David S. Finch

Getting the Most Out of Your Goals

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image by:nocas

Getting the most out of your goals can be challenging if you don't have a system in place to make them happen. It's always easy to make a goal, getting results is another thing.

I'm an avid list maker and one of the areas that I'm constantly working on is my list of goals. Currently, I like to work off a list for the year and then I break it down to a list of goals for the month. For the most part, my monthly goals fall in line with my intentions for the year.

To get the most out of your goals, it's really important that you:

• review your top monthly goals on a daily basis
• review your yearly goals on a bi-weekly or monthly basis
• celebrate when you accomplish ALL of your monthly goals
• make yourself and goals accountable to someone else
• don't be afraid to push yourself to the limits
• don't sweat if you have to drop one of your goals

Today, at the first of the month, I've compile my list of goals for the month. I've double-checked to make sure that I'm still on track for my yearly goals. Now, it's time to buckle down and get ready for another productive month.

Related Articles:
Perfection: The Biggest Enemy of Productivity
7 Rules to Formulate Powerful Goals
4 Ways to Avoid Short-Cutting Your Dreams

Technorati Tags: goals, personal development, productivity

How I Switched to a Paperless Office

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photo by:jimwhimpey

Weeks ago I made a decision to convert my office to paperless. My motivation was two-fold, both environmentally conscience and to take advantage of a small workspace. My initial reaction to the thought of going paperless seemed almost impossible. However, when I sat down and asked myself what I really needed I realized with a little bit effort I could make this happen.

The first thing I did was to get control of my printing habits. I've been known to print off emails and online articles to read later only to read them once and then throw the paper away. Not only is this not environmentally smart, but filing paper that I'll never read again doesn't make sense. Having a limited work area made this extremely difficult in relation to filing.

Next, I asked myself how often do I need a notebook? After determining that there were just a few occasions that I really needed one, I began taking notes on my laptop. While it's taken a little time getting use to, I've develop a system that seems to be working.

My goal is to transition the majority of all my periodical reading to online sources. Than tackle all the unnecessary mail. Ultimately, I would like to be paperless with:
1. Online invoicing and bank statements
2. Newspapers and magazines
3. airline tickets
4. event tickets
5. grocery lists
6. financial receipts

I don't know if I could ever read books only through a reader, but you never know. Going paperless could become addictive.

Have you gone paperless? What was the biggest thing you had to let go of? What are your suggestions for anyone switching to a paperless environment?

Technorati Tags: Earth Day, paperless, productivity

10 Energy Boosting Foods That Will Increase Your Productivity

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photo by:marcelo alves

Productivity isn't always about detailed systems and hard work. Your diet can also play an important role on how productive your are. A diet packed with sugars and junk food is a sure to sabotage your plan to getting things done.

Try adding a few on these energy boosting options into your daily routine.

Oatmeal
Research has determined that oatmeal can work wonders in lowering your cholesterol levels. This is because of the beta-glucan in the oats. Rolled oats have also long been a staple of many athletes' diets, especially weight trainers', given oatmeal's high content of complex carbohydrates and water-soluble fiber which encourage slow digestion and stable blood-glucose levels.

Coffee
Coffee is commonly known as a energy boosting beverage. If you can go without all the sugars, whipped cream etc. a cup of coffee can work magic.

Lentils
Lentils are like magic pills. They have been proven to lower the risk of coronary heart disease, stabilize your blood sugar, and add iron.

Water
Water is the oil that keeps the engine running. Try to drink at least 10 eight ounce glasses of water of day. You may need to start with flavored waters to get started.

Apples and Bananas
Bananas carry high levels of potassium can replenish your potassium levels after strenuous exercise or during high stress times. Apples (and fruit in general) also work well as energy boosters.

Sardines
Sardines are known to be the "brain food." They are filled omega 3 fatty acids. The fatty acids maintain the blood sugar levels.

