But they also tell me that they don’t know how, or they don’t have any good ideas. Good news! I’ve done some thinking and I hope to challenge your thinking a bit.
Now, wouldn’t you rather use some money for something else – paying off debt, saving for a holiday, buying petrol? [For the non-South African subscribers, all the references to petrol are simply because our petrol prices have been skyrocketing over the last couple of months.]
1. Decide what you want to save and transfer it out of your main account as soon as you get paid
Somehow, you will make the rest work with your budget. I’ve been saving this way for the last 10 years and I’ve only ever had to take some money back out about 6 times. If you don’t have anything budgeted for savings, then just start with R50. You’ll get hooked soon enough and that amount will start to increase.
2. Write down your expenses, day by day.
Yes, it is a bit annoying to do this. But if you want to know where your money goes, it’s the quickest way to find out. And you’ll notice that after a week or two of accounting for your money, you start automatically correcting your course. Suddenly you realize that your 3pm daily habit of Coke and a Bar One from the vending machine (R9) works out to R200 every month. I’m not saying, don’t ever get anything. Buy two snack packs of chocolates at Pick & Pay for about R35 that will last you the month, and just like that, you’ve saved R165.
3. Never go shopping on an empty stomach.
You’ll end up with a trolley full of junk food that you normally would not have bought had you not been starving. When I heed just this one tip, I save at least R150 every week because I just don’t feel like buying a lot of food J
4. Make a list of errands before you leave the house
When you do this, you can plan your route and also make sure to do everything you need to. Otherwise it’s a case of “we forgot to pay the phone” once you’re back home. You then waste time and petrol money having to go back the same way.
5. Always, always, always use a shopping list
You can download my list at http://takechargesolutions.org/shopping list.pdf. Use a fridge magnet and attach it to the front of your fridge, and train your family to mark off the item as soon as it’s nearing empty. What’s the point of adding toilet rolls to the list when you’ve just used the last one?! It’s easy to be assaulted by all the “sale” and “only Rx” signs once you’re inside. A shopping list helps you to focus once you’re inside the store. I’m not saying that you’re not allowed to be flexible. It’s just that you make sure you will get everything you need.
6. Check the lower shelves in stores
Stores pack all the most expensive items at eye level, so next time you buy some salad dressing or whatever, don’t just grab the first thing you see. Compare the prices of all the brand names, being sure to look at all the items. It will take a bit of time the first time you do this, but once you’re used to it, you’ll know.
7. Only buy enough fresh produce for your needs
You can get so easily hooked with the “3 bags of tomatoes for R20” and “2 cucumbers for R10” signs. But if you stop to think about your needs, you’ll realise that you don’t need 3 bags for just 2 people. I used to think that they only sold them packaged like that until I took one bag of tomatoes to the till one day and … lo and behold, nothing special happened. They charged me R6,67 for the tomatoes and that was that.
8. Try online grocery shopping, especially if you’re an undisciplined shopper
We have good friends who have been shopping online for about 3 years. She swears that they save at least R300 every month, and that’s after paying the delivery charge. We figured out that it’s because it totally eliminates all the impulse buys – food on a hungry stomach, and cute stuff.
9. Never go shopping when you’re cross or upset.
This is a variation of number 1 except for the fact that you’re likely to feed your emotional hunger. All the ladies know what I’m talking about. You’re cross because of something that happened at work, go to the mall and end up buying a lipstick, handbag or clothes that you don’t need. We all do it – some of us just buy bigger items than others.
10. Always pay your accounts on time to avoid interest charges.
Remember that with credit cards, your purchases are interest-free for 45 days BUT if you’re a day late, you’re not only charged interest for the day; interest is charged from the purchase date.
