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Life can be so demanding! Have you ever paid close attention to the number of requests for your time there are in a single day? Especially those driven by technology such as emails, text messages, campaign messages, survey requests, pop up ads, automated help menus, junk mail, and the list goes on! Our days are filled with time demands and a large number of these demands are neither urgent or important.  We mistake these messages for urgent communication because they come to us aided by the speed of technology.  Technology is supposed to make our lives easier and our work faster, but instead it often becomes permission to distract us from the very things that are important. Many people have awakened to the productivity drain of these demands and taken steps to eliminate them.

Here are my favorite “time management” tips for handling email and junk mail.

1. “Touch it once” (junk mail is immediately filed in the recycling bin). If you are going to use the piece within the time offered, file it accordingly.
2. Emails also follow this rule, “Touch it once”. Take action on email as soon as you receive it.  Don’t let messages sit in your inbox.  Organize them into folders by moving the message to your “to do” list or reference file.  Move meetings to your calendar and delete the junk emails immediately.

Perhaps the most important time management tip that I would like to add is the “Be here now” rule. Whenever you are “face to face” with another person, do not allow technology to interrupt. Life can be so demanding, but we do have the power to silence the technology and honor our important human relationships. It’s hard to do, but well worth the effort. Don’t you think?

I have discovered that taking action is so important in moving me forward with anything. Even if the action I take is real small, it is still significant. For example, making a call to inquire about the schedule of classes is one step toward earning your degree. Be all about taking action. Each and every week do one thing that brings you closer to the story that’s more to your liking. One will always be more than zero. It is true that even one small action step will add to your forward movement. You will definitely learn more by taking action than you would just thinking about it.

What is calling to you? What is one small step forward that you can take right away? Take action-stop talking about it and do something. Do one small thing each day and see where you are at the end of one week. These small steps really do help you make big strides toward your dream.

Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” ~ Peter Marshall

By: Donna Nall
Have you ever heard the expression-we are living in a rat race? This conjures up the picture of a pointless, endless struggle that we cannot possibly win, such as a caged rat running on a wheel. But wait, we are not animals. We are part of the human race. Now, there is that word race again. I prefer to refer to life as a journey, not a race. Today when you look around, you see people that appear to be running a race in which they are far behind.

Life is sometimes referred to as a game. Isn’t that interesting? Are there rules to this game? How do you win? If life is a game is the goal to compete or just complete? Is it to win, place or show?
A picture can paint a thousand words, but I so enjoy allowing the words we use to paint a thousand pictures!

One thing seems to be fairly consistent. Most people are striving for a personally defined measure of success. Success in life usually means that you are happy with where you are and what you have accomplished. At the very least, it is having your needs met and from there to experiencing love and significance. No matter what the definition of success is for you, the point I want to make is that we all start at different places. Success also means different things to people at different life stages.
4 Simple Success Tips to remember:
• Success is not about comparing our lives to others. (Mindset)
• Be grateful for what you have already. (“Heartset”)
• Get clear on what we truly want. (Vision)
• Start wherever you are with whatever you have. (Action)
There is one thing for sure in this life we sometimes call a race. We all have a different starting point and our finish line goals may vary. To be sure, we have different gifts, talents, skills, and interests that we can employ. Just remember to embrace what you have been given, know what you want, use what you have and move toward where you hope to be. All the best!

It is very difficult for me to focus on one thing for a long time.  Because I know this about myself, I have made adjustments to my work environment so I can get things done. If I need quiet, creative, undisturbed time to think or write-I pretty much have to leave my house. The library is a great place for me because there are so few distractions there. In my house there are always things to do, people to talk to, phones to answer, dogs to play with, etc.

Another benefit of leaving your typical work space is it can freshen up your mind. When you change your environment you can expand or fine tune your focus and gain a new perspective.  Taking time out of your same-old environment to visualize, and question your direction is time well spent.

I have a coaching client that lives out of state. She goes to a beautiful Botanical Garden when we have our coaching sessions over the phone.  I know that this environment adds depth and breadth for her.

What could a change of scenery do for you?