Longcuts vs. Shortcuts

Since multitasking is NOT a religious experience, and can leave one feeling overwhelmed at the end of the day, take one daily job (whether at work or at home) and "longcut" it.

• Rather than checking emails while talking with a friend on the phone, why not try to engage in a satisfying conversation concentrating on real communication.

• Instead of relying on a greeting card you've bought, how about letting that person know how you feel about them in your own words?

• Try minimizing your consumption of “fast food”, making a conscious choice to eat (and prepare whenever possible), healthy meals for yourself and those you love.

• Think of the longcuts you can come up with (I'd love to hear about the ones you did), and note how you feel by including them in your daily routine.


And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!

What Are You Tolerating in Your Life?

Tolerations are those situations and/or individuals that drain your
energy, drag you down, take up a good percentage of your time, and generally take the joy out of life.

Take a few minutes and think of the things (both large, small), that you are presently "putting up with", rationalizing, or gritting your teeth over. Write down these tolerations (remember to include the little annoyances, too). Now ask yourself:

•Why am I tolerating so much?

•What benefit do I get in not eliminating these tolerations?

•Choose 5-10 tolerations, when eliminated within the next 30 days, will begin to improve your quality of life (start with the smallest and work your way up).

•For those tolerations that may presently be unalterable, perhaps they can be viewed differently, i.e. choose to accept them, explore possible alternatives, re-categorize and re-frame them in a more positive light.

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!

The Truly Good Listener

When was the last time that someone REALLY listened to you (or vice versa)? That means that total attention is given, eye contact remains steady and processing on what's said without immediately thinking of the response before the speaker has finished.

• Write down a list of the 5 most important people in your life.

• Are you hearing the words they are saying to you?

• Do you understand each and every one of their words?

• Do you accept or reject their words?

• How will you respond after the conversation?

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!

Dynamic Vs. Static Words

Powerful language and communication makes a significant statement to ourselves and others about how we see the world and how the world sees us. Here are some examples:


Dynamic Words/Phrases

Yes/No
Will/Won't
By when
Create
When...happens


Static Words/Phrases

I think so/Don't think so
Would/Should/Have to
Some day
Made me
If...happens


Create your own list of dynamic vs. static words and note how frequently you use them. Keep the list visible and add to it frequently.

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!

Life Tip #17

How Resilient Are You?

One of the key factors toward a high emotional intelligence "I.Q."
is the ability to be resilient in the face of setbacks-emotional,
physical, financial, professional, etc. These are some of the ways
in which resilient individuals tend to deal with their problems.
What traits might you consider adopting in order to become more
resilient?

•Insight-seeing oneself and situations realistically rather than
idealistically or negatively.

•Living in the present-realizing that each of us has a personal
history, but able and willing to function and appreciate the "here
and now".

•Learning and education are life-long pursuits-realizing that
learning takes place in all spheres of life, not only in "formal"
education.

•Awareness and respect toward one's own and others' feelings; the
ability to act upon those feelings thoughtfully and without
arrogance or condescension.

•Viewing problems as opportunities-realizing that everyone
experiences tough times in life, but using these situations as
valuable learning experiences.

•Conservation of time and energy- getting rid of clutter, not
getting overly mired in the mundane, not getting caught in
the "forest for the trees" syndrome.

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!

Life Tip #16

Unhelpful Thinking

Unhelpful thinking can be extremely undermining in all aspects of one's life. Try examining irrational notions by asking the following questions:


•Is it logical- where is the evidence for my belief?

•Where is the belief inscribed (other than in one's head?).

•Will it seem so bad in 1, 3, 6, or 12 months? In 2 years' time?

•Do I expect myself and/or others to be perfect instead of human?

•Do I think in "all or nothing" terms and eliminate the middle ground?

•If I "can't bear it" or "can't stand it", what will actually happen?

•Am I thinking in "all or nothing" terms, ignoring the middle ground?

•Am I fortune telling with little or no evidence that the worst case scenario will actually happen?

•Just because a problem has occurred, does it mean that I/they/it are "stupid", "a failure", "useless", or "hopeless".

•Am I placing rules on myself or others (e.g. shoulds, musts, have to's, etc.)? If so, are they proving helpful and constructive?


And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!

Life Tip #15

Procrastination

We've all heard the adage, "Procrastination is the thief of time." Analyzing why you are putting things off is a helpful first step.

Here are some reasons why people procrastinate. Which ones seem familiar?

• Feeling overwhelmed-Try breaking down the overwhelming task into smaller parts and do the most essential one first.

• Perfectionism-If it doesn't turn out exactly right, it's not any good. Remember, "perfect" rarely exists!

• Fear of failure or success-No action avoids disappointment; success can be daunting if you don't believe in yourself.

• Resentment about what needs to be done-feeling "forced" or frustrated by the job at hand and/or feeling there is not enough time to do the things you really want to do.


And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!