11. Plan your meals
When you plan your meals by the week (as I do) or by the month, you will save money. Firstly, you can use up all the food in the freezer before buying more, and secondly, you’ll know exactly what you need to get from the shops. I have a look through my freezer to check that there’s enough food for the week. I then make my list and go shopping. Then on Sunday afternoon, I decide which meals we’ll eat on which days and attach my meal planner to the side of the fridge. It takes me maximum 30 minutes (if I’m really taking my own sweet time) to get supper on the table every night. See? Saving you time and money! Download your meal planner from http://takechargesolutions.org/menu planner.pdf
12. Eat more pulses
For those that don’t know, pulses are things like lentils, beans, chickpeas, etc. They are a great source of protein and you can use them to replace the meat in one or two meals a week. For example, use lentils as a mince substitute for your bolognaise sauce, or top your baked potatoes with a chickpea, tomato, spinach and cheese sauce. Delicious!
13. Limit the number of cleaning products you use
I use a multipurpose cleaner, toilet disinfectant, dishwashing liquid and a multipurpose gel. I could combine the last two but I must confess – I’m hooked on my brand of dishwashing liquid. I use the multipurpose gel for washing the car, cleaning windows & mirrors, as a shower spray, cleaning carpets, etc. All you do is squeeze a generous amount into an empty spray bottle, fill with water and shake to mix. I use Teepol (R7,99 for 750 ml at P&P).
14. Look out for a fr*ee car wash
I’ve noticed that many service stations offer a fr*ee “wash and go” if you spend a certain amount on petrol. Look around you and start using these services. Hey – every R10 counts, doesn’t it?
15. Switch from fizzy drinks to water
You will save hundreds every month AND ***big bonus*** you’ll also be healthier and will lose some weight.
16. And now for a bonus….. Hire a financial coach
Yes, initially there is an investment. But over time, the rewards will be HUGE. Your coach will help you to accelerate your progress and help you to pay off your debt and save some money.
Happy saving! My wish for you is financial happiness!
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it:
Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular “Take charge of your life” monthly ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.takechargesolutions.org/
· In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing. -- Theodore Roosevelt
· Learn to use ten minutes intelligently. It will pay you huge dividends. - William A. Irwin
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Marcia's monthly motivational message
15 ways to save money
When I ask people what their financial goals are, saving money is always in the top 3. But they also tell me that they don’t know how, or they don’t have any good ideas. Good news! I’ve done some thinking and I hope to challenge your thinking a bit.
Now, wouldn’t you rather use some money for something else – paying off debt, saving for a holiday, buying petrol? [For the non-South African subscribers, all the references to petrol are simply because our petrol prices have been skyrocketing over the last couple of months.]
1. Decide what you want to save and transfer it out of your main account as soon as you get paid
Somehow, you will make the rest work with your budget. I’ve been saving this way for the last 10 years and I’ve only ever had to take some money back out about 6 times. If you don’t have anything budgeted for savings, then just start with R50. You’ll get hooked soon enough and that amount will start to increase.
2. Write down your expenses, day by day.
Yes, it is a bit annoying to do this. But if you want to know where your money goes, it’s the quickest way to find out. And you’ll notice that after a week or two of accounting for your money, you start automatically correcting your course. Suddenly you realize that your 3pm daily habit of Coke and a Bar One from the vending machine (R9) works out to R200 every month. I’m not saying, don’t ever get anything. Buy two snack packs of chocolates at Pick & Pay for about R35 that will last you the month, and just like that, you’ve saved R165.
3. Never go shopping on an empty stomach.
You’ll end up with a trolley full of junk food that you normally would not have bought had you not been starving. When I heed just this one tip, I save at least R150 every week because I just don’t feel like buying a lot of food J
4. Make a list of errands before you leave the house
When you do this, you can plan your route and also make sure to do everything you need to. Otherwise it’s a case of “we forgot to pay the phone” once you’re back home. You then waste time and petrol money having to go back the same way.
5. Always, always, always use a shopping list
You can download my list at http://takechargesolutions.org/shopping list.pdf. Use a fridge magnet and attach it to the front of your fridge, and train your family to mark off the item as soon as it’s nearing empty. What’s the point of adding toilet rolls to the list when you’ve just used the last one?! It’s easy to be assaulted by all the “sale” and “only Rx” signs once you’re inside. A shopping list helps you to focus once you’re inside the store. I’m not saying that you’re not allowed to be flexible. It’s just that you make sure you will get everything you need.
6. Check the lower shelves in stores
Stores pack all the most expensive items at eye level, so next time you buy some salad dressing or whatever, don’t just grab the first thing you see. Compare the prices of all the brand names, being sure to look at all the items. It will take a bit of time the first time you do this, but once you’re used to it, you’ll know.
7. Only buy enough fresh produce for your needs
You can get so easily hooked with the “3 bags of tomatoes for R20” and “2 cucumbers for R10” signs. But if you stop to think about your needs, you’ll realise that you don’t need 3 bags for just 2 people. I used to think that they only sold them packaged like that until I took one bag of tomatoes to the till one day and … lo and behold, nothing special happened. They charged me R6,67 for the tomatoes and that was that.
8. Try online grocery shopping, especially if you’re an undisciplined shopper
We have good friends who have been shopping online for about 3 years. She swears that they save at least R300 every month, and that’s after paying the delivery charge. We figured out that it’s because it totally eliminates all the impulse buys – food on a hungry stomach, and cute stuff.
9. Never go shopping when you’re cross or upset.
This is a variation of number 1 except for the fact that you’re likely to feed your emotional hunger. All the ladies know what I’m talking about. You’re cross because of something that happened at work, go to the mall and end up buying a lipstick, handbag or clothes that you don’t need. We all do it – some of us just buy bigger items than others.
10. Always pay your accounts on time to avoid interest charges.
Remember that with credit cards, your purchases are interest-free for 45 days BUT if you’re a day late, you’re not only charged interest for the day; interest is charged from the purchase date.
11. Plan your meals
When you plan your meals by the week (as I do) or by the month, you will save money. Firstly, you can use up all the food in the freezer before buying more, and secondly, you’ll know exactly what you need to get from the shops. I have a look through my freezer to check that there’s enough food for the week. I then make my list and go shopping. Then on Sunday afternoon, I decide which meals we’ll eat on which days and attach my meal planner to the side of the fridge. It takes me maximum 30 minutes (if I’m really taking my own sweet time) to get supper on the table every night. See? Saving you time and money! Download your meal planner from http://takechargesolutions.org/menu planner.pdf
12. Eat more pulses
For those that don’t know, pulses are things like lentils, beans, chickpeas, etc. They are a great source of protein and you can use them to replace the meat in one or two meals a week. For example, use lentils as a mince substitute for your bolognaise sauce, or top your baked potatoes with a chickpea, tomato, spinach and cheese sauce. Delicious!
13. Limit the number of cleaning products you use
I use a multipurpose cleaner, toilet disinfectant, dishwashing liquid and a multipurpose gel. I could combine the last two but I must confess – I’m hooked on my brand of dishwashing liquid. I use the multipurpose gel for washing the car, cleaning windows & mirrors, as a shower spray, cleaning carpets, etc. All you do is squeeze a generous amount into an empty spray bottle, fill with water and shake to mix. I use Teepol (R7,99 for 750 ml at P&P).
14. Look out for a fr*ee car wash
I’ve noticed that many service stations offer a fr*ee “wash and go” if you spend a certain amount on petrol. Look around you and start using these services. Hey – every R10 counts, doesn’t it?
15. Switch from fizzy drinks to water
You will save hundreds every month AND ***big bonus*** you’ll also be healthier and will lose some weight.
16. And now for a bonus….. Hire a financial coach
Yes, initially there is an investment. But over time, the rewards will be HUGE. Your coach will help you to accelerate your progress and help you to pay off your debt and save some money.
Happy saving! My wish for you is financial happiness!
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it:
Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular “Take charge of your life” monthly ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.takechargesolutions.org/
Friday, June 02, 2006
June 2006 - Overcoming perfectionism
Inspirational quotes
· I may not be totally perfect, but parts of me are excellent. - Ashleigh Brilliant
· Conditions are never just right. People who delay action until all factors are favorable do nothing. - William Feather, author
· He who deliberates fully before taking a step will spendhis entire life on one leg. - Chinese Proverb
· Don’t make excuses. Make things happen. Make changes. Then make history. – Doug Hall
****************************************************************************************************************
I used to think perfectionism was a good thing. I think it’s because for a very long time I confused it with excellence. If excellence is doing something to the best of your ability, what is perfectionism? Read on…
Have you ever said these things to yourself, or has someone said it to you?