Chocolate
Experts believe that chocolate, eaten in small amounts can lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate has recently been promoted for its health benefits, including a substantial amount of antioxidants that reduce the formation of free radicals,

Almonds
There are claims that almonds help prevent cancer as well as improve the movement of food through the colon. There is also claims that they help regulate blood levels.

Yogurt
Yogurt is great for people who are moderately lactose-intolerant. It also has medical uses for gastrointestinal conditions. It's the "stabilizer" snack.

Daily Multi-Vitamin
Add a multivitamin to your daily routine. Make sure you consult with your physician before taking any vitamins.

It takes a lot of fuel to be highly productive. Eliminating fatty foods and replacing them with healthy options can work magic as you work toward accomplishing your goals.

What healthy choices do you use to increase your energy? What have you foods have you eliminated? Leave a comment and be a part of the conversation.

Technorati Tags: productivity

How to Be On Time

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photo by:moriza

Let's face it, being on time can be quite the challenge. You would think that with all the technology that is available, punctuality would never be an issue. However, being on time requires learning new habits. Here are a few tips to help you be on time... every time.

1. Don't set your watch ahead
Do you think this actually works? What really happens is that you tell yourself that you have an additional amount of time and then you compensate for the extra minutes. This usually leads to just a stall tactic that gives you enough time to still be late. Set your watch to the exact time and live in real time.

2. Don't hit the snooze button
Your alarm is not a tool to keep you in bed, but it's there to wake you up. When your alarm goes off, get up and move away from your bed. Create a habit that you do every day that tells yourself, "I'm up."

3. Expect Delays
Plan for delays and give yourself an extra fifteen minutes to every scheduled event. Make it a practice to arrive fifteen minutes early for everything. If you arrive early use this time to read, make a phone call, finish a task.

4. Be Organized
Often times one of the most frustrating time thieves is simply by not being organized. Have you ever been late because you couldn't find your keys? Being organized and having a place for those things that you carry with you will cut down dramatically on tardiness. Being organized will also cause you to rely more on planning than just reacting to everything.

5. Say "NO"
Stop trying to squeeze "on more thing in." This is a sure-fire way to be late every time. By incorporating the fifteen minute rule to your schedule this can help when you want to finish that one last thing.

6. Be committed to being on time
Tips are great as well as gadgets, but the only way punctuality will be important to you is if you are committed to it. Being on time won't happen over night, but the more you work at and make it a daily habit you'll notice that being on time becomes easier and easier.

What keeps you from being on time? If you once struggled with punctuality, what where the things that helped you? Leave a comment and be a part of the conversation.

Technorati Tags: personal development, productivity, self-help

How to Survive Productivity Meltdown

photo by: adamhenning

The biggest challenge to achieving your goals is to guard against any type of meltdown. When your stretched thin, as you transition from where you've been to where your going, that's when meltdown can raise its ugly head. As a father, husband, employee, entrepreneur, writer, public speaking, my biggest battle is meltdown.

My good intentions carry no value if I can't push through these meltdown moments. Here are a few tips I use.

REFOCUS: Review Your Goals
The first thing I do is remind myself why I'm putting myself through all this pressure. I do this by review my goals. It's also beneficial when I'm able to notice the goals that I've already accomplished. This works as a way of recalibrating my mindset to my purpose.

In other words, when you find yourself straying off course... go back to your map. Sometimes just reviewing my goals does the trick.

RELOCATE: Change Your Approach
For me, it's all about atmosphere and environment. Being creative I work best when I'm in the mood or by inspiration. Changing my location or approach works magic for me. If it's not working at my home office than I head off to a cafe. If the cafe is noisy and that doesn't work than I'm off to a bookshop.

I also change up my routine. Instead of writing in the morning, I write at night. I also like to get around other creative individuals. Personally, for me creativity breeds creativity. By mixing up my approach it aids in preventing meltdown and getting out of a rut.

RECOMMIT: Get Back to the Basics
The challenge when your multi-tasking and wearing many hats is to stay focused. Each hat or role we play has it's own way of pulling us to where it seems like there is nothing else to give. One of the ways in which I RECOMMIT is by the process of elimination. I identity distractions and remove those things that fight against me reaching my goals.

Often times when your stretched thin you'll let the basic things go. Exercise, diet, networking, reading are usually the first to go. While it may seem trivial at the moment, many times it's the basics that have keep you performing at your maximum level and on the cutting edge.

When I do the basics I succeed. When I take shortcuts to compensate for meltdown it only leads to more frustration. By recommitting to my goals and future in every role in my life I'm able to work through the meltdown and move forward.

How do you handle meltdown? What ways do you prevent it? Leave a comment and be a part of the conversation.

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Technorati Tags: productivity, self-development

Perfection: The Biggest Enemy of Productivity

photo by: Harry Willis

Starting a new project or attacking a list of goals can be overwhelming for many especially if your a perfectionist. The biggest challenge is learning how to move forward when everything isn't perfect. Sometimes good enough is good enough. However, learning how to accept this attitude is easier said than done.

Here are a few things that I have done.

Failure is very possible
OK, isn't this the hardest issue to grasp. Realizing and coming to grip with the fact that you could fail is life changing. The possibilities of every idea you launch being a hit is slim to none. However, embracing this truth can allow you to march forward without the pressure for perfection. Being OK with failure will not be so detrimental to your path of success.

You will make changes
Let's face it, the majority of most success stories ending looks nothing like their beginning. In other words, their detailed plan and blueprint has been changed, altered, trashed, thrown out, started over to get to where their at. The inability to not embrace change is the grave marker to any dream or goal.

Being at peace with the simple principle that things will change will make it easier as you reach for your goal. This has been eye opening for me, as someone who is a planner and perfectionist and struggles adapting on the go.

Stop planning and start doing
There comes a time when you've planned all you can plan. You have researched, you've mapped everything out. You've checked and double checked etc. You are as ready as ready can be. That's when you have to start doing something. You have to put action behind your words.

I have a note card that I see every time I walk out the door that reads, "Every dream and plan is only accomplished by action." It's my simple reminder that I can either plan on doing something or I can actually DO something. It's amazing how just starting can bring clarity to many areas that bring questions.

Make adjustments on the run
This has been my biggest challenge as well as the most rewarding. The ability to make adjustment when "the plan" breaks down can be the difference between meltdown and success. Anyone that is analytical knows that making quick decisions is never a strong point of ours. However realizing that every decision doesn't need analyzed, planned or a meeting called can work as a launching pad to any goal or project.

OK say it out loud, "Sometimes good enough is good enough." I know your saying, "this can't be right," but believe me this is the first step to killing your biggest enemy to productivity. Go for it! Today is the day to begin! It's a start... and that's all you need.

Do you struggle with perfectionism? How do you combat it? Leave a comment and join the conversation.

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Technorati Tags: dreams, goals, perfectionism, procrastination, productivity

The Iceberg Principle

photo by:ilya

The Iceberg Principle: Building a Strong Foundation that Will Sustain Your Success.

We are well in to the new year and I'm sure a lot of progress is already taking place when it comes to achieving your goals. However, for many it will become short lived, not because of motivation, but because of not being grounded in foundational principles. It's not necessarily your fault, it's common to spend all your time developing the areas that are visible rather core principles, practices and habits.

To be able to sustain a high level of productivity and success you need to build using the iceberg principle. The word iceberg comes from a dutch word, that literally means a mountain of ice. However, the strength of an iceberg is not what you can see but what is submerged under water. It's a known fact that often times on 1/9th of the iceberg is visible. Historically, the demise of the Titanic was not knowing the power and depth of an iceberg.

The foundation is the center or core from which you build. I have discovered that when I launch a project or initiative that is based upon my foundational strengths, I implement each task with confidence and precision. When I launch a new project from a weak core or foundation, struggle and procrastination become my two closest friends.

Start with Your Foundation
Make sure as you begin another attempt to reach your goals that you solidify your foundation. Before you get ahead of yourself, make sure your base can handle the weight of your dreams and potential. Solidify your mental toughness. Shore up your habitual leaks that always bring you to a grinding halt. Make health a priority so that you can not just start well, but finish strong.

