Productivity Tips No. 1

From time to time I will post some productivity tips - things to assist us to get more from our busy lives. Here is Tip No 1.

Enjoy what you do...
How many times have you dragged yourself painfully through tasks - struggling to finish, and begrudging every moment "wasted"?

I recently had a conversation with a colleague who mentioned breaking her golden rule of not working on weekends. She was happy to spend extra time on a project with a tight deadline because she thoroughly enjoyed what she was doing and was excited by the project. In fact, she had energy to burn and completed other tasks as well.

Do you enjoy your paid and unpaid work?
How can you make your work fun?

In Summary:
People go the extra mile when they enjoy the task.
Think of ways to make your work fun.
Mix it up and break it up.
Play music you enjoy - get up and dance for a change.
Reward yourself and your staff when they achieve a milestone.
Watch your productivity soar.

Tips to Help You Survive the Fesitve Season

Many of us find the festive season stressful and this can push us from being effective and productive to feeling dreadful.
We may have to spend time with people we don't like, fit in with someone else's idea of a good time, be out of our daily routine and familiar environments, and have increased financial burdens - all of which can add to the chaos.

If visiting your family drives you crazy - think of these things:

• They are remembering who you used to be. Your parents, older siblings and other relatives remember when you were a dependent, helpless baby. They may not see your current maturity and capabilities.
• We choose our friends, and sometimes just tolerate our relatives. To cope with this, think of some fun times in the past, something funny or find something helpful to do to get away from them - for example, cleaning the kitchen or tidying the garden.
• You have a choice about what you talk about and how you respond to others. Old patterns are just that - OLD.
• Your attitudes and beliefs may have evolved away from those of your family. Family traditions shape our personalities and memories. Stepping back into them can show us how far we have come, and we might miss them if they were no longer here.

Wishing you all a wonderful festive season and a fantastic 2009.