One easy way to make your day more productive

To plan or not to plan.... that is the question.....

While doing some research on project management for one of my classes it occurred to me that project management is not just for business purposes but that it can be and should be applied to our personal lives. In fact we routinely ‘project manage’ aspects of our lives. Some persons just do a better job at it than others.

Most of us live lives that are hectic, filled with responsibilities such as family responsibilities, work obligations, social and personal commitments and other duties yet there are some people who seem to handle the myriad of issues that life throws at them amazingly well. Could there be some form of ‘project management’ at work?

Activities in our lives can be broken down into small projects to make them easier to manage and to enable the best chance for successful completion with minimum stress (Remember the 80/20 rule).

In addition, take the following example

Baking a cake with children

Initiation – Hmm perhaps the firm decision to bake this cake with the children

Planning – Schedule a day and a block of time to bake the cake. If you want to start at 9am, start at 9am to prevent stress later especially if you or the children have later commitments. Develop a lists of tasks and ensure you have your list of ingredients, recipe etc. All cake bakers must also agree to a goal (e.g. bake a chocolate cake)

Executing – Buy your ingredients, assemble your ingredients and start to bake the cake. Ensure everyone knows and agrees to their tasks.

Monitoring and Controlling – Observe the children’s actions, keep track of time etc

Closing – The project is complete when the beautiful chocolate cake comes out of the oven. YUMMY!

So take a look at your TO DO LIST and take note of which activities are really mini projects and treat them as such. I really hope you keep a TO DO LIST on your phone, computer or even in a note book. If not start one today and you will see a big difference in what you are able to accomplish daily if you break activities into small projects. I recommend Stephen Covey’s version of a ‘TO DO LIST’ or Time Management matrix on this blog

http://sidsavara.com/personal-development/nerdy-productivity-coveys-time-management-matrix-illustrated-with-xkcd-comics on this blog.

While ‘project managing’ your life or applying the 80/20 rule may seem a bit technical, it really isn’t. A reader of this blog applied the 80/20 rule with great results. So, Say Yes to applying these techniques today! It’s about leading, planning, organising and controlling life’s sometimes ‘pesky’ activities so that they don’t end up controlling you.

What do you think about the concept of project managing your life? Drop me a comment below and share your thoughts. Have a fabulous and productive day, today!

How to deal with less than perfect days

Life isn’t always perfect...

How I deal with less than perfect days!

Regardless of how optimistic you are, or how prepared you are or how ambitious you are or how rich you are, there are going to be some days when you get bad news, when your boss annoys the hell out of you, when family members make impossible demands of you or when things simply just don’t go your way.

Your problems or my problems or your bad day or my bad day may be small in the grand context of ‘real problems,’ or ‘real bad days’ but we seldom want to hear that.

I’ve learned though, the long and short of it – That’s Life. Ish happens. There will be things and events we have no control over but we always have control over our response to these things and events.

Today, I had a not so great day (not true, let me rephrase). I had a great, positive and fulfilling day other than two ‘negative’ experiences (glass half fullJ). One I dealt with well, the other not as well. Thanks again to another great friend, who prevented me from sending an email in frustration and anger.

However, I didn’t dwell on either experience for long and below are some of the main things I do to change a not so perfect day into a day with a perfect ending.

1)                Hugs (or a couple of hugs) always help. Thanks babes.

2)                Comfort Food! Don’t laugh because my comfort food is a fruit and oranges at that. Peeling the orange and eating it piece by piece is very relaxing.

3)                An episode of ‘Big Bang Theory. ’ All fans of Big Bang Theory would completely understand. I can’t help but laugh when I watch this show.

4)                I get involved with children or read a book or read something online where I can learn something new (geeky maybe but effective)

5)                Youtube. I watch and listen to some of my favourite gospel songs, read some of my favourite scriptures and pray.

It is important to have a response or positive mechanism to deal with not so great days.

I know it is tempting to vent to everyone you can think of or to sit and analyse for hours what you could have done differently in a particular situation. However, the first response simply fuels your anger or frustration and the second is simply bad for your health.

