Archive for June, 2008

Would you like to get more done? There are a few simple and easy tricks that can radically skyrocket your productivity, income and satisfaction.

But when overwhelm hits, it all comes down to knowing what’s going to make the biggest impact - fast.

Here are my top 7 strategies to get you back on track in an instant:

1. Single-task

Are you a chronic multi-tasker? STOP that! Multi-tasking is moronic. It’s also the biggest productivity killer there is. Why? Because no two things can occupy the same space at the same time. For example, it’s impossible to be EFFECTIVE on the phone and email too. Not only do you miss parts of both tasks, but you make mistakes, drive your stress level sky high and do major damage your relationships. (Just think of how it feels when you’re speaking to someone on the phone who you KNOW is checking their emails!) Single-tasking, or, doing just one thing at a time with excellence is where it’s at.

2. Quit

That’s right. You read it correctly. I said quit! Sometimes we creative entrepreneurs get sucked into every new “bright and shiny” opportunity that comes our way. A few months ago I found myself feeling bogged down and realized I was involved in a project that really wasn’t a good fit for me. But I was scared to back out for fear of what it would do to my reputation. You know what? Getting OUT of that project produced a windfall of other, more profitable projects! Plus I had a surge of energy and time. And honestly, the other person felt relieved too.

3. Shut all the gadgets OFF

Don’t become the victim of your constant ringing phone, IM and emails. When you need to produce results, shut all your gadgets and notifications off. Contrary to popular belief, the world will not come to an end if you disconnect for a few hours. In fact, I guarantee that the more time you regularly “unplug”, the easier it will be for you to complete projects that bring you money and satisfaction.

4. Ditch and delete ruthlessly

Do you have piles of unread mail, newsletters and magazines? How about disorganized files on your computer? Or hundreds of emails in your inbox?

Most of us are buried under heaps of useless information that we collect because we “might need it someday.” PAALLEASE! Let’s get real people. 99% of this information can be chucked. I recently had to re-install the operating system on my computer and lost a good portion of my current inbox. While all my important files and emails are backed up and safe, those 25 or so emails in my inbox got wiped out! Guess what? No harm done and no small children died. Sometimes, the best way to move forward fast it to be bold with your delete key and trash bin.

5. Knock yourself off the Internet

When I’m on traveling on a plane it’s shocking how much writing I get done. Why? Because there’s no frickin’ Internet connection! The crack-head-like-addiction to hit send and receive or check Facebook simply vanishes. (Just to be clear, Facebook rocks. It’s super fun and if you’re on Facebook, add me as your friend!) But every once in a while, if you need to crank out a project fast, unplug your Internet connection and turn off your wireless access. Then dive in to producing results!

6. If it ain’t a ‘hell yes’ it’s a ‘hell no’

My friend Lorrie Morgan-Ferraro shared this quote with me recently and I love it! Take a look around your business and your life. If anything (including a relationship, project, client, outfit, opportunity, etc.) isn’t a “hell yes!” it should be “hell no!” Don’t allow time-suckers and energy drainers into your life. Unless you are absolutely clear you want to invest your time and energy into something or someone, steer clear. This is especially important the more successful you become!

7. Quit complaining

Complaining may be the deadliest time, money and satisfaction killer there is. The trick here is to really pay attention, BE HONEST and notice how much of the time you’re moaning (silently or aloud) about something. Want to know the wild part? Most of us complain so automatically we don’t even realize we’re doing it. In fact, we often complain about things we have absolutely no control over (like the weather) and wonder why we feel exhausted at the end of every day. My suggestion? Quit complaining cold turkey and watch your productivity and well-being rise fast.

Photo originally uploaded by rephlektiv

Confession: I’ve got goosebumps as I write this…

Why? Because I’ve been quietly working on something that I’ve been wanting to do for a LONG time. And it’s finally ready, but before I tell you about it, I want to share a simple, healing idea.

Just this morning I was at Yoga class here in Sag Harbor and I realized something profound:

We human beings need presence and connection. Our bodies, minds and souls long to be connected to one another and connected to the deeper intelligence of life itself.

When we are truly present, something in and around us is healed and energized. It doesn’t require effort or strain. Only guidance,
attention and if you’re lucky, a loving community.

When you have those three things, life becomes sweet. Stress, worry, and “drama” naturally fall away. What’s left is your brilliance. You can interact with any situation with clarity and compassion. You also enjoy an expanded ability to create, enjoy and make a difference in the world. It’s wonderfully ordinary and profoundly extraordinary all at once!

Discovering how to live in this state of presence has truly been the most powerful thing I’ve ever learned in my life.

And now, I’d like to invite YOU to join me on this exciting adventure and bring the power of presence into your own life.

Interested? If so, learn more about what I’ve been working on here. If you’ve been itching for a fun, affordable way to work with me and launch into an entirely new way of living, here’s your chance. I’d love to have you join us!

Millions of people are learning about the benefits of living in the now. From eliminating stress to a total life transformation, it’s the key to a treasure chest of riches. The problem is it often seems impossible to implement. But like any muscle that strenthes with exercise, your ability to be present gets stronger with practice. And the result? A dramatic and rapid increase in not only your personal well-being, but your business growth too. Living in the moment helps you get the right things done faster, tap into your full business potential and connect more authentically to your clients and staff.

Here are 7 tips that will help you start flexing your “in the moment” muscle right now:

1. Do Practice

The first step to being in the moment is to notice where your attention is. If you’re thinking about anything else other than what’s you’re doing right now, stop. Take a breath. Relax your shoulders. Gently redirect your attention and fully engage with what you’re doing. This is especially important when you’re in the presence of other people. There is no greater gift to offer than your full, undivided attention. And don’t beat yourself up if being present consistently is challenging at first. The trick is to simply catch when you’ve drifted off into your thoughts and bring yourself back to be fully where you’re at.

2. Don’t Think About It

One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to living in the moment is trying to “think” thir way into it. Unfortuantly, you can’t “think” your way into being present. It’s just something that happens when you get fully engaged in what’s hpapening around you. As Nike says, “Just do it!” HINT: The fastest way to pull yourself into the current moment is to bring enthusiasm and energy to whatever you’re doing right now.

3. Do Get Coaching and Support

Why re-invent the wheel? You’ll learn any new skill 100 times faster by getting a good teacher. The world’s top performers, athletes and business moguls wouldn’t dream of not having people to coach them and help them grow. And while working with someone personally will get the best results, learning comes in a variety of forms. Books, audio programs, and seminars are excellent support tools while friends with a shared commitment to living in the moment can aslo be a source of support and learning.

4. Don’t Be the “Enlightened” Snob

This is a biggie! When people first start to get the knack of being present, they can get snookered into a mind-generated ego trip of being an “enlightened” snob. And “enlightened” snob is someone who thinks she is better than other pople because of her new found awareness of the now. The funny part is that believing you are better than other pople is just the egoic mind sneaking in through the back door masquerading in a “spritiually conscious” dress! Don’t fall into this trap and remember that we’re all doing the very best we can.

5. Do Share It With Others

One of the best ways to master a skill set is to teach it to others. Even if it’s just one “live in the moment” strategy that’s wored for you, be generous and share what you’ve disovered. Most of us grossly underestimate the differenece we make int the world. We disocount our own expertise and assume everyone has the same knowledge that we do. So not true! What you have to say matters.Express yourself and give the gift of well-being.

6. Don’t Make It Another Belief System

Being presnt is not about adopting a new belief system. It’s about recogninzing reality and using practical tools to access a more rich and satisfying experienece of life. While there are principles that will support you in staying centered, they’re more like facts than rules. Much like being aware of gravity helps you avoid stepping off theedge of a cliff, the priniciples of living in the moment help you extricate yourself from stress, overwhelm and upset.

7. Do Have Fun

One of the easiest ways to strengthen your ability to live in the moment is to have more fun.After all, the middle worked in enlightenment is light. One of the strategies that helps me stay centered is to have a sense of humor about everything! This is especially helpful when my mind feels “justified” about getting frustrated. (i.e. Like when my computer acts wonky when I’m working on deadline.) I’ve recognized that 99% of the stress and worry I’ve put myself through is optional. Everything always works out and whether or not I enjoy the ride is up to me.