· If you can’t do it right, then don’t do it at all
· Anything less than perfect is simply unacceptable.
· It’s not good enough.
· I can’t do it now because I don’t have the time to complete it.
· Everything must be perfect before I can start.
All of those statements smack of perfectionism. Read them again and see. Perfectionism actually paralyses us. The truth is that even if you do a job 80%, it’s better than nothing because you’re taking action!
You see, a lot of people don’t ever start something because they want all conditions to be perfect. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but that will never happen! When you do step 1, step 2 becomes easier and before you know it, you can look back and appreciate how far you’ve come.
Now you can see why perfectionism is the root of a lot of procrastination problems. When I send out the weekly organising challenges, I often say “you can do anything for 15 minutes”. Because when you start, you overcome the perfectionism monster that wants you to have hours to sort out your budget, filing, cleaning out your cupboards, etc.
You don’t need hours – you can do anything in baby steps. I know you don’t have hours to spend doing this or that – neither do I – but we all have 15 minutes here and 15 minutes there. And all those small pockets of time add up.
Now I don’t want you to think that I’m saying it’s not good to do something to the best of your ability. Of course it’s good – I just don’t want you to make excuses that you can’t do the things you want to or need to.
In closing, I want to encourage you to take some action! Don’t let your perfectionism cripple you.
c) Marcia Francois
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it: Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular “Take charge of your life” monthly ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.takechargesolutions.org/
· I may not be totally perfect, but parts of me are excellent. - Ashleigh Brilliant
· Conditions are never just right. People who delay action until all factors are favorable do nothing. - William Feather, author
· He who deliberates fully before taking a step will spendhis entire life on one leg. - Chinese Proverb
· Don’t make excuses. Make things happen. Make changes. Then make history. – Doug Hall
****************************************************************************************************************
I used to think perfectionism was a good thing. I think it’s because for a very long time I confused it with excellence. If excellence is doing something to the best of your ability, what is perfectionism? Read on…
Have you ever said these things to yourself, or has someone said it to you?
· If you can’t do it right, then don’t do it at all
· Anything less than perfect is simply unacceptable.
· It’s not good enough.
· I can’t do it now because I don’t have the time to complete it.
· Everything must be perfect before I can start.
All of those statements smack of perfectionism. Read them again and see. Perfectionism actually paralyses us. The truth is that even if you do a job 80%, it’s better than nothing because you’re taking action!
You see, a lot of people don’t ever start something because they want all conditions to be perfect. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but that will never happen! When you do step 1, step 2 becomes easier and before you know it, you can look back and appreciate how far you’ve come.
Now you can see why perfectionism is the root of a lot of procrastination problems. When I send out the weekly organising challenges, I often say “you can do anything for 15 minutes”. Because when you start, you overcome the perfectionism monster that wants you to have hours to sort out your budget, filing, cleaning out your cupboards, etc.
You don’t need hours – you can do anything in baby steps. I know you don’t have hours to spend doing this or that – neither do I – but we all have 15 minutes here and 15 minutes there. And all those small pockets of time add up.
Now I don’t want you to think that I’m saying it’s not good to do something to the best of your ability. Of course it’s good – I just don’t want you to make excuses that you can’t do the things you want to or need to.
In closing, I want to encourage you to take some action! Don’t let your perfectionism cripple you.
c) Marcia Francois
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it: Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular “Take charge of your life” monthly ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.takechargesolutions.org/
Monday, May 08, 2006
May - personal integrity
Inspirational quotes
· Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. – John Wooden
· No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently. - Agnes De Mille
· “Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught.” - J.C. Watts
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Marcia's monthly motivational message – personal integrity
Are you a person of integrity? Read on and I’ll ask you again later.
In my opinion, someone of integrity keeps their word no matter what the cost. And make no mistake; it will cost you, either in time, money and sometimes even “friends”.