So find a healthy way of dealing with problems or bad days today. I did!

Do post a comment below to let me know how you deal with problems or bad days.

Have a great problem free week everyone!

Develop Healthy Habits Today!

WHO AM I?

So, I was organising myself for the classes I teach and I came across this poem from a youth leadership training I attended.

Coming across motivational quotes I may have jotted down or hearing an inspiring speech or song in passing always helps to put a little extra in my step and a bit more oomph in my desire to achieve. How about you? What makes you smile? What makes you think that you can go the distance only if you try a little harder? If you don’t have an answer some serious personal reflection is in order. If you do, try to make that activity or event a daily part of your life. This poem helped me to reflect on my goals, one of which is to post blog entries more regularly.

Allow me to share the poem which resulted in this blog entry.

WHO AM I?

I am your constant companion.

I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.

I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.

I am completely at your command.

Half the things I do you might just as well turn over to me

and I will do them quickly and correctly.

I am easily managed – you must merely be firm with me

Show me exactly how you want something done

And after a few lessons I will do it automatically.

I am the servant of all great individuals and alas,

Of all failures as well.

Those who are great, I have made great.

Those who are failures, I have made failures.

 

I am not a machine,

Though I work with all the precision of a machine

plus the intelligence of a human.

You may run me for a profit or run me for ruin

It makes no difference to me.

Take me, train me, be firm with me,

and I will place the world at your feet.

Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Who Am I?

I AM HABIT

So, if you are still making excuses for why you have not started exercising, spending more time with your loved ones or not achieving your SMART Goals that you set just three weeks ago, do break that HABIT Today. I am creating a new habit of making time for my blog because I love to write and I love talking to you.

You too can Say Yes to Today and start a new habit of positivity today. I am an Optimist but it is still a habit I have to cultivate. I’ve learned that sometimes it’s this simple JUST DO IT!

Photo – Junior Optimist Octagon International...I may look just as young as these guys but I was an Advisor! Smile more, look younger. Do it today!

A Pumpkin Experience

True story – So a while back, my mom threw out some pumpkin seeds and a short while later, we noticed a pumpkin vine which quickly spread. A couple of days ago I saw a baby pumpkin and I was so excited.

Anyways, today I was examining the pumpkin patch and I saw the grown pumpkin in the picture. I screamed in excitement. I literally could not have been more excited if I had grown that pumpkin myself.

I immediately called my boyfriend to share the news of my grown pumpkin and like a proud mother I sent a picture of my grown pumpkin to one of my Blackberry groups which contains some of my close friends.

I shared the story of my pumpkin and I told my friends I now want to farm. Here is where the story takes a turn. My girlfriend says...’Farm Shelly.... Really?’ And just like that, my head came out of the clouds and reality set in. I was not going to be a farmer. I don’t like dirt. I don’t have the time or will. I don’t have a passion for it.

That doesn’t mean that I won’t grow stuff. My boyfriend planted a mango tree for me which I have been watering regularly (even though it’s still not doing too well).  I will even go so far as to plant some other seeds and my lime tree which has been in a pot for months. However, the reality is despite this feel good experience of finding a pumpkin, I won’t be a farmer.

Have you ever had a pumpkin experience? Did something good happen to you by a fluke? Did you reap a reward without sowing seeds?  Did you stumble upon a pumpkin and jumped straight into farming?

I learnt a few lessons from my pumpkin experience and my very brief farming aspiration:

1)    Whether it is your next relationship or your next career move...think it through before jumping into it. Is it someone or something you are passionate about?

2)    Very seldom do we get long lasting benefits from an initiative in which we do not put in hard work and commitment (for e.g. unless someone starts to weed my pumpkin vine, all the baby pumpkins may not survive).

3)    It is good to have a friend who will say ‘Get Real’ sometimes. Of course, if this friend is just a naysayer and negative all around, this person should not be your friend. But, if this friend is also supportive for things she/he knows you will succeed at, nurture that friendship.