Self evaluate those areas that have been your past downfalls. Over the past few weeks, in my blogging silence I have been working on my foundation. Those areas that keep me from reaching all my goals of the previous year. While self evaluation is never enjoyable, it's where honesty meets and foundational work can begun.

Other Foundational Improvements
Having your foundational basics covered can be your launching pad to your personal achievements. Let your achievement iceberg go deep.

Educate Yourself
Take this time to increase your knowledge about your niche and market. Obtain the skills that you may need to pull off your plans. Take no shortcuts when it comes to finding and implementing the knowledge that you need to go to the next level of your goals, dreams and plans.

Build Your Team
True success is never accomplished alone, it always takes others. Use this time as your strengthen your foundation to build your team. Network and build relationships with individuals that not only can invest in you, but relationships that you can give something back. Put people around you that will challenge your thinking and not let you settle for status quo.

Define Your Plan
This is a great time to bring definition to your personal and business statement. Without a strong and detailed blueprint, flying by the seat of your pants will only last so long. Map out your course with detail and accuracy. Utilize your team to bounce off your ideas as well as to bring greater clarity to your plan.

Building your foundation my seem tedious, but in the long run you'll be grateful that you took the extra time and built upon a foundation that was deep enough that it would bring visibility to your dreams and goals.

Do you have a solid base? What have you done to solidify your foundation? Leave a comment and share your thoughts and insight. I'll meet you there!

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Technorati Tags: dreams, goals, lifehacks, mission statement, productivity, self-development

4 Ways to Succeed in the New Year

photo by:Fire Horse Leo
For many, the thought of the new year can be depressing. Looking back to incomplete projects, ideas and tasks can easily cause someone to have regrets. Unfortunately, this is a never ending cycle for those that would've, could've and should've.

However, starting off a new year with purpose can be a launching pad to a successful and prosperous year. In order for that to happen, you have to have a blueprint to dictate your course of action. Without a reference point you'll have nothing to look back to.

Get a notepad or a stack of 3x5 cards and let's begin mapping out our course. Make sure it's something that you can have readily available all throughout the year.

Reflect and Review
Before we can look forward, let's take a minute to look backwards. Take note of all the things that you accomplished this year. You may have a list of your goals for this year, look them over and notice the things you did do. You also want to look at those things that just didn't happen. Besides those things that were just neglected, review those things that you didn't get to because of honest reasons.

Now, ask yourself the question, "If I could start over, what would I do differently?" What resources would you have needed? What relationships could have helped? What skills are you lacking?

Remember, this is not the time for you to be over critical of yourself. It's just an opportunity to review and learn.

Write Your Plan Down
Now its time to once again write down your goals from the very smallest to the biggest. Personally, I write down business goals, financial goals, personal and family goals. This is an overview of my map for the upcoming year.

Next, you want to break down each goal into bite size pieces. Have mile markers with dates on them. This will not only give you a goal within a goal, but also a means to being accountable to yourself. It's also here that you want to be extremely specific. For example, Writing a book is a great goal, but laying out the chapters with time frames puts structure to your goal.

Do this until you've mapped out your entire plan of action for the new year. This could take up to several hours and even days depending on how ambitious you are. One thing to remember is that it's not the size of your list of goals that is important, but the structure and detail that you give each one.

Plan Your Fun
Get a calendar and circle the holidays that you'll have off as well as make a vacation schedule. Use these holidays and vacations as incentives and mile stones in achieving your goals. Plan them out where they can be used as opportunities to recharge your batteries. For some a week at a beach rejuvenates their passions. For others, it's a ski trip to the mountains.

Whatever and whenever, just make sure you don't put this off. Sadly, many never finish their plan not because their lazy or have procrastinated, but because their fatigued. Make sure you have the energy to finish the final stretch at this time next year.

