5 Simple Cures to Work Smarter and Save Time

You’ve heard the expression “work smarter, not harder” before, but what does that mean exactly? When your inbox is packed, there's a giant stack on your desk and the phone keeps ringing, how are you supposed to get it all done smarter?

The truth is many of our common ways of doing things aren’t actually productive. When you focus too heavily on the act of doing over the brilliance of planning, you can be spinning your wheels with a lot of extra activities that aren’t driving any results. That means lots of time wasted on things that aren’t worth your attention or that could be handled in a more efficient manner.

As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Here are five simple cures to help you work smarter in the days ahead:

1. Structure. The wealthiest entrepreneurs know that having some structure to your schedule creates a routine of success. If you’re running around willy-nilly stomping out fires instead of planning your business’s future, you’re going to burn out and fall behind. The key to an effective workday is setting some structure in place. Get up at the same time Monday through Friday and carve out a routine, for instance; wake up, work out, eat breakfast, answer emails, phone calls, block out time for actual planning and work, check your email again, phone calls again, then be done for the day.

When you break out of your structure and start answering emails and phone calls all day and all night, you are actually wasting a lot of time. Having structure allows you to prioritize your day, trains your staff and clients when they’re going to have access to you and also allows you to carve out dedicated time for family, friends and yourself. Structure makes you a smart entrepreneur.

2. Drop the myth of multitasking. Perhaps for a few of the world’s most talented mothers, there is such a thing as multitasking. But for the rest of us mere mortals, drop the idea that you can multitask and be effective. The brain isn’t wired to do two tasks well at once. Focus on talking, typing, working or thinking, but don’t try to do more than one. You end up wasting more time trying to correct your words or rewrite your email. Your brain is losing efficiency each time it jumps to a new task. Focus on one thing at a time, complete it fully, then move to the next. This will help you gain much more time in the long run.

3. Urgent does not necessarily mean important. Part of being an entrepreneur is using sound judgment. You have to know your business model and products. You have to trust your judgment to hire vendors and staff. Apply that same sense of good judgment to the urgent vs. important tasks that arise everyday. Part of the brilliance of working in a structure is that in many ways, it eliminates this urgent vs. important issue.

If you check your email or return calls in scheduled batches of your structured routine, it trains your staff and clients to figure out their own problems. Have the judgment and discipline to step out of the easy habit of thinking every urgent thing is important -- it’s not. Learning to let urgent go will save you a tremendous amount of time and stress, so you can work smarter and focus on what’s important instead.

4. Turn it off. Smartphones and wi-fi are amazing. It’s easy to take them for granted now because they’ve become a part of life that wasn't around just 10 years ago. Yet entrepreneurs such as Bill Gates and Richard Branson still managed to build billion dollar empires with a landline phone.

All this connectivity is convenience at its best, but it can also be incredibly disruptive to your workflow. To work smarter, you need to find times in the day when the instant message options are off, the email notifications are blocked and the phone is on do not disturb. All those pings, chimes and vibrating distractions take your brain out of a creative process. Only you have the power to turn all the distractions off and focus on blocks of time devoted solely to work, the creative process and your business.

5. Take lots of breaks. How can you take lots of breaks and still get anything done? Easy! It’s all about structure again. When you plan out your day to have moments of time between tasks for breaks, you’re setting yourself up for success. When you go, go, go, you end up burning out big time. However, if you set up time for short walks, meals and other small blocks of time to reset your brain and fuel your body, you’ll have the energy and juicy brain matter you need to go strong all day.

Don’t feel guilty about getting up from your workspace every two hours for water, a snack and a few laps around the block. Keeping your body fueled and rejuvenated will keep you working smart for a long time down the road.

Source: 5 Simple Cures to Work Smarter and Save Time

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF DAILY TO FEEL MORE SATISFIED AT WORK

@ WORK

FORWARD THINKING IS GREAT--BUT IT ALSO MAKES YOU LOSE SIGHT OF PROGRESS. USE THIS EXERCISE TO SHIFT SOME FOCUS TO YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

Caroline Ghosn has trouble acknowledging her successes. The Levo League founder and CEO certainly have a lot to be proud of, but like so many hard-working, forward-thinking startup leaders, she focuses on the future, rather than her past accomplishments.

About two months ago, she realized that she wasn't very happy, even though she had every reason to feel fulfilled by her career. "I don't know why I'm not sleeping well," she said to career coach MJ Ryan. "I don't know why I'm not feeling 100% happy with every moment of this experience." Ghosn, who runs a mentorship and networking organization, isn't alone in her feelings. A Levo League survey found that 47% of the service's users are not satisfied with their careers on a day-to-day basis.

With the help of Ryan, Ghosn diagnosed the problem. "The busier you get and the more forward-looking you become, the more difficult it is to actually acknowledge and gain strength and inspiration from the things you've already accomplished, which can become problematic when you're in a startup," she told Fast Company. "You can lose sight of progress."

The goal to a happier work life, then, is to find a way to recognize past successes, which for Ghosn is as simple as asking the following three questions every single work day:

1. What am I thankful for today? This does not have to be work related, just anything at all.

2. What did I enjoy today? "Keeping a pulse of what energizes you is really important," says Ghosn.

3. What am I satisfied with today? "This question is particularly important if you're one of those people who is seeking excellence and always trying to progress along a path," Ghosn explains. "The shadow side of that is that you might never feel like you're in the place you want to be."

These questions effectively create what Ghosn calls a "to-done" list. Instead of crossing off tasks, you're tallying accomplishments. Not only do all of those little dopamine hits start to add up, but over time you will get a sense of the types of things that energize and inspire.

This practice relies, in part, on the cult of mindfulness--the business buzzword of the moment that suggests dedicating time to meditative practices will boost productivity and creativity. By taking the time to reflect on her life, she recognizes her achievements, and in theory, that leads her to produce better work.

"I really believe that cultivating creativity as general principle is about managing your energy," she explained. "And if cultivating creativity is about managing your energy, then managing your energy is about exercises like these that are about achieving mindfulness."

So far, she says she feels happier, more satisfied, and fulfilled. "My team will tell me I'm more comfortable in my skin, a little less hard on myself--just a lot more comfortable with the fact that we're moving in the direction that I feel we should be moving in." And she believes that all of that has led her to greater, and better, output.

She credits the success of her mantra with her dedication to the questions. "The strength from the exercise comes from the ability to form a habit around it and repeatedly execute it day-to-day," she explained. It forces her to focus on everyday accomplishments, instead of over-representing failures, which so many of us do.

Source: 3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF DAILY TO FEEL MORE SATISFIED AT WORK

Are You Doing the Right Things in Life?

Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things. - Peter Drucker

Before you find out whether you are doing the right things or no, find out the things that are important in your life and also your goals and aspirations. It goes without saying that your health, family, career, money, friends and happiness mean a lot to you. Your goals and your purpose in life are tie with things that you are good at. Perhaps you want to write a few inspiring books if you are at words. As a person good in analyzing figures, you may want to be an accountant.    

How do you find out if you are doing the right things?   

1.     A time to reflect: It is necessary to take time off to review your activities.  You can do it at the end of the day, on every Sunday evening, at the end of every month and at the end of a year. The purpose is to find whether you are spending time productively:

·        Doing  exercise

·        with family

·        managing your money  

·        learning  and upgrading

·        keeping in touch with  your friends and closed ones

2.     Before doing anything ask yourself three questions. What is your purpose of doing this? Are you doing it the right way? Can you do it in a different way to get a better result? By asking this question, you avoid doing things that are irrelevant and wasting your time. It is also for you to thank and make changes and seek improvement and be more productive in your approach.

3.     Are you living your own life or following the life of others? Do not worry about what others think of you. Live your life and do what you have to do. You have your dreams and purpose in life. The most important thing is to capitalize on your talents and do the best you can with what you have.  

It is easier to live through someone else than to become complete yourself.
--Betty Friedan

4.     Are you happy with what you do every day? It is an issue relating to your job and career. Is it something you enjoy doing? It is challenging enough to excite you and get you into the flow while at work? Are you able to unleash your potential capabilities?

5.     How do you look at failures and setbacks in your life? It is an opportunity to examine closely the situation.  It could be a chance for you to take the challenge, solve the problems and make progress in life or it could be a hint that you are heading the wrong direction.