So, I mentioned my mango tree earlier and I will keep you updated on its progress. My mango tree is struggling but I have faith that it will survive. Similarly, I have faith that my relationship, my career and my other dreams will also continue to strengthen.

I continue to Say Yes to Today every day. I hope you say yes to today too.

Six Easy Ways to Enhance Your Communication Skills

Six Easy Ways to enhance your communication skills.

—  Effective Communication: To express oneself in such a way that one is readily and clearly understood.’

Have you ever struggled with finding the right words to use in a particular situation? Do you say Ummm,’ ‘ahmm’ and ‘like’ a lot? Does the very thought of public speaking make you freeze?

Do you want to portray a more professional image and improve your self-confidence and relationships? Check out the following tips and let me know if they are helpful.

1)   Do READ – The more you read about a specific topic the more versed you are going to be in it and the more confident you will feel speaking and writing about it.

2)   Do KISS – Keep It Simple and Straightforward. If you are asked to respond to a direct question give a brief answer which covers the Who, What, Where, When and Why. Do Not Ramble!

3)   Do Choose – Choose the best MEDIUM for your communication. There are so many ways to communicate these days – Face to face, telephone calls, BB, twitter, email, text etc. Choose the medium of communication which best suits your message. For example, to communicate a message that is urgent, emotional or requires feedback or clarification, do make a phone call or a visit.

4)   Do PROOF READ and do Read your messages aloud before sharing them. If you are unsure about the spelling or pronunciation of a word, use spell check or simply use a different word.

5)   Do Mind your BODY LANGUAGE – Often times what we say verbally and what we say non-verbally are in contradiction. Pay attention to your body language, that is, your hand gestures and your facial expressions and pay attention to the body language of others. When in doubt Do SMILE.

6)   Do take a SKILLS BUILDING TRAINING class or course and use any opportunity to practice your new skills. Enhance your communication skills today.

I really enjoy teaching Personal and Professional Development at the Comprehensive Learning Centre. I think there is always something more we can learn which can enhance our development and image. I teach but I am also constantly learning. If you would like further information on learning opportunities do visit their website clcaxa.org or drop me an email at shellecia.brooks@gmail.com.

Both pieces of work are mine - one dazzles and one looks somewhat of a disaster :)

Do SHARE your best effective communication tips?

Let’s talk about Poise!

 ‘Poise is the art of raising the eyebrows rather than the roof’

This quote was sent to me a few days ago as a ‘thought for the day’ and I wanted to share it with you. Do you agree with this quote? Do you disagree?

Poise is defined as a dignified, self-confident manner or bearing; composure; self-possession.

Guess what? Having poise, good manners and good etiquette will never go out of style. You can spot a person with poise or good etiquette from a mile away just as you can quickly spot a person who does not possess these characteristics. Similarly, it is easier and more pleasurable to deal with someone who possesses these characteristics than with persons who have poor manners and are loud and temperamental. 

Here are some simple tips which you can use daily to enhance your poise. These tips will win you points with your friends, family, boss, co-workers and customers.

1)   Seriously, think before you speak, text, blog, BB, tweet etc. Once you put your thoughts out there, you can’t take them back. Have you ever been in a meeting or at an event and just cringed at something a speaker said? Similarly, how do you feel about some of the things people choose to post on Facebook?

Ensure your message is clear and simple. Remember, regardless of the situation, curse words, negativity and bringing others down are unnecessary in order to get your point across. You don’t have to sacrifice dignity and composure to make a point.

2)      Sit properly and stand up straight. It’s amazing how much we slouch and bend these days. Good posture speaks volumes to employers, for example, so develop this habit early. In addition, good posture is simply just good for your health.

3)       Smile...ok smile at least a few times a day. You have plenty of reasons to smile and sharing a smile and a warm greeting shows good manners and will earn you tonnes of admiration. In addition, being able to smile in the face of insults or embarrassment shows amazing strength of character and will result in you also earning respect. That’s Poise!