Share Your Blueprint with Others
Meet with those that you value, a business partner, spouse, friend, mentor etc. and share your blueprint with them. Start with you intentions from last year and where you succeeded and where you fell short. Talk through those things you felt you did well as well as those areas in which you need improvements.

Now, lay out the map for this year with it's bite size details. By sharing your plan for the new year it allows you for input and a means of accountability. This individual can also be that one you check in with throughout the year to share your successes and at time help when you feel stuck.

This final phase is a must if you want to graduate from pipe dreams to achievable goals.

What is that one thing if money and time wasn't an issue this upcoming year do you want to accomplish? How do you plan to get there? Leave a comment and together let's make this new year the most productive, successful and prosperous that we've every had.

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Technorati Tags: goals, life lessons, mind-mapping, productivity, self-development, wealth

How to Make "Fun" a Part of Your Productivity Agenda

Photo by notsogoodphotography
It's that time of the year when productivity goes out the window and having fun makes the top of the "to-do" list. Office parties, shopping, friends and family get-togethers all seem to be very important at this time of year. Perhaps it's a way to close out the year celebrating all your accomplishment or it could be just another way to forget about where we fell short.

Whatever scenario you choose to accept having fun is vital to life and business. Sadly, when the workaholic is applauded and the fun, free-spirited individual is considered a slacker, having fun as a way of life can often times be frowned upon. The truth of the matter, is that most people don't know how to incorporate fun on a daily basis.

To avoid insurmountable loads of stress planning "fun" in your daily routine can increase your productivity as well as your overall health. Here are a few suggestions to consider as you plan for the upcoming year.

1. You've Got to Love What You Do
Happy people are those that are passionate about what they do. Going to work isn't a chore, it's a daily event that gives an opportunity to fulfill personal passion and dreams. If you don't love what you do this may be the place to start.

2. Create Daily Fun Events
What do you enjoy? What are your hobbies? What makes you smile? Personally, I love to travel, but currently I can't travel everyday, however there's not a day that goes by that I don't view photos from around the world that creates a fun moment for me. This obviously doesn't have to consume your day, but just enough to bring a smile and energy to keep moving.

3. Networking Can Be Fun
A large percentage of the time when I network I want to know what you do for fun. After I find out the basic job title, who do you work for, what do you do, I want to know what do you do for fun. It's here where I get to know YOU, not just what you do. You never know, going to a game with a fan is always more enjoyable then hosting a client, not to mention a greater chance of making a business deal.

4. Plan Weekly Fun Events
This can be with your spouse, friends, kids, but make sure when you plan in your weekly agenda to schedule events where you can relax and enjoy those that are around you.

5. Schedule Your Vacations Early
Statistics tell us that Americans take off the least amount of time from work. Don't let this be you! Work hard, really hard, but schedule your vacations early as mile-markers to you yearly goals. Use your vacation as a goal and reward system.

6. Schedule for 2008 a Party That You'll Host
This is an opportunity to promote your brand... YOU! Invite your friends, clients, those that you want to connect with. Show off your passions, favorite foods, music, etc. Share your ideas as well as provide value to those that attend. Jeff Pulver of VON is a great example of this.

How do you plan on making "fun" part of your 2008 agenda? What can you? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comment area.

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Technorati Tags: goals, productivity

How to Be Productive and Live to 100

One of the greatest ways to improve your productivity is utilize power naps. Power naps are a great way to refuel your body and mind.

Dr. Maoshing Ni writes, Sleep Your Way to 100 with Power Naps

"A long-time tradition in Latin countries, a siesta is a great way to jumpstart the second half of your day. Famous nap enthusiasts have included some of the best minds in history, such as Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, and Thomas Edison.

What they knew was that a midday snooze - while seeming to be an unproductive use of time - could actually increase their effectiveness. Some of the reviving benefits of naps include enhanced cognitive function, better reaction time, more patience, stress relief, and better overall health. "
[see article]

Alright, I'm off to take a nap, I mean increase my effectiveness.

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Technorati Tags: Getting Things Done, power napping, productivity, self-development