Today is Wednesday, so this post is about outstanding performance.
I subscribe to a number of article publishing services. Yesterday, a very interesting article on getting in control of your business and life by Eileen McDargh popped up.
Read on for Ms. McDargh's ideas about getting in control...
Getting In Control -- Eileen McDargh
In a world where "too much to do and too little time" is a common
mantra, there's a sense that everyone and everything has more
control over our day than we do. While we might be at the beck and
call of clients, there are still areas where the culprit is none
other than ourselves. Using the word "control" as an acronym (C.O.N.T.R.O.L.), let me
suggest ways in which we can begin to gain some relief from self-
induced pressure.
C Can the clutter. Do you walk into your office and instantly feel a
sense that you could get buried in all that mess? Papers are piled
on the desk, on the floor, and in tiered boxes. Note that if this is
your natural style of organization, you'd feel pressure by having
items out of sight! But if you're like a great majority of people,
clutter only adds to the time spent in finding what you need. Do you
use everything that you have on display? Can you find items when you
need them? If you've answered "no," proceed to the next
recommendation.
O Out with excess paper. Examine what surrounds you. What can you
throw out, give out, leave out? If you are months behind in journals
and other publications, scan the table of contents and keep only
those items which you KNOW you'll need. Throw the rest away.
N No, not, never, not now. Say it. Practice it. We frequently nod our
heads "yes" like a wind-up toy because of guilt, fear, or a sense
that obligation. Ask yourself, why do you say "yes". Perhaps even
a "not now" would suffice. I am convinced that if we do not put
limits on our time, it will vanish with our unknowing permission.
T Talk up. To curtail long conversations or meeting, learn these
sentences. "I would like to be able to talk with you but I have
another engagement. Can you please tell me your request (situation,
concern, etc.) in 25 words or less?" First, you won't be lying with
your opening statement. You will always have another engagement -
even if it's with the report in your computer. Second, you have
indicated a willingness to respond. You have merely put a concise
cast to the conversation. It's amazing how "25 words or less" can
increase the speed and fluency of conversation. As a variation on
this theme, you can also curtail a drawn-out conversation with this
question: "How would you like this conversation to end?"
R Read only what matters. And what matters concerns your business,
your future, your soul.
O Operate early. This can mean everything from getting up early to
doing things early. If you pack for a trip, don't wait until the
last minute. Prepare, in advance, your suitcase, your briefcase. The
only things that need to be added are last minute items. Create
artificial deadlines which are in advance of the true deadline.
You'll always feel more in control.
L Lighten up. Perfect isn't always perfect. Look for and relish the
unexpected. There is serendipity when we allow ourselves to
surrender to events and times over which we have no control. The
weather-hold which keeps my plane grounded allows me to complete a
piece of writing I could not have finished. The shop which closes
just as soon as I approach the door lets me walk down the street and
find other stores which I had never noticed before.
Getting in control is ultimately about getting clear on our work
habits, our priorities, and our values.
Great common sense advice from Eileen McDargh on managing your time and your life. Use it, and you'll be on your way to outstanding prformance!
That’s it for today. Thanks for reading. Log on to my other blogs: www.CommonSenseGuy.com for common sense advice on leading people and running a business, and www.CommonSenseDay.com to learn more about Use Your Common Sense Day -- November 4, and to read stories of common sense in action; and my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense.
I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.
Bud
PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open. Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.
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