Conclusion:

You are doing the right things when your daily activities are aligned to those things you treasure in life and are closely relating to your goals. You need to examine if you are doing it efficiently.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

-- Mohandas K. Gandhi

10 Simple Things You Can Do to Make You Happy

Happiness is about what you think and what you decide to do. Thinking and doing the right things will bring you happiness abundantly. Here are 10 simple things you can do to make yourself happy: 

1.       Think positive thoughts: When you get up in the morning just make up your mind and decide to have a happy day. This is a choice for you to radiate joyfulness throughout the whole day. Happiness will transform a normal day into a delightful day in whatever you do.

Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response. ~Mildred Barthel

2.         Exercise: According to an article, Exercise Makes Us Happy -- It's Science, We know that regular fitness is good for the heart and that it can help the body to build muscles and maintain a healthy weight. But it also spurs the release of endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that promote happiness. So, stop watching TV, get up and be active.

3.       The great outdoors: Spending time in nature is a great way to feel good and relaxed, be it on the beach, in the county, up the mountain, or down in the valley.

4.       Spend time with family and friends: Happiness is connecting with people close to you. Happiness is also about spending money on your friends like going to a movie or enjoying tea in the afternoon.

5.       Sleep well: Happiness is about sweet dreams. A good night’s sleep rejuvenates and energizes you. You are fresh and alert the next day. You feel good about yourself and you are in control.

6.       Be grateful:  Be appreciative of the things that you have. Don't be jealous and envious of others. Just think that you are better off than many other people. Comparisons will disturb your peace of mind and calmness. Write a few things that you are grateful for in your journal in the evening to end a day happily. 

7.       Start a new day early: According to an article, Early Risers are Happier, Healthier and More Productive Than Night Owls,  early risers are generally happier than night owls. More than 700 respondents, ranging from ages 17-79 were surveyed and asked about their emotional state, health, and preferred time of day. Self-professed morning people reported feeling happier and healthier than night owls. Morning people are more productive and they get the most important things done. Happiness is starting a new day early and be more productive.

8.       Read and learn new things: Reading inspires, educates, enlightens, and motivates you. Every time you learn something new it gives you the Aha moment. Happiness is the excitement of discovery and realization.

9.       Do good: You will find the greatest joy in kindness. Find every opportunity to help others. Perform random acts of kindness like smiling and waving at people you meet, holding the door for the person behind you, saying think you to the cashier, and complementing your friend for her new dress.

10.    Live every moment: According to an article, Why You Should Treasure Apparently Mundane Moments in Life, it’s worth bearing in mind our tendency to undervalue the pleasure we will get in the future from what seems like everyday moments right now. Focus on what you do every day, concentrate on the task at hand, enjoy every moment in life, and turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary experience.

If you are not happy here and now, you never will be. ~Taisen Deshimaru

Are you doing things that make you happy?

20 Inspiring Quotes to Live By

Quotes about success, happiness, love, and life to inspire and motivate you:

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.

If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. -Albert Schweitzer

Unhappiness is the hunger to get; happiness is the hunger to give. . . . If the individual should set out for a single day to give happiness, to make life happier, brighter and sweeter, not for himself but for others, he would find a wondrous revelation of what happiness really is. -William George Jordan 

Happiness isn’t about what happens to us — it’s about how we perceive what happens to us. It’s the knack of finding a positive for every negative and viewing a setback as a challenge. If we can just stop wishing for what we don’t have, and start enjoying what we do have, our lives can be richer; more fulfilled — and happier. The time to be happy is now. -Lynn Peters.

 One thing I learn about happiness: It's made, not found. If you want to be happy, you must create it yourself. -Wilson Kanadi

True happiness involves the full use of one's power and talents. -John Gardner

Life can be found only in the present moment. The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and if we do not go back to ourselves in the present moment, we cannot be in touch with life. -Thich Nhat Hanh

Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more. - David Steindl-Rast

Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.  Joshua J. Marine

Never walk away from failure. On the contrary, study it carefully and imaginatively for its hidden assets. -Michael Korda

Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to a relenting pursuit of your goal-- a commitment to excellence--that enable you to attain the success you seek. Mario Andretti Race car driver

You are a success when you have made friends with your past, are focused on the present, and are optimistic about your future. -Zig Ziglar

Getting what you go after is success, but liking it while you are getting it is happiness.-Bertha Damon

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. -Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Philosopher and writer

Life is a grindstone. Whether it grinds us down or polishes us up depends on us. -L. Thomas Holdcroft

