Socially/Relationally – were you as good of a friend as you could have been last year? Where there unkept promises? How can you spend more time with your spouse, children and extended family? How can you make new friends? I recently read that one way to increase your life in all the above areas is to modify the groups of people you hang out with … don’t walk away from old friends (keep them) … just look for new friends who will stretch your life viewpoint. If you’re a sports fan – look for a friend in the arts. If you want to run your own business one day – look for a new friend who already runs a successful business. It may be uncomfortable at first; however, after a while you will notice a change in how you view life – PLUS have new friends!!!
To get started – simply identify three goals in each of the above areas, map out your plan and activate your plan. Your time on earth is precious – being more strategic in how you manage your life with the gift of 24 hours a day – is up to you! Set clear, specific goals, not vague ones such as “be happy” or “have lots of friends” or “make lots of money”. You must really want to achieve them, or you won’t. To set your goals, and realize your potential, answer these questions:
1. What do I really want?
2. What activities do I find most satisfying?
3. What would I change about your life?
4. What do I think about most — is it positive or negative?
5. What will I sacrifice for my goals?
6. What one step should I take now?
Now that you have this, find time each day to go on a mini-vacation – right at your desk!
Cook (1999) shares the following suggestions for relaxing interludes to help keep you grounded, energized and refreshed:
1. The breath break – Take a moment to breathe, as you would in a yoga class
2. The continental drift – Mentally revisit a relaxing and fulfilling place
3. Picture it and get rid of it – Form a mental image of whatever is bothering you the most. Place the image in an imaginary bubble and watch it float away
4. The shoulder shrug – Rotate shoulders in alternating directions to relieve tension
5. The thought for the day – Collect inspirational thoughts and writings, and refer to them in quiet moments
6. The object of your affection – Keep photos of loved ones nearby to help you keep focused and find strength.
7. Advanced resting technique, for the gifted and talented – Combine deep breathing with another mini-vacation activity
Some other strategies you can use include: planning some quiet, solitary time with nothing to do; meditating and letting your mind rest; taking a refreshing walk, taking off your watch after work and leaving your mobile phone/email delivery tool in the car.
Some closing thoughts to keep in mind!
The key to controlling your life is controlling your time. Begin your day by identifying your highest priorities as an essential step toward time and life management. Align your daily practices with your identified governing goals and values and you will experience inner peace (remember that your current behavior is a reflection of your core beliefs , values and goals). Keeping these beliefs in line with reality will assist you in satisfying your higher level needs. Remember that leaving your comfort zone is uncomfortable but it is a necessary step in your quest to accomplish any goal. You can leverage your time by investing a small amount each day in planning. You will enjoy the returns on that investment all day long.
To get started – simply identify three goals in each of the above areas, map out your plan and activate your plan. Your time on earth is precious – being more strategic in how you manage your life with the gift of 24 hours a day – is up to you! Set clear, specific goals, not vague ones such as “be happy” or “have lots of friends” or “make lots of money”. You must really want to achieve them, or you won’t. To set your goals, and realize your potential, answer these questions:
1. What do I really want?
2. What activities do I find most satisfying?
3. What would I change about your life?
4. What do I think about most — is it positive or negative?
5. What will I sacrifice for my goals?
6. What one step should I take now?
Now that you have this, find time each day to go on a mini-vacation – right at your desk!
Cook (1999) shares the following suggestions for relaxing interludes to help keep you grounded, energized and refreshed:
1. The breath break – Take a moment to breathe, as you would in a yoga class
2. The continental drift – Mentally revisit a relaxing and fulfilling place
3. Picture it and get rid of it – Form a mental image of whatever is bothering you the most. Place the image in an imaginary bubble and watch it float away
4. The shoulder shrug – Rotate shoulders in alternating directions to relieve tension
5. The thought for the day – Collect inspirational thoughts and writings, and refer to them in quiet moments
6. The object of your affection – Keep photos of loved ones nearby to help you keep focused and find strength.
7. Advanced resting technique, for the gifted and talented – Combine deep breathing with another mini-vacation activity
Some other strategies you can use include: planning some quiet, solitary time with nothing to do; meditating and letting your mind rest; taking a refreshing walk, taking off your watch after work and leaving your mobile phone/email delivery tool in the car.
Some closing thoughts to keep in mind!
The key to controlling your life is controlling your time. Begin your day by identifying your highest priorities as an essential step toward time and life management. Align your daily practices with your identified governing goals and values and you will experience inner peace (remember that your current behavior is a reflection of your core beliefs , values and goals). Keeping these beliefs in line with reality will assist you in satisfying your higher level needs. Remember that leaving your comfort zone is uncomfortable but it is a necessary step in your quest to accomplish any goal. You can leverage your time by investing a small amount each day in planning. You will enjoy the returns on that investment all day long.