Archive for the Marketing and Business Growth
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
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.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have perfect days, every day?
As it turns out, it’s not as impossible as some people might think.
Here’s the secret: each day already is perfect. The trick is to become aware of what you do, or don’t do, that gets in the way of experiencing it! In fact, I’m about to share 5 powerful ways you can start having perfect days…starting right now!
1. Surrender to what is.
Having a perfect day is directly related how well you can surrender to what is. Here’s what I mean. Whatever is, already is. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a thought, sensation, feeling or external circumstance. If your printer breaks, your flight is cancelled or you feel bloated from eating too much Chinese food - if the situation already exists in this moment, what’s the use in arguing against it? There is none. Make no mistake: surrendering to what is doesn’t mean that you won’t take action when appropriate. You’ll just skip the typical “inner fight with life” meltdown that gets in the way of your perfect days.
2. Lighten up. Really.
Do you ever notice how serious you get about life? Whether it’s relationship drama, money woes or finding a parking spot, most of us contract like a sphincter the moment life shows up a bit different than we expect. And incase you haven’t noticed, life doesn’t care how you expect it to go. Really. Life does it’s own thing. And let’s not forget, we all end up the same way: dead. Not to be morbid, but since we already know the ultimate outcome, we might as well have a good time while we’re here, right? And frankly, most people I know who have a sense of lightheartedness about life are making a much bigger difference in the world than those who are seriously trying to get through it.
3. Quit complaining.
Is the weather too warm today? Or did someone not return your email fast enough? Most of us complain so frequently and automatically, we have no awareness we’re even doing it! The problem is complaining about anything is a surefire way to un-perfect your day. One important caveat: there’s a big difference between complaining and commenting. When you complain, you victimize yourself. There’s a whiny, negative energy to your communication. When you comment, however, you state an observation in a neutral way. There is no “pity party” or energetic “dig” against another person when you offer a genuine comment.
4. Be dominated.
No, not in that kind of way, naughty girl! Simply stated: Our lives make requests of us each and every day. The phone rings. The dishwasher needs to be unloaded. Taxes must be paid. You can either resist being dominated by what your life is requesting of you OR you can enthusiastically be dominated by your life! I suggest the latter. By allowing yourself to be enthusiastically dominated by what you have to do, you actually get way more done and life begins to run very smoothly too.
5. Make wherever you are the place to be.
Isn’t it wild how often our minds disagree with where we are? No matter where we find ourselves, we think we should be somewhere else. When we’re at home, we’re thinking we should be at work. When we’re at work, we’re thinking we should be at home. What if the secret to having a perfect day is to make a simple shift so that wherever you are is always the right place to be? Because after all, you can only be where you are in any given moment of now. Why not make where you are the place to be?
By using these tips to have “perfect days,” not only will you have more well-being, but your business and bottom line will grow as well.
Photo originally uploaded by miszbabykiss
Have you ever wondered about what it takes to change your habits?
Do you “know” what you need to do but find it difficult or near impossible to actually put those changes into practice?
Then read on because I’ve got a few simple, yet, powerful ideas to help you out…
Here’s what Jennifer from Texas writes:
“What sort of actions can a person take to change their habits? I mean, I understand that awareness is the biggest part of the solution. However, I currently do the same stuff over and over.
Even though I want to come home to fix gourmet dinners for my husband with relaxing jazz music playing over the Bose system, I am so tired when I get home. Or at least that is what I tell myself everyday.
I have all of the tools to fix these dinners, but I don’t want to put forth the effort because, in all honesty, I probably don’t want to spend the time and then have to clean up the mess.
In my perfect world, I see myself as a woman who has a good paying job (just got this a few months ago - a 50% increase that I never thought I would get) who keeps a clean house (I never make the time to clean), takes pride in her appearance (I have not been doing this for a few years) and cooks wonderful romantic dinners for 2 (I have all of the cookware and nice china, I just don’t use them).
So, you see - I have all of the tools to make this happen, but I cannot get out of my rut!
I have read your book and I love it. I even took notes and put it in my “lifestyle book.” I just need help figuring out how to implement these changes in a way that it will stick!”
Ooooh. This is SUCH a juicy question Jennifer. It’s bursting with opportunities for transformation.
And while I could write about this for days, I’ll keep it brief and give you what you need to get started!
Today is a VERY special day. Want to know why? Because it’s my BIRTHDAY. (Yay for me!!!)
But before I head out to celebrate, I wanted to share an idea with you that’s been dear to my heart lately. It’s brought me countless miracles and once you “get it”, the impact on your life will be truly priceless.
If you’ve ever wanted to live a bigger, fuller, more expansive life - but feel stuck by time or money, read on…
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Have you ever wanted something for yourself but said no because of time or money? Do you ever look at an opportunity, get really excited, but then get caught in your thoughts and listen to all the “reasonable” reasons why you can’t go for it?
I remember a time in my life when I let the apparent lack of money and time dictate how I lived. I remember hearing the instant “I can’t
afford that…” or “I won’t be able to pull that off…” thought, believe it to be true and then live my life in a state of lack and contraction.
Thankfully, I discovered a whole other possibility. I found that the lack of time, money and even expertise is only a temporary illusion. An easily resolvable situation that only requires one “secret ingredient.” And this “secret ingredient” has nothing to do with your education, wealth or experience.
In fact, you already have this “secret ingredient” , you just may not be aware of how to access it. Now before I reveal what it is and how YOU can start using it today, I want to tell you a short story about how I stumbled upon the “secret ingredient” for myself.
Continue reading ‘The “Secret Ingredient” To Getting What You Want’
Can I ask you a favor?
If you’ve read “Make Every Man Want You (Or Make Yours Want You More): How To Be So Damn Irresistible You’ll Barely Keep from Dating Yourself” , I want to hear your thoughts.
>>>>Here’s the scoop…
I’m getting ready to re-launch the book worldwide in June of 2008 with the help of a big NYC Publisher. (woo hoo!) We’re currently doing research on the title and cover of the book and we’d love to know YOUR thoughts. Please click here to take our quick
and easy survey.
>>>>>>The survey is free, anonymous and will make a HUGE difference in our effort to put out the best possible product and reach as many women as possible.
So once again, if you’ve read the book, click on this link now and answer our quick and easy survey. YOUR input will help decide what Make Every Man Want You will look like in bookstores around the world!
>>>>>>>My sincerest THANK YOU for your time and support!
With love,
Marie
Do you ever wonder if you’re doing your life right?
(Or running your business right?)
(Or running your relationship right?)
Have you ever scratched your head in self-doubt wondering if you should take a different path? Or second-guess your choices? Regret actions taken or words spoken? If you answered yes, you’re not alone.
In fact, to doubt oneself is to be human.
But what if self-doubt was completely unnecessary “thought habit” like worry or stress? What if you are doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing in any given moment of now?
What if your universe is taking care of you, but you just can’t see the whole picture yet?
Let me explain…
Here’s a power “experiment” you can use right now that I guarantee will have a profound and positive impact on your relationships.
It has to do with a section in my book, Make Every Man Want You, that talks about how your judgments about men influence the way they behave around you.
(If you have my book and want a refresher…go to page 108. If you don’t have the book and want to start reading now, click here.)
Let me ask you a question…
Have you ever been in a check-out line, wishing it would go faster and thinking to yourself, “Gosh, this check out girl is REALLY slow. I wish she would get her act together and get moving!”
Or, during a conversation, you’re thinking, “Would he just get to the point already??? I don’t have all day!”
If you’ve ever experienced these type of “judgmental thoughts”, you’re not alone.
You see, what most of us don’t realize is that our “thoughts” impact the behavior of people around us.
Here’s what I mean…
Continue reading ‘How To Stop Pushing People Away With Your Thoughts’
What an awesome event hosted by Joe Polish and the incredible Pirahna Marketing team.
I met so many wonderful people and had a great time learning the most cutting edge ideas in marketing and business.
Ok…one of the coolest things was at the DoubleTree hotel they give you a warm, oatmeal chocolate chip cookie when you check in! (I kind of wanted to check out just to check in again)
I’ll put up some more pictures from the event early next week.