It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret. -Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Olympic track and field champion

Life itself is a party; you join after it's started, and you leave before it's finished. -Elsa Maxwell

Love lights more fire than hate extinguishers. -Ella Wheeler Wilcox

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. --MIGNON MCLAUGHLIN Writer

Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world. -Lucille Ball (1911-1989)

Actress

Live-decently, fearlessly, joyously- and don't forget that in the long run, it is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts! -Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965) Statesman

7 Productive Habits to Start a New Day

Welcome every morning with a smile. Look on the new day as another special gift from your Creator, another golden opportunity to complete what you were unable to finish yesterday. Be a self-starter. Let your first hour set the theme of success and positive action that is certain to echo through your entire day. Today will never happen again. Don't waste it with a false start or no start at all. You were not born to fail. - Og Mandino

A new day is a fresh beginning. To make the best of a new day here are the ways to do it productively: 

1.      Zest:  Feel good about yourself and ready to take on a new day with energy. You will look forward to a new day with enthusiasm and excitement.

2.      Positive: Start a new day with a positive mental attitude. Be confident, hopeful and expect wonderful things to happen.

3.      Focus: Avoid thinking about the past or the future. A new day is a time to focus on the present and live every moment. Concentrate on the task at hand and do the best you can. You are judged by the quality of your work and you will be proud of yourself.

4.      The most important tasks: You have more creative power in the morning Start a new day and do the most important tasks. Usually, an important assignment is not an easy one, so it is best to tackle it in the morning.  

5.      Early: A new day is only good when you get up early.  You are calm because there is no need to rush about to get things done. Early morning is also the time you can do work with fewer distractions.

6.      Prepared: To be productive on a new day is to plan the night before with a to-do list. You will be in control and ready to do first thing first.

7.      Productive routine: A good day starts with a good night’s sleep. When you wake up you are truly refreshed to start a new day right and get a productive day ahead of you.  When you get up drink a glass of water, stretch your body, meditate or play Tai chi, read motivational quotes and enjoy a nutritional breakfast with coffee to power up a new day.

How do you start a new day productively? 

10 THINGS NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IN LIFE

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.” - Leo Buscaglia

Before I talk about the 10 things not to worry about, read this story first: 

The Worry Tree!  

The Carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farmhouse had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence.

On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door, he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward, he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.

"Oh, that's my trouble tree", he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing for sure, troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them on the tree every night when I come home. Then in the morning, I pick them up again."

"Funny thing is", he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there ain't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."

Author unknown

In most cases, taking action is the only way to combat your worries. Find out what you can do about your anxieties. 

1.      Jobless: Instead of worrying about getting retrenched, do the best you can to keep your job. Learn new skills, do things beyond your job scope, ask for new assignments, stay cheerful and act confidently.

2.      Failures: Failures are not bad things, it means you have tried. You just need to be smart and do it differently.

3.      What others think of you: What others think of you is none of your business. Besides what you think others are thinking about you is only in your own mind. Live the way you are, be free and be contented.  

4.      Aging: I am a baby boomer, but it does not worry me a bit. I just keep doing the right things such as  jogging regularly, eating healthily and staying cheerful and happy. I am concerned about my retirement fund so I continue to work and earn more. I wake early in the morning because there is something to do every day and I enjoy doing it.

5.      Death: Death is inevitable. The best thing you can do is to live life fully. Spend time with love ones and say the words you want to say, meet up with those you wish you had time to see them and do the things that make you happy. When the day finally arrives you have no regret.

6.      The future: Nobody knows what is going to happen, but you can always envisage the future, live the future now. Imagine the future is now and live the life of your choice.

7.      Bad things to happen: Negative thoughts mean thinking of what can go wrong. It is not a bad idea if you look at it constructively. As an example when you are driving out of town you are thinking of accidents on the road. It reminds you to drive with care and without speeding.

8.      Things beyond your control: It is not a fair world, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Innocent people are killed in conflicts every day. Just pray.

9.      Your work: Instead of worrying about too much work to do, spend time to organize your workload and focus on doing one task at a time  and complete the most important ones.

10.  Outcome: You have an end result in mind but you have to concentrate on the processes and techniques to attain the expected outcome. Live in the present and enjoy the process and be happy. You are more likely to achieve your aim without an attachment to the results.

Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action. -Walter Anderson