25 Hot Tips for Reaching Business and Life Goals: Part Two
Peter continues his countdown with things that he has learnt in business (and life) which he guarantees will help you be more productive, increase your daily work performance, improve your attitude and help you be happier and healthier in general.
Here are tips 20-16:
20. Create your own day – the one that you want – every day
Take responsibility for what happens to you each day. With everything that is going on in your life at work (and outside) you are the determining factor. Your energy, your reactions, your choices, your intentions, your moods, your emotions are what create your life. Stop blaming everyone else – the boss, the deadlines, the pressure, and the clients. Start each day with a good intention, with a positive frame of mind, with trust and belief in yourself that all will go well.
19. Chunk your day
Set aside large chunks of time each day to do the important priorities and at the same time minimize the controllable distractions. So for a couple of hours each day if you are at the desk turn off the mobile or don’t keep checking your email and focus on the one thing and get it done. When I go to client meetings at their offices, I leave my mobile phone in the car so that they have my full concentration and attention.
18. Become a volunteer
There is a great programme that I am a small part of called Telecross run by the Red Cross. All it takes from me is one phone call every day at about 8am. I ring an elderly person who lives on their own each morning for a month. I get a new person each month so that we don’t become too attached. This small thing that I do helps me put my own life, day and my priorities into perspective and is a good way to start each day. This is one of many good volunteer options available.
17. Get outside in the natural sunlight for twenty minutes every day
Sunlight, fresh air, Vitamin D, some rays – a change of environment from your usual work place is simply just good for you, as is the walk. There is even a new syndrome called Distracted Attention Fatigue and guess what the best treatment is? Getting out in the natural environment for 10 to 20 minutes. Research had also shown that walking outside each day is as good as anti-depressants for those with mild depression.
16. Learn to identify your most creative time of day – and make the most of it
We all have higher energy levels and are more creative at different times of the day. It is not possible to be “up” all day every day unless you are on something – and I don’t recommend that. Some of us are really good in the morning – some of us take quite a while to get going each day and have more energy late afternoon or early evening. Work on the important and relevant things – the priorities – when your energy levels are up. I am an early morning person – that’s when I do my best and most creative work. Good employers will even allow for this and be a bit flexible in your hours if you share with them.
