http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/ Articles at Business Articles Directory | Small Business Articles en-us http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/5-secrets-of-multitasking-and-time-management.html http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/5-secrets-of-multitasking-and-time-management.html Tue, 11 May 2010 15:47:00 -0500
1. Phone Time. When you're on the phone, nobody can see you (except maybe through the windows of your office). Because you don't have to be making eye contact with somebody, you can do simple exercises. This is not a time to do anything that requires brainpower: you want to devote your entire attention to the phone conversation. However, you can do automatic activities. You might not even want to count your repetitions.

I have kept healthy by using my phone time for exercise.

I use phone time as organization time. I clean out old files. I also do light cleaning of my office. I always keep windex and a rag handy.

2. Car Time. What can you do while you're in the car? While I'm in the car, I listen to audiobooks. Even though I live fairly close to work, I find that in a ten minute drive each way I can get through a lot of audio material. I also have an Apple Ipod, so that I can listen to audio material while I'm flying. Frequently, there is time that I can cover audio material when I wouldn't be able to cover anything else, because I am doing something else concurrently.

Always think safety though. If you cannot focus on driving - don't do it.

3. Workout Time. While you're exercising, you can often read depending on what kind of exercise you are doing. You can listen to audio material while exercising. I find that listening to audiobooks while I exercise is a valuable tool because I am often distracted and so do not focus on how much longer I have in each run, or how many more sets I have to do.

Another way to optimize your workout time is to spend your exercise time with a friend, so you will be able to catch up while both maintaining a level of fitness. Having a workout friend will not only allow you to stay in touch easily, it will also motivate you to workout at a higher level.

4. Television Time. While you're watching TV, you can use your extra time to stretch or exercise. The perfect place for an exercycle or treadmill is in front of the TV. How fit would you be if you never watched TV without exercising. You can even read light material that you need to get through but might not require your complete attention.

You can also use your television time for doing chores around the house. If you need to husk corn or snap peas for dinner, you can do that easily in front of the TV. You can also dust one area of the house while watching a show. Other tasks, such as giftwrapping or filing can be done in front of the TV if you have your set up properly done.

5. Wait Times. It is best to always be prepared for wait times. Even if you only have two or three minutes to wait, why not spend that time reading a book or magazine? You'd be surprised at the number of tasks you can accomplish in three or four minute bursts.

The key to multitasking is to choose your times wisely. You want to get each task done well, and so you should avoid multitasking if it will lower the quality of your work. Find out what works best for you: experiment with your time use. You will eventually find a system that improves your time use, and gives you more time for the things you want to do. ]]> http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/exercise-for-your-every-day-schedule.html http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/exercise-for-your-every-day-schedule.html Tue, 11 May 2010 08:05:52 -0500
When it comes to adding exercise to your daily schedule, a brisk walk is the 1st thing that comes to the mind. Walking is an easy thing to do which may be practiced conveniently regardless of the space and time. In case you get some time free time during the lunch hour, use it to take a stroll in the corridor. Another simple thing that could support you get your every day dose of walking is always to park your car the extreme end of the parking place. Try this at every place whether it's your place of work or the shopping mall. This will increase the distance that you'll ought to walk on every day basis. This in turn will aid take your fitness levels bit higher.

You can rehearse specific exercises whenever you've some spare-time. You can do it while watching a favourite tv show or in case you'd rather concentrate on them, you could exercise during the commercial breaks. Some simple exercises can be practiced sitting at your desk. Alternatively, you could try to jump about a little bit while awaiting the milk to boil or the vegetables to cook. These simple pursuits everyday will allow you keep your body fit.

Another thing that you could do to include exercise into your daily life is always to play with your children. It's in reality the perfect fun method to get in shape. You may always join in your young ones for outdoor games like beach ball, volley ball, basket ball, cricket and many more. Such games may offer a dual advantage to you. On 1 hand you will get to have some enjoyable bonding session with your little ones. On the contrary it'll augment your fitness levels too. The best element is that you get to enhance your child's health level too. After all you're inspiring your little one to take part in outdoor games.

Gardening is another great way to add exercise to your daily plan. Lawn owners are well aware of the sort of work and effort required to keep it well cared for. Cutting weeds, mowing the grass, and making sure that the soil is ploughed will assist burn off unwanted calories. You'll additionally have a brilliant looking garden at the end of it.

Including exercise in your daily routine is not as difficult. All you need to do is put in a little effort and you will have the ability to manage some exercise easily. ]]> http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/find-movers-and-packing-tips.html http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/find-movers-and-packing-tips.html Mon, 10 May 2010 07:13:09 -0500
Different Types of Moving Boxes

Everyone would prefer different types of moving boxes according to their needs. Some people prefer to find and use their own boxes while others prefer to use the boxes that the moving companies normally use. No matter what the choice, it is important that all of your items should be packed in a efficient manner.

If, for example, you want to find the packing material on your own then there are quite a lot of different places where you can try and find them. Usually, the supermarkets and local stores provide such material but these do not tend to be very reliable and hence they are a bit risky.

Moving boxes are basically designed to store and move specific items like books, clothes, dishes etc. For this reason you should always try to find out the boxes which fit in to your needs and requirements. In most cases, those who pack and move their household items on their own do so because of the economic reasons. However, good quality packing material is an investment and is absolutely necessary for the safety of your items.

Moving Companies

You could also consider hiring the services of a moving company which can pack and move all of your belongings for you. However, the services of these companies would not be affordable for all and for that reason the best bet is to contact a company which specializes in providing moving boxes and packing material. These companies provide boxes of all types for light weight as well as heavy weight items. These companies can also provide you with boxes for specific items like mirrors and television sets.

Packing material is a very important tool for every move. Whether you pack and move your own belongings or choose to go for the services of the professional movers, consider getting good quality packing material and moving boxes. ]]> http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/productivity-and-time-management.html http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/productivity-and-time-management.html Fri, 07 May 2010 12:57:17 -0500
You're probably wondering what kind of lettuce I've been smoking to write this in an article focused on productivity and time management.

I am referring to time management in a classic sense. Finishing what you want to get done faster. This may seem ideal, but you may not be as truly productive as you had hoped.

To be truly productive, first prioritize. Find what is most important, and work at it until it is done.

Eliminating your distractions can be the hardest part. The phone, email, and the internet can easily slow you down.

But if you can master this ability, you'll boost your productivity significantly, and you'll be able to work the same, or even fewer, hours.

This works because your are taking care of what is most important first. Not the most urgent task, or the easiest one - but the most important one. Long lists often leave you with lots to do, without focusing on what really needs to get done.

By picking the mot important task first, you are able to make the most of your time. This follows the 80/20 principle, which stats that 80% of your end result comes from 20% of what you do.

By giving all of your attention to what you have decided is most important, you can finish it faster than you would have had you been distracted, or tried to juggle multiple tasks at once.

It is surprising how much faster you can get something done when you are free of distractions and interruptions.

It can be easy to lose time, without even realizing it. time management software or time tracking software can hep you keep track of this time.

Eliminating your distractions can help you to focus, and accomplish your goals.

Without distractions and interruptions, many of you goals can be accomplished in under an hour. A lot more than you would think.

Give this a shot. Figure out what is most important to you and work on it. No Interruptions. No distractions. You will be surprised at how much you will achieve. ]]> http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/plan-your-time-get-more-done.html http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/plan-your-time-get-more-done.html Thu, 06 May 2010 16:12:51 -0500
This harkens back to Stephen Covey's Seventh Rule of Highly Effective People - "sharpening the saw". The story of a wood cutter who is trying to saw a big tree. A passerby asks the woodcutter why he does not sharpen the saw so he can cut more easily and quickly. The woodcutter replies, "No time - I am in a hurry to cut the tree down".

How many people get stuck hurrying to do the job without taking time to prepare and gain energy to make the task go quickly.

The exercise today is to figure out what things sharpen the saw and plan to put those into your days. Then allow the wood cutting to take the other time as opposed to the other way around. I call this Reverse Planning. Rather than planning what I have on my task list and trying to get that done, I plan my down time and deliberately work to guard that time.

This process is great for A type people (like me). It gives us permission to have some recharge time. And allows us to count it as productive time.

Some ways to sharpen the saw for me include:

1 - Sleep. I tend not oversleep. I have pushed myself so hard for so long, I am not really sure how much sleep might help me be more productive. I am going to schedule 6-7 hours per night to see if that helps effectiveness.

2 - Working out. For me, I like to run and lift weights. Exercise elevates the mood. It adds energy - especially in the long run (no pun intended)

3 - Walking. Especially at the end of the day is a great habit. Even a mile is great.

4 - Clutter weighs on my mind so keeping things clutter free is a great way for me to reduce stress.

5 - Social time. I will schedule a couple of evenings per week of social time.

6 - Intellectual challenge. A bridge, chess or sudoko break can be good. (this tends to be guilt time for me as I enjoy it too much)

7 - Reading for pleasure. I will schedule a few hours to read for pleasure.

My list is not yet complete. I am still working on it. My challenge now is to stick to my reverse time plan and not allow myself to get caught up by the usual daily volume. ]]> http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/the-college-student-and-time-management.html http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/the-college-student-and-time-management.html Wed, 05 May 2010 02:24:23 -0500 college workload even under some of the most intense pressures. Work overload may be a thing of the past once you hone your time management skills and take control of your college responsibilities; therefore, learning some practical time management methods should be at the top of your list.

Focus on the results you are getting and not on how overwhelmed you are. So many people live their days in a flurry of activities with little to show for it; no wonder frustration and stress levels are sky high so much of the time and people feel immobilized. Stress and frustration will do this. Concentrate your efforts on the things that matter the most.

More than likely you are wasting a lot of time that you are not aware of; realizing this can put a different and positive spin on everything that had heretofore seemed impossible and overwhelming. Taking control of your workload and personal life will be the end results of setting goals and scheduling activities to complete; use a check list and as each task is completed check it off and reward yourself.

Procrastination can be a college student's nemesis and should be avoided at all costs. Completing tasks at the last minute or always asking for extensions is very stress producing and emotionally costly. Always thinking that you will have time 'later' to complete a task could be your downfall. Try to figure out why you are procrastinating so that you can set new goals, refocus yourself and begin tasks promptly.

Prioritize tasks in your workload. This is similar to scheduling except that when you prioritize you are putting a value on your tasks. Are they low, medium or high in importance and value? When you are given a new assignment, learn to analyze it for it's importance and prioritize it accordingly.

You will know when you are managing time effectively because your stomach and head will tell you. You will feel comfortable and proud of yourself and will see your results. Even though there probably will always be room for improvement, be proud of small accomplishments and reward yourself. And just maybe you have figured out a system that really works for you and brings great results; if so, then congratulations! ]]> http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/get-control-of-your-time.html http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/get-control-of-your-time.html Sat, 01 May 2010 11:47:16 -0500
Busy work. Sometimes you can work all morning and still have nothing done by the time lunch rolls around. Avoid busy work that doesn't need to be done so you can focus on the important tasks on your TO DO list.

Doing things you do not like to do. Why is this a bad idea? Usually, those tasks you do not like, you tend not to be good at. the beauty of life is there is usually someone who actually likes doing what you don't like to do. Find them and delegate to them. Trade time with them, pay them - anything to get away from doing what you are not well suited at.

Not being ready to do the task is often a time waster. To solve this - collect the tools needed to do the job. Plan and prepare to work more efficiently.

Redoing work. If you are spending time doing things over, you might need to consider the DRIFT tip: Do It Right The First Time.

Scraps of paper are often one of the worst time wasters. They get lost, they get repeated, they get disorganized. The person who created the post it note created a huge amount of time waste for many people. Get a bound notebook to keep your lists and notes.

Computer games. If you find yourself constantly zoning out to solitaire and tuning in to find out that 5 minutes have elapsed, you should delete solitaire from your computer. This goes for any game or time waster on your computer that you use. If you waste your time on the Internet, consider keeping the browser closed or disconnecting from the Internet except for allotted times during the day when you complete your necessary online tasks. Creating a time log will help you realize if you have a habit that you need to break. You might even notice yourself avoiding certain things simply because you are making a time log. These are probably time wasters that you can avoid now.

Look at the time wasters in your life and devise a plan for controlling them all. I have many more tips on how to get control of your time in my book and on my blog. ]]> http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/momentum-the-key-to-success.html http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/momentum-the-key-to-success.html Sat, 01 May 2010 11:39:09 -0500
I drive a Prius so am very aware of gas mileage. I use the same technique in my car. I get up to speed then I can maintain it with very little gas. I certainly know about momentum in acceleration. Getting up to highway speeds from a dead stop is tough but if I have a bit of roll and momentum it happens easily (and this is not an article about Prius - I love the car although I know a BMW might accelerate faster.

I use this same technique to getting projects and tasks done. I start quickly to try to gain momentum. So the key is to get started fast. Some techniques I use for this are:

1 - Get an assistant. Just the act of having someone there can be enough to develop momentum. And often it gets me started.

2 - Know your high energy times and start projects with gusto during one of those periods.

3 - Avoid distraction. Focus 100% on the task or priority that you are trying to get started on. It is all about focus.

4 - Have clear goals and objectives. The clearer you know what you want to accomplish, the more likely you are to accomplish it.

5 - Set a time limit. I know I can do almost anything for a short period of time. I use a timer. Time tracking software can also help set time limits.

6 - Plan. If you have everything organized, it is easier to start. Gather to tools and equipment you need. Research what needs to be done.

7 - Finally, just do it. Dig in hard. Push hard. I know that an initial push will help me finish strong so I do it.

Momentum pays in cycling and in doing projects. Spend some time focusing on it. ]]> http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/how-to-develop-self-discipline.html http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/how-to-develop-self-discipline.html Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:13:04 -0500
I like to be self disciplined but truthfully, I am not. What I do is use tricks to keep me on track. The following are 8 tricks I use:

1 - I avoid temptation. I simply do not put myself in a situation where I am tempted. Often bad habits are associated with a situation, location or circumstance. For example, go to a pub and you are likely to drink beer. Go to a tea house and you are likely to drink tea.

2 - Planning, Planning, Planning. it is time well spent when it comes to self discipline. I pack my gym bag the night before I want to go to the gym. I plan my day with what I wish to accomplish. Planning pays when it comes to self discipline.

3 - Set goals. The act of setting goals starts them in motion. The more you revisit them, the more you keep on track.

4 - Track what you do. It seems odd but the simple act of logging what you do or do not do is a great way to keep you on track. This works well for diets, workouts and just about anything. What gets measured and tracked, gets done.

5 - Talk to yourself. I use a number of phrases to keep me on task. One of them is "back to work". It seems strange but simply saying this to myself (people already think I am strange enough that they don't have to hear me talking to myself)

6 - Hire a personal trainer. No - not just for working out (unless that is one of your goals) but a personal trainer on the other goals you want to succeed on. It is surprising how well this works.

7 - Add to the pain by adding a punishment. We do things if they are less painful than not doing them. Pain causes us to move.

8 - Treat yourself when you get something done. You can associate pleasure with a task if you add enough sugar. It works for medicine and other things in life.

9 - I use the mantra "successful people do tough things" I am a successful person so that drives me to do the tough things.

10 - Get support on your goals. Friends can be a great source of motivation. I have accomplished many things by just making it public that I was going to do them. This is what kept me going when I wrote my book (which is a bit of a tough thing to do). I told people and they would ask me how it was coming. Tough for me to say I played video games all weekend rather than working on it.

11 - It is all about habits. "We are the product of what we repeatedly do" - Aristotle. Habits do not even take work. You just do them. I suspect you do not even have to think to brush your teeth. You just do it. It is a habit.

12 - Create systems that work for you. For me it is all about the systems I organize in my life. Good systems can support success habits.

Self discipline can be learned. You can choose to be self disciplined. It is not easy but it is what will make you a success. ]]> http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/delegate-to-reduce-stress.html http://businessarticlesdirectory.com/self-improvement/time-management/delegate-to-reduce-stress.html Wed, 28 Apr 2010 03:46:14 -0500
Delegation works best face to face. This is because a lot if it is about communication and that always works better in person. Part of it is that face to face facilitates feedback. It is the easiest way to ensure understanding.

Because it is about communication, it w always best to do it in more than one way. For example, in person with written notes beats just in person. Or by phone with an email beats just the by phone.

One reason to avoid asking people in email or on the phone is that it feels impersonal. You will be less able to gauge their reaction if you are not in person. Using questions to make sure the goals are understood works.

Courtesy is key. People respond well if they are treated nicely. And it is less stress to be nice. So be nice.

Politeness is a must for all areas of delegation, regardless of the medium of communication. Often, the input that you receive from someone who you have asked to do the task is very helpful. Remember, you asked them to do the task for a reason: they are able to do it easier, better, or faster than you can. So be aware of their opinion and the suggestions that they have to offer.

Look to the good in people. They almost always have some strengths. Try to coach people on their weaknesses, and respect them for their strengths. I have found getting people to use their strengths have a better return than trying to turn weaknesses into strengths.

Often it takes more time to delegate. If you take the time to train someone properly now, it will save both of you time and hassle in the long-run.

Attitude is everything! Respect and courtesy makes delegation a useful tool for you, and makes it less of a chore for others.

Feedback is key. Remember, it is all about communication and feedback is a critical part of that loop. Invite it.

One of the most important elements of feedback is saying thank you. Not saying thanks has consequences. Even if they do continue to do the work, they will be resentful or apathetic towards it, and as such, will not do a good job. So remembering to say a quick "Thanks!" is not only courteous, but also important. ]]>