As a youth ambassador, I have been fortunate to interact with dynamic and successful young persons and dignitaries from around the world. Many of these display poise and dignity in their speech and actions.

In order to grow personally and professionally, you must strive to develop a habit of poise and simply 'raise your eyebrows' at negative comments and insults. Focus on your positive development today.

A Make Up Story!

Hi everyone

Thanks for checking out my blog. If you like it, please comment and share it with others.

I was on Facebook tonight and someone had posted this video called ‘Worst Makeup Look Tag: Beyonc.’ Note it said ‘Beyonc’ and not ‘Beyonce.’ I decided to check it out. It was hilarious but I was happy to see at the end that it was a spoof video and that the girl in the video really did not plan to leave the house with that make up look – whew what a relief.

Personally, I don’t wear much make up as you can tell from all my photos. That’s my personal choice. Here you can see the one picture where I actually have semi-red lips...I believe this was taken in 2007 or 2008. As I love to learn and try new things, I have attempted to experiment with my hair and makeup but for the most part au-naturel is my choice.

I should have been studying but.....

So, how about you?  What is your make up preference, hair preference, and clothes preference? Whatever look you choose to wear just ensure that you wear it well. At work, try to display both an inward and outward appearance of professionalism. The bright blue and green eye shadow covering your eye lids is probably a No-No. The skirt with the hem length which is 2 inches below your derriere is a definite No-No.

You get the gist....think carefully about the image which you want to display and about how seriously you want to be taken by customers, your co-workers and management. Remember, there is a day make up look and there is a night make up look.  There are styles which may be suited for your age and body type and there may be styles you should avoid. There is professional wear and there is casual wear.

When you speak about personal development and improvement you should seek to better yourself on the inside and on the outside. It is truly true that when you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, that positive attitude you display causes positive ripples in the universe. So tomorrow, when you go to your closet or to your make-up mirror, think carefully about the image you want to portray.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Let your true beauty shine through. Do it today.

How the 80/20 rule can change your life in 2012?

The New Year is now two days old. How are you feeling about those SMART Goals you made? Remember to remain positive about what you hope to achieve in this New Year.

I love to read and recently I came across a concept which isn’t new to me and I am sure is not new to many of you. However, I am certain it can help you to achieve those SMART goals you have made for 2012.

It is the Pareto’s Principle also known as the 80/20 rule. This principle demonstrates that in most things you do, 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. It also means that 20% of your results could result from 80% of your efforts! The latter definition is mind opening and depressing isn’t it?

So of course, we should seek to get the greatest results from the least amount of effort. Makes sense right? So how can you apply the Pareto principle so you see benefits at work, in your pay check and in life in general?

It is simple...spend most of your time and other resources doing things which bring you the greatest amount of success and happiness. Keep at the top of your mind that usually 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts.

Let us look at an example of a small business owner or entrepreneur.  

Firstly, you need to pay attention to who your clients are. Get to know them. Keep track of what they buy and how much they spend. Analyse the data. You will soon see a trend. Most of the money you make comes from a small number of clients. Focus on these clients. Call these clients first when you get new stock. Ensure that you can always make time for these clients. These clients are your 80% results with 20% effort. They become loyal customers and you don’t have to do much work to keep them happy.

Compare this to focusing 80% of your time, money and other resources trying to encourage and find new customers who may never buy. Stay focused and you will reap positive rewards.

Let’s look at another example.  If you work extremely long hours with no added benefits or recognition, it may suggest that you may not be working smart.

Take a look at your daily tasks. Try to figure out which 20% of your tasks bring the greatest results. Focus on these first. Often times, some of the task which takes up a big portion of your day are really not important and I dare say no one will notice if they are not done. Always focus on the important task first – your 20% which produce the 80% results. At the end of the day your boss is really interested in seeing results.

Apply this concept in your  personal and professional life today and for the rest of the year and you will see amazing benefits. I certainly did.

Feel free to share this blog with others and do comment and let me know what other strategies have been successful for you.