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Ideas, insights and inspiration for people on the go Friday, January 28, 2005 |
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Editor’s Scribbles
Are you guilty of chucking things to the back burner that should be done today? As people on the go, we’re all guilty of this “It can wait, I’m too busy right now” excuse (LOL). The good news is you can do something about procrastination at home. Next week, we’ll look at how to beat it at work.
Well, I’m headed for another hectic weekend. I’m running behind in almost everything. These days, I have to lug a huge black diary around with me just to remind myself where I’m at. Wish I hadn’t given away my PDA so thoughtlessly (LOL).
I want to thank Janet Emo for writing in to say, “HI Kit, Just had to send a quick note and say how great your template for your newsletter looks. So crisp and clean. I also enjoyed the "time saving tips" article; every little minute helps.” Janet, you made my day (hugs :o).
I hope you’re planning a more laid back weekend. Enjoy this issue, keep smiling and blue skies. Ciao for now.
Kit Editor/Publisher Website: http://MinuteChaser.Go-GetGlobal.com Email: chaser@go-getglobal.com
Brainwave How to Overcome Procrastination at Home? by Peter Murphy You can learn how to overcome procrastination even if you sometimes wonder how you will ever deal with that growing to do list. Obviously it is important to deal with procrastination at home because you may suffer some consequences from disgruntled family members who have to carry your share of A worst-case scenario is that your procrastination and lack of motivation may carry over to other members of your family, resulting in absolutely nothing being done. All the disorganization and clutter in your home will most likely result in chaos and disarray to the point you have no clean clothes to wear and can't find your books or briefcase. However, all is not lost because you can learn how to overcome procrastination at home by following a few simple 1. Make a list of tasks that must be done daily, weekly, monthly and so on. Then think about how each task can be simplified. For example, the first thing you normally do when you get home is change into comfortable clothing. You can eliminate one task right here by hanging up your clothes when you take them off instead of waiting until bedtime, when you most likely will throw them over the back 2. Once you have made your task list, prioritize each list. It could go something like this: (1) talk and listen to your children and/or spouse to learn about their day; (2) get dinner started (you already know what cook because previously you made menus and shopped for food; (3) make some time to talk to family members while dinner is cooking; (4) immediately after dinner clear the table and load the dishwasher instead of waiting; (5) do other necessary chores such as laundry while helping children with homework. This list is an example only; your list may be entirely different. The important thing is to get it done. 3. Prevention is the key to having less to do around the house. Put mats down around all entrances to prevent dirt from being tracked into the house, thus making vacuuming easier. Some other preventive measures you can take now to lighten your load and help you overcome procrastination at home are so simple you'll wonder why you didn't think of them sooner. 4. Ask family members to break all habits that result in messes, and minimize those that can't be helped. Become aware of the messes around the house and analyze the reason for them. You can coat some surfaces with a sealant to keep them looking shiny and new and make cleaning easier. If you have surfaces that can't be cleaned such as a wall with flat latex paint, you can repaint with a cleanable paint or cover it with a washable wallpaper. Seal off crevices and cracks that let dust and pests get into your home. 5. Other tips include avoiding high-low carpet patterns and embossed floor tile; it collects dirt and is hard to clean. Indoor-outdoor carpet also shows every piece of lint or dirt that gets on it (and it really doesn't add much fashion to your floor anyway). Elaborately textured ceilings and walls collect dust and cobwebs and should be avoided. Other elements to avoid include unfinished wood that shows stains, dark colors on floors, furniture and countertops, and large collections that have to be moved around to clean. With a little forethought and ingenuity, you can teach yourself and family members to simplify your lives and learn how to overcome procrastination at home. ----- About the author: Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently produced a very popular free report that reveals how to crush procrastination and sustain lasting motivation. Apply now because it is available for a limited time only at: http://www.getmotivatedstaymotivated.com/special.htm
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Modern Living What are Your Priorities? by Deirdre Maigread McEachern "The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want." At the end of every winter as warm weather and sunshine approach, I find myself keenly aware of where I'd like to be spending my time. Outside as much as possible! I think the changing of the seasons is a great time to re-evaluate our life and what areas we would like to change. After all, if you don't know what you want, it's impossible to get it. Take a moment now to evaluate your quality of life. Do you know what you want from this life before your time is over? On the suggestion of a good friend, I sat down recently and wrote out a list of my personal priorities. It was a very eye-opening and useful experience. Once I could see clearly (on paper!) my true, personal priorities it was obvious what small changes I could make in order to more fully live