They return phone calls when their voicemail messages say they will. They keep commitments. They do the right thing even when it’s unpopular, e.g. not gossiping about people, walking away from conversations where sexist, racist talk may be happening. You get the picture.
The other day, I heard someone say, “well, when I see *Jill here, then I’ll believe it”. I agreed with her. In this situation, it was absolutely true and it got me thinking. If two people who don’t know Jill all that well think this, then she’s done a really bad job of maintaining her integrity. If she’s known to break her word, then she’s done it more than just a couple of times! [*Jill is not her real name]
I don’t know about you but I don’t want to be known for being unreliable and uncommitted. I think the reason is because we are too quick to agree to do things without thinking the consequences through clearly.
If you have done this and you need to get out of a commitment, ask the person to release you. Don’t adopt a passive-aggressive approach and just not pitch up. This is not integrity! What’s the worse that can happen? They say no. And if the answer is no, then do what you said you’d do cheerfully but learn your lesson for next time and think before you speak.
This month, think carefully before you speak and say things like… I’ll phone you later, you’ll have it tomorrow, yes, sure I’ll help out.
Have a great character-building month!
(c) Marcia Francois
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it: Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular “Take charge of your life” monthly ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.takechargesolutions.org/
· Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. – John Wooden
· No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently. - Agnes De Mille
· “Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught.” - J.C. Watts
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Marcia's monthly motivational message – personal integrity
Are you a person of integrity? Read on and I’ll ask you again later.
In my opinion, someone of integrity keeps their word no matter what the cost. And make no mistake; it will cost you, either in time, money and sometimes even “friends”.
They return phone calls when their voicemail messages say they will. They keep commitments. They do the right thing even when it’s unpopular, e.g. not gossiping about people, walking away from conversations where sexist, racist talk may be happening. You get the picture.
The other day, I heard someone say, “well, when I see *Jill here, then I’ll believe it”. I agreed with her. In this situation, it was absolutely true and it got me thinking. If two people who don’t know Jill all that well think this, then she’s done a really bad job of maintaining her integrity. If she’s known to break her word, then she’s done it more than just a couple of times! [*Jill is not her real name]
I don’t know about you but I don’t want to be known for being unreliable and uncommitted. I think the reason is because we are too quick to agree to do things without thinking the consequences through clearly.
If you have done this and you need to get out of a commitment, ask the person to release you. Don’t adopt a passive-aggressive approach and just not pitch up. This is not integrity! What’s the worse that can happen? They say no. And if the answer is no, then do what you said you’d do cheerfully but learn your lesson for next time and think before you speak.
This month, think carefully before you speak and say things like… I’ll phone you later, you’ll have it tomorrow, yes, sure I’ll help out.
Have a great character-building month!
(c) Marcia Francois
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it: Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular “Take charge of your life” monthly ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.takechargesolutions.org/
Monday, April 03, 2006
April - Focus!
Inspirational quotes
· Give your full attention to one thing at a time. - Deb Koffman
· The best way to botch up a job is to rush through it because you can't take your mind off the other tasks you still have on your plate. Talk about counter-productive! So, in the interests of quality control, and for the sake of your own frazzled nerves, limit yourself to one thing at a time. Stayed focused and you’ll do good work. – Source unknown
· The first requisite for success is the ability to apply your physical and mental energies to one problem incessantly without growing weary. - Thomas Edison
People often ask me how I manage to get everything done. I am married, work a full-time job, run a part-time coaching and organising business, run a church ministry, go to gym, write this newsletter and all the weekly challenges, run workshops, and so on.
I do believe that a large part of the reason is my ability to focus on my priorities, especially when I really need to get something done. Now I’m not Superwoman so I do have my really lazy times but thank God, those don’t happen often. Here are just two of the many ways I manage to stay focussed:
Use a timer
It is generally so easy to get sidetracked. You go to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. On your way, you see something on TV and stay to watch. It’s usually only when the ad break comes on that you realise you’ve wasted 20 minutes and you were on your way to do something else. When I do some chores in the kitchen like sorting out my pantry, packing dishes, etc., I use the oven timer to keep me on track. That ticking reminds me that I only have 10 minutes (or whatever) to do this so I make sure it gets done. While I’m cooking, I use the few minutes between adding ingredients to pack my lunch for the next day, or to weigh my cereals and other foods (I’m on Weigh Less, remember?)
Make a list
I love lists! I am always making lists of things to do. I have monthly lists, weekend lists, daily lists, things that can be done in 5 minutes, etc. Call me crazy but based on results, my system works for me! When you make a list, it focuses your attention like nothing else. And there’s no pressure – if you don’t finish, you just move it forward. The other weekend I had a list of 22 things I wanted to do on the Sunday – I did 20. I’m sure if I only had 5 things, 2 of them would have also been left undone! And before you all write to me telling me that I’m too busy or whatever, I do have fun things on my list like finish x book, or go look at y website, or paint toenails.
I hope that this helps you to get some ideas to focus this month. After all, you do want to achieve your goals!
Recommended reading: The power of focus – Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen & Les Hewitt
(c) Marcia Francois
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it: Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular “Take charge of your life” monthly ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.takechargesolutions.org/
· Give your full attention to one thing at a time. - Deb Koffman
· The best way to botch up a job is to rush through it because you can't take your mind off the other tasks you still have on your plate. Talk about counter-productive! So, in the interests of quality control, and for the sake of your own frazzled nerves, limit yourself to one thing at a time. Stayed focused and you’ll do good work. – Source unknown
· The first requisite for success is the ability to apply your physical and mental energies to one problem incessantly without growing weary. - Thomas Edison
People often ask me how I manage to get everything done. I am married, work a full-time job, run a part-time coaching and organising business, run a church ministry, go to gym, write this newsletter and all the weekly challenges, run workshops, and so on.
I do believe that a large part of the reason is my ability to focus on my priorities, especially when I really need to get something done. Now I’m not Superwoman so I do have my really lazy times but thank God, those don’t happen often. Here are just two of the many ways I manage to stay focussed:
Use a timer
It is generally so easy to get sidetracked. You go to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. On your way, you see something on TV and stay to watch. It’s usually only when the ad break comes on that you realise you’ve wasted 20 minutes and you were on your way to do something else. When I do some chores in the kitchen like sorting out my pantry, packing dishes, etc., I use the oven timer to keep me on track. That ticking reminds me that I only have 10 minutes (or whatever) to do this so I make sure it gets done. While I’m cooking, I use the few minutes between adding ingredients to pack my lunch for the next day, or to weigh my cereals and other foods (I’m on Weigh Less, remember?)
Make a list
I love lists! I am always making lists of things to do. I have monthly lists, weekend lists, daily lists, things that can be done in 5 minutes, etc. Call me crazy but based on results, my system works for me! When you make a list, it focuses your attention like nothing else. And there’s no pressure – if you don’t finish, you just move it forward. The other weekend I had a list of 22 things I wanted to do on the Sunday – I did 20. I’m sure if I only had 5 things, 2 of them would have also been left undone! And before you all write to me telling me that I’m too busy or whatever, I do have fun things on my list like finish x book, or go look at y website, or paint toenails.
I hope that this helps you to get some ideas to focus this month. After all, you do want to achieve your goals!
Recommended reading: The power of focus – Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen & Les Hewitt
(c) Marcia Francois
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it: Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular “Take charge of your life” monthly ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.takechargesolutions.org/
Saturday, April 01, 2006
March - Setting good habits
This month’s theme is SETTING GOOD HABITS
Inspirational quotes
· We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit. – Aristotle
· The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine. - Mike Murdock
· The door of opportunity won’t open unless you do some pushing. - Unknown
Habits are actions we perform continually until they become routines. When they become routines, we don’t even have to think about them anymore. When we were first learning to brush our teeth as children, at first we had to really concentrate to get it right. Soon, because we did it daily, it became a routine and is (hopefully) now second nature.
