A few clients emailed me this week saying that they are suffering from procrastination and asked for some advice on moving forward. I gave it some thought and came up with the following list:
1) Get smart about time management. Sometimes we spend far too long on tasks that can be completed quickly. I often sit down for just one hour and give myself targets for completing tasks that can drag along. For example: review and clear email 10 minutes; completely clear voice mail 10 minutes; review finances 10 minutes; review and prioritize to do list 10 minutes; complete outstanding paperwork 10 minutes; review and organize calendar 10 minutes. Give this a try because you will be surprised to see that we can clear a lot of tasks in very short periods of time when we give ourselves fixed time frames.
2) Use email as a tool for effectiveness rather than a constant interruption and annoyance. When we review our emails all day long, we waste inordinate amounts of time. Check your email for 15 minutes in the morning and fifteen minutes later in the afternoon. Outside these times, close your email completely and focus on value added activity.
3) Prioritize! I categorize all activities as follows: Adds value to my objectives = invest time; does not add value to my objectives, but must be done (taxes and banking are examples) = allocate minimal possible time; does not add value = eliminate completely.
4) Leverage your network. If you have a friend that loves to read and edit, send them draft writing to give feedback. If you know someone that has great ideas, consult them regularly. Visualize all of the people that you connect with and document their greatest strengths. Allow them to help because what takes them just a moment may be a heavy chore for you…
5) Always focus on your strengths! Spend time doing what you do best – this is what you will enjoy most and it is also what people want from you!
6) Set objectives – people without objectives drift. Set objectives and make them ISMART: inspirational, specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time bound.
7) Take time out! Flogging yourself tirelessly is not effective.You will achieve far more and more easily if you have taken a break.
8 ) Stay balanced by making time for the things that you really enjoy. If you enjoy yoga, do yoga! If you love reading, read!
9) Surround yourself with the best people and allow them to inspire you.
10) Network wisely. Be very clear and focused in your networking and event attendance to avoid wasted time and energy.
11) Make sensible and empowered decisions about what you do for free. Be selective and focused.
12) Have the best information to hand. Spend time reading, watching, and listening. Keep a well organized record of resources that will be of use so that you have them to hand when you need them in future.
There are many other tips and tricks for staying focused and getting things done! Here is one extra tip for good luck (13 is actually the number of transformation…) : offer yourself small rewards for meeting objectives. I love books, so I gift wrap books and reward myself with a surprise read.
I am excited to offer the Quantum Self-Discovery workshop again over two days (Saturday 20th April and another Saturday to be schedule in May). This is a two day workshop that I developed to help people better understand themselves, define their dreams, learn about mental alchemy, and create the future. If you or your friends would like to book a place, I have attached the booking form for reference.
Please use the following links to see further information about Quantum Self-Discovery:
Quantum Self-Discovery video clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo1NSuksgwE&feature=channel&list=UL
Steve Ted Presentation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FfoE-pcQSuw
Quantum Self-Discovery audio file:
http://www.quantumselfdiscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/qsdoverview.mp3
Quantum Self-Discovery blogs:
http://www.quantumselfdiscovery.com/blog/
Quantum Self-Discovery® unleashes three quantum shifts that will transform you and your life:
1. Understand yourself - Discover who you are, what makes you tick, your life purpose, greatest strengths and talents.
2. Identify your dream – Define what you truly want to create and achieve in this lifetime.
3. Plan your future – Create your transformation using high impact tools to get you on track quickly.
The cost of the two day workshop is $329 including all books and materials. If you would like to reserve a place or have questions, please feel free to contact me.
You have unique capability and unlimited potential!
Best regards,
Steve Frampton
+1 865-456-4271
View my recent Ted presentation:
