The vast majority of people I speak to comment on the overwhelming amount of “stuff” they need to do each day, and the lack of time they have to do it!
Even though we tend to complain about this stuff (a lot), we do manage most of the time and get by OK.

However in 2009, is “most of the time” and “OK” enough? Well, it may be enough to survive, but is it enough to be consistently healthy and happy? Or, could we perform at a higher level? A level where we can not only manage all of our stuff, but do it effectively, efficiently and most importantly with a clear head and sense of control?

The fact is this is the operational style that is not only desired, but now required by high performing professionals. It is a prerequisite for employers and a must for individuals who want sustainability in the workplace and at home.

So what’s changed to warrant this compulsory high performance operational style? Why must we be able to do multiple tasks efficiently with a clear head?

One key reason is the way we work. The nature of our work is not as clear as it used to be. We used to be able to see what needed to be done and then do the work until completed, like milking the cows or ploughing the fields. These days, our work doesn’t have clear boundaries and we often work on more than one project at a time. This can lead to a feeling of being always behind, overwhelmed and out of control.

So what can we do about it? Loads, and I will explore some more detailed systems in the future.

For now, the first thing I suggest you do is to develop some basic personal organisational habits and systems to give you back some sense of control. Here are a few simple yet effective organisational tips that I got from a friend of mine Karen Koedding, who runs an organising company called “A Little Elf” to get you started.

Compile a list of things that you want to accomplish the next day. Be careful not to overload the list. List your top three most important tasks in order of priority. By doing this before you leave the office you won’t waste time the following morning figuring what to do first.

Clear your desk and put things away every night before you go home. This will ensure that when you arrive in the morning you are ready to start the day on your list of important tasks. This afternoon ritual will help you to switch off mentally before you go home (or to the nearest bar) and help you sleep better too!

Hang a key holder right inside your front door. Get in the habit of always putting your keys on the hook when you come in the door. This will prevent a mad search in the morning.

Open your mail immediately after walking in the door to avoid a pile up over time.  Open the mail over the recycling bin and a bin for collecting paper for shredding, disposing of as much as possible.  Get rid of the envelopes, throw out paper and items you will never get around to reading, unfold the paperwork you are keeping so it takes up less space.  Put whatever you are keeping into your Action System, which you will act on at least twice per week (more on this next issue).
 
Decide what you will wear the next morning the night before, iron it if need be and place it in your “what I’m wearing tomorrow” spot. Also, gather everything else you will need for the next day, and put it near the front door or a dedicated spot of your choice.

Have a separate bag for each of your activities, so that you don’t need to pack/unpack all the time.  For example, if you go to a gym for weight training and take yoga classes elsewhere, have 2 bags and always use them only for those activities, keep them packed and ready to go so you can possibly sneak in a quick session at short notice. 

When you travel for business often, packing and unpacking can be a real pain. Make things easy for yourself by having a kit of your toiletries always in your suitcase, so you only need to refill them, not pack and unpack.

Simple ideas like these will help you become more efficient according to

Adios!

,
Daniel Carlin.

ELEVATE NEEDS
YOUR HELP.

We are working on a secret project that will benefit you all in the future.

For a chance to win a one on one coaching session with me, which of the following services do you think are most relevant for sustained performance?

Please pick your top three and email through to me

1. PHYSIOTHERAPY

2. CHIROPRACTIC

3. OSTEOPATHY

4. MASSAGE

5. DIETICIAN

6. NATUROPATH

7. NUTRITIONIST

8. PSYCHOLOGY

9. CHINESE MEDICINE

10 GENERAL PRACTIONER

11. SPORTS PHYSIOLOGIST

CORPORATE CORNER

Stress is sabotaging your performance. Great new STRESS program on offer to help your staff stay on top.

Contact us for more info.