The key is to build up a series of good habits that you automatically do without having to really work at them. My voicemail message on my phone says, “successful people do what unsuccessful people are not prepared to do”. I get a lot of interesting comments from people phoning me and that’s good because I want people to start realising the truth of it – successful people create many good habits in their lives that unsuccessful people don’t have the discipline to do. Ouch! I know that’s tough – I’m talking to me too. I have some good habits like goal-setting, financial, time management but two really bad habits (reading too much and going to bed too late, and not being consistent with a healthy eating plan).
So! I have decided to join Weigh-Less tomorrow where I will create some good eating habits and in so doing, lose a couple of kilos.
What good habit will you commit to do this month? Go to the blog and let me know by posting your comments. I’m also going to post some feedback every week to let you know how I’m doing, and I encourage you to do the same. It will be good to have a whole community of like-minded people.
Let’s do this together!
Recommended reading on this topic: Today matters – John C Maxwell
(c) Marcia Francois
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it: Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular “Take charge of your life” monthly ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.takechargesolutions.org/
Inspirational quotes
· We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit. – Aristotle
· The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine. - Mike Murdock
· The door of opportunity won’t open unless you do some pushing. - Unknown
Habits are actions we perform continually until they become routines. When they become routines, we don’t even have to think about them anymore. When we were first learning to brush our teeth as children, at first we had to really concentrate to get it right. Soon, because we did it daily, it became a routine and is (hopefully) now second nature.
The key is to build up a series of good habits that you automatically do without having to really work at them. My voicemail message on my phone says, “successful people do what unsuccessful people are not prepared to do”. I get a lot of interesting comments from people phoning me and that’s good because I want people to start realising the truth of it – successful people create many good habits in their lives that unsuccessful people don’t have the discipline to do. Ouch! I know that’s tough – I’m talking to me too. I have some good habits like goal-setting, financial, time management but two really bad habits (reading too much and going to bed too late, and not being consistent with a healthy eating plan).
So! I have decided to join Weigh-Less tomorrow where I will create some good eating habits and in so doing, lose a couple of kilos.
What good habit will you commit to do this month? Go to the blog and let me know by posting your comments. I’m also going to post some feedback every week to let you know how I’m doing, and I encourage you to do the same. It will be good to have a whole community of like-minded people.
Let’s do this together!
Recommended reading on this topic: Today matters – John C Maxwell
(c) Marcia Francois
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it: Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular “Take charge of your life” monthly ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.takechargesolutions.org/
Procrastination
This month’s theme is DEALING WITH PROCRASTINATION
Inspirational quotes
Putting off a hard thing makes it impossible - George Horace Lorimar
Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today – Thomas Jefferson
Procrastination is the thief of time. – Edward Young
All of us procrastinate at some time or another, and for many different reasons. I’m certainly not immune. Sometimes I’m just lazy, or I think it’s going to be too difficult, or I just don’t feel like doing it, or I build it into this mammoth task. The solution is to find a couple of methods that work for you and use those to propel you to action. In other words, procrastinate in the best way. Hang on a second – I’ll explain…
I have many tricks up my sleeve to combat this monster. If something needs to be done and it doesn’t have a deadline yet, I’ll leave it for a day or two and then… one morning I’ll come in, quickly check emails (15 mins) and not do anything (no coffee or breakfast) until that thing is done. You can also give yourself a self-imposed deadline. Say, this has got to be done before lunch, and sure enough, you’ll work furiously getting it done. I had a day like that today – I’d been putting off writing a sales script yesterday and gave myself 2 hours. When I actually did it, it only took me an hour.
Or reward yourself the minute it’s done – depending on the size of the task, of course. Like a cup of coffee for making a difficult phone call.
For bigger tasks, it always helps if you tell yourself you’ll work on it for just 15 minutes. Anybody can do anything for 15 minutes. Usually by the time 15 minutes rolls around, you’ll have gotten into it and want to make some serious headway. I do this with gym – “I only have to stay for 30 minutes” and before you know it, the class is over and an hour’s gone.
This month, I want you to focus on areas of your life where you might be procrastinating and make a decision to just do something – anything – for 15 minutes!
You can do it!
(C) Marcia Francois
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it: Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular “Take charge of your life” monthly ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.organiseyourbusiness.com/
Inspirational quotes
Putting off a hard thing makes it impossible - George Horace Lorimar
Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today – Thomas Jefferson
Procrastination is the thief of time. – Edward Young
All of us procrastinate at some time or another, and for many different reasons. I’m certainly not immune. Sometimes I’m just lazy, or I think it’s going to be too difficult, or I just don’t feel like doing it, or I build it into this mammoth task. The solution is to find a couple of methods that work for you and use those to propel you to action. In other words, procrastinate in the best way. Hang on a second – I’ll explain…
I have many tricks up my sleeve to combat this monster. If something needs to be done and it doesn’t have a deadline yet, I’ll leave it for a day or two and then… one morning I’ll come in, quickly check emails (15 mins) and not do anything (no coffee or breakfast) until that thing is done. You can also give yourself a self-imposed deadline. Say, this has got to be done before lunch, and sure enough, you’ll work furiously getting it done. I had a day like that today – I’d been putting off writing a sales script yesterday and gave myself 2 hours. When I actually did it, it only took me an hour.
Or reward yourself the minute it’s done – depending on the size of the task, of course. Like a cup of coffee for making a difficult phone call.
For bigger tasks, it always helps if you tell yourself you’ll work on it for just 15 minutes. Anybody can do anything for 15 minutes. Usually by the time 15 minutes rolls around, you’ll have gotten into it and want to make some serious headway. I do this with gym – “I only have to stay for 30 minutes” and before you know it, the class is over and an hour’s gone.
This month, I want you to focus on areas of your life where you might be procrastinating and make a decision to just do something – anything – for 15 minutes!
You can do it!
(C) Marcia Francois
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it: Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular “Take charge of your life” monthly ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.organiseyourbusiness.com/
Change
This month’s theme is CHANGE
Inspirational quotes
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude – Maya Angelou
Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future. – John F Kennedy
We must be the change we wish to see – Mahatma Gandhi
Happy New Year to all of you. My wish for you is that this will be your absolute best year yet.
The good news is that you don’t have to be stuck with your situation the same as it was last year. Remember my tagline? If you keep on doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep on getting what you’ve always got. This is SO true. If this is to be your best year yet, then you’ve got to do something different. Otherwise, I will bet you that you’ll be in exactly the same situation next year this time, probably saying something like, “I had a terrible 2006, I hope this year’s different”. My friends, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but simply hoping will do nothing! You’ve got to take action.
Any change can be a bit scary but I’ll ask you this – do you want to stay a caterpillar or turn into a butterfly?
So this month, I want you to focus on where you want to be and start stepping into greatness by making changes to lead you to your best year.
I know you can do it so go for it!
(C) Marcia Francois
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it: Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular Weekly Organising Tips ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.organiseyourbusiness.com/
Inspirational quotes
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude – Maya Angelou
Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future. – John F Kennedy
We must be the change we wish to see – Mahatma Gandhi
Happy New Year to all of you. My wish for you is that this will be your absolute best year yet.
The good news is that you don’t have to be stuck with your situation the same as it was last year. Remember my tagline? If you keep on doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep on getting what you’ve always got. This is SO true. If this is to be your best year yet, then you’ve got to do something different. Otherwise, I will bet you that you’ll be in exactly the same situation next year this time, probably saying something like, “I had a terrible 2006, I hope this year’s different”. My friends, sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but simply hoping will do nothing! You’ve got to take action.
Any change can be a bit scary but I’ll ask you this – do you want to stay a caterpillar or turn into a butterfly?
So this month, I want you to focus on where you want to be and start stepping into greatness by making changes to lead you to your best year.
I know you can do it so go for it!
(C) Marcia Francois
Do you want to use this article? You may, as long as you include this complete bio with it: Marcia Francois, the Take Charge coach and professional organiser, coaches people to reach their goals and maximise their potential. She publishes the popular Weekly Organising Tips ezine. If you're ready to finally live your dream life, get your FREE subscription now at http://www.organiseyourbusiness.com/
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