my life the way I want. It is a very motivational experience that left me feeling fully "alive". Thinking about your professional life, what are your priorities? You might want that promotion, corner office or dream job. It's important to have clear goals but you also need a plan to get yourself there. When you look at your choices each day, ask yourself if they are helping you make progress toward your envisioned future or not. Once you have identified the actions that are hindering you, it is easy to let them go. You can begin to focus on making more choices that are in-line with your professional vision and growth plan. Take this opportunity to start new growth. Lay down some constructive plans for your quality of life and professional development. Who knows what your life could look like this time next year! ----- About the author: Deirdre Maigread McEachern is a personal coach who helps her clients experience more joy in their lives. You can contact Deirdre for a complimentary consultation at 207-439-4280 or join her free monthly newsletter at
Offpeak Hours Family Time By Rondi Hillstrom Davis When you pick up any magazine, it's easy to find an abundance of articles to help you organize your life. Most offer tips for cleaning out the closets, shuffling the papers on the desk, finding ways to organize the kid's toys. But, here's a different twist. We'd like to help you organize your time to find some precious, extra moments to spend with your family. Many parents are frantic because there doesn't seem to be enough hours in a day to manage their work, home life, and kid's activities. They're frustrated when they see others who seem to do it all. The number one question parents ask us is, "How can I find more quality time to spend with my kids?" Stay focused on what's really important. Do you waste valuable time? Clear the clutter in your life. Do you buy lots of toys and gifts to compensate for your lack of family time? What your kids really want is you, not the latest, greatest toy. How much time is wasted cleaning up the clutter? If the junk has taken over, pitch it. How much time do you spend carpooling? Do you really need to sign your kids up for another after school dance lesson? Is your cell phone off? Or, are you wasting your time on endless phone conversations while running your kids from one activity to another? Do you eat dinner together as a family? Are phone calls and other interruptions allowed during dinner? Is the television off? Let everyone help. Do members of your family share in the household chores and responsibilities? Even the youngest children can help by making their beds, putting away toys, and setting the table. Insist that each task is done before moving on to another activity. Set small goals and be specific. New Year's resolutions are made with enthusiasm. But, very often they're forgotten by Valentine's Day. Making a resolution for the entire year is difficult to keep. Saying that you want to spend more time with your family is too vague. But, promising to spend ½ hour each night reading aloud with your children is much more achievable. Start with small goals. They're easier to accomplish. No one can give you more than 24 hours in a day. But, it's your choice in how you choose to spend that time. Even an extra 10 minutes a day is a worthwhile goal. Once you see the benefits, you'll be motivated to set additional goals. Winter Comforts Now that you've set aside a few extra minutes each week, enjoy some of these winter activities with your family. Start with dinner as a family. Make a new recipe. Let the kids help in the planning. Be sure to include some of their favorite foods. Make one night a week Eat Dessert First Night. Dedicate 30 minutes after dinner to family time. Buy a new board game, set up an ongoing jigsaw puzzle, read a story aloud together. Bundle up and go on a family walk. Make snow angels or build a snowman together. Schedule one Saturday or Sunday a month as family day. Plan an outing. Try hiking, snowboarding, skating, movies, or a museum. Take a drive in the country and stop for a cup of hot chocolate before the ride home. Explore nearby towns or historic landmarks. Arm the kids with cameras. Start a family project to send to relatives next Christmas. Create a family cookbook or photo album. Set aside an hour to bake a batch of sugar cookies. Pull out all of the sprinkles and decorations. Dedicate one day as Pajama Day. Let everyone stay in their PJs for the entire day. Build a fire in the fireplace, read books together, watch movies, play board games. Enjoy your family and your new found time. ----- About the author: Rondi Hillstrom Davis is the co-author of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out her To subscribe to her online newsletter, go to http://www.togetherparenting.com/feedback.asp
Over Coffee
Instead of a question a week, I’m posting a new question each month so you’ll have more time to write in. There are no right or wrong answers, these are just for fun.
This month’s question is:
What are the favorite things you do to save time? Share your time-saving tips with us :o)
Submit your response to January’s question, and your 3-line by 60-character classified here. I’ll be posting your responses and your ads in next week’s issue. So the sooner you send me your response, the sooner your ad runs. |
IN THIS ISSUE Editor’s Scribbles Brainwave How to Overcome Procrastination at Home Featured Sponsors Find stuff you need Modern Living What are Your Priorities? Offpeak Hours Family Time Co-op Ads Over Coffee Send in your response and your free classified ad
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Issue 0501-28. Copyright 2004-2005 Minute Chaser Ezine. All rights reserved in all countries. |
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Hello fellow Chasers. Welcome once again to Minute Chaser.
