Organization Tips and Products

Want more balance in your life? Start by figuring out what really matters to you.

2007-11-09T12:37:00.000-05:00

Getting your priorities clear will start the process of creating a well-balanced life. Notice I use the word create, because you are in charge. Don’t think of “should” statements. Example: “I should be more concerned with studying” That is not being true to yourself. Maybe your gut is telling you that you need beauty/art/creativity in your life instead.

I’ve seen in books and done the testing myself – to ask the following types of questions (I will come back to this post and make it more specific later and give you the book title):

1. If my life could focus on one thing and one thing only, what would it be?
2. If I could add a second thing, what would that be?
3. A third?
4. A fourth?
5. A fifth?

Take a few days to think it through. Think back to when you were a child or simply when life seemed easier. We often move into a life of “shoulds” that take away our joy. With appropriate thought and your gut instinct answering you – you will come up with your top five priorities. Some common lists include things like family, careers, religion, exercise, travel, etc.

The fact is, following your fascinations & dreams help you "get it together"

2007-11-02T13:20:00.000-04:00

It takes courage to follow what you fancy.
Life is supposed to be a journey.
Success is not measured in a position you reach, but in the obstacles you overcome while trying to suceed.(Booker T. Washington)

What is stopping you? Let your creativity loose, trust it, and stay on the path despite obstacles and slow downs.

Take courageous risks and feel good about it
Find new paths
Develop staying power
Heed your heart
Don't live in fear, because if you do, you never really live...

I want you to be inspired and I want to hear how your courageous risks and/or following your dreams have helped you get it together.

Does your car say you dress poorly or are overcompensating for something? See what the car you drive might say about you!

2007-10-25T14:45:00.000-04:00

I have always found this subject interesting and have had this conversation with several people.

Mini-van, SUV, or Subaru: Probably has a family. Safety conscience or a crazed driver disguised in mini-van. SUV lovers tend to like a lot of space, travel often, have dogs and cargo to haul, or want to haul kids in a bit more style. Volvo drivers – sorry you have the reputation of being horrible drivers;->

Jeeps: Outdoorsy and adventurous. Guys and girls always look great in a jeep! Tend to think of these folks as beach bums. Generally friendly and willing to help when needed. They still have a wild streak in them.

Lexus/BMW/Mercedes: Flashy status person. They want others to know how successful they are. They like the “finer” things in life. Nothing wrong with that; if you work hard, enjoy your fruits. Sometimes people buy a car in the US they could never afford in their country of origin as well, and are not flashy at all.

Hybrid: Earth friendly, eco-conscious, poor dresser, not into style. In a strange way, also flashy and status conscious.

Sports car (like Viper, Corvette, Mustang): Into speed. Fast, sort of reckless. Probably an adrenaline junkie. Into power. The saying is that they are compensating for something… I believe this to be generally true. Could be an unfulfilling marriage or a feeling of lost youth. They are sub-consciously saying, “Hey, Look at me, I’m still cool!”

Ricer (tricked out Honda/Acura/Toyota): Into speed and technology. Also flashy. They want everyone to see their car bling. Spinning hub caps, chrome and a loud sound system make them better. Potentially loopy from the nitrous oxide they are exposed to.

Trucks & monster trucks: A man’s man, a woman who likes the attention of driving a truck. A very practical “I use this for work” person. Monster truck – I say redneck! Hey, I’ve been in one of these big trucks driving through mud and creeks n stuff. Perfect people to call to haul your stuff and help you move a shed or bull doze it.

Plain stock small body Honda/Toyota/Chevy/Ford: Doesn’t really care what people think about his or her vehicle. It’s for getting from one place to another. They often don’t “enjoy” driving.

VW Bug, Mini Cooper: You are a bit strange. You want to be part of a group and part of something bigger than just owning a cute car. If they were to have a gang insignia, it would have rainbows and unicorns on it.

Older model Cadillac or Buick: Likes comfort and doesn't rush. They drive like they want to, because they can and don’t allow stressors to get to them. Nobody is going to tell them to hurry up, or slow down, or anything for that matter. Sometimes it's the young hippie with a hoopty car. This is the person who merges too slow when getting on the highway!

I have to add wagons (some people try to call them hatchbacks): A hatch is a sports car option so that makes you cooler:-). Don’t drive a wagon of any kind unless you have no choice! And yes, once upon a time I wanted my mother to buy a huge wagon with the wood grain panels because I wanted to ride in the trunk area!

The majority of this post is my own thoughts about the cars, but I added some commentary from a very similar blog post at http://www.theraceislong.com.

What do you think? Make some comments!

Stop wasting time online, be more productive at work

2007-10-05T12:14:00.000-04:00

Recently a very dear friend of mine and myself have been talking about "Wilfing" (no this is not dirty). It means to surf the web without any real purpose. More specifically for us, it means that we are attempting to do something good, like research, then we get pulled into the unknown - maybe shopping for a new kayak.

Urban Dictionary says wilfing is more prevalent among men than women and those under 25 browse the most absent-mindedly. The study they refer to also mentions the destructive effects: "a third of males admitted that wilfing has a damaging effect on their relationship with a partner." Guardian.co.uk

HERE IS A SOLUTION: there are some fun timers you can install on your home and work computer to show you just how much of a wilfer you are! They are MeeTimer, Super Kiwi Cloak, Stealth Kiwi, Invisibility Cloak, and Time to Go Script. Read this great article at Wired Magazine for the details.

Be safe, be organized, get a FREE cell phone headset

2007-10-05T11:50:00.000-04:00

Organize catching up with old friends or family by making phone calls in the car during your work commute. This is a great way to stay in touch with friends on a regular basis. I say forget business calls, they are best taken care of in the office, and your driving time should be a time to relax a bit if you can.

But - YOU MUST BE SAFE! It is true and legitimate -- You can get a free, high quality headset at http://www.FreeHeadset.org. They have been giving away free cell phone headsets in order to promote a nationwide wireless phone safety program. Since 2003 they have distributed over 150,000 headsets.

Again be safe, organize time to catch up with friends in the car, and get a free headset for your cellphone.

http://www.freeheadset.org

Organization reduces homework surprises & improves productivity with a study space

2007-09-06T17:07:00.000-04:00

Right about now families are readjusting to a back to school routine. Here are two of my favorite tips and a link to the rest.

1. If bedtime was let go over the summer, reduce resistance and ease kids into it by lowering the time each week by 30 minutes until you are back on schedule. Good sleeping habits are a must and you can read more here.

2. Make sure your child has a dedicated study & homework space. If space is a problem in your home and/or you have to interrupt them - from say, the kitchen table - pick up a portable desktop such as the WorkMate or grab a storage clipboard which is very similar. Even the traditional lap desk can help. For more tips on easing into back to school this month, click here.

The art of napping helps you to accomplish more

2007-09-06T15:22:00.001-04:00

I've learned in the last year or two - when you are tired, you should take a nap. You don't have to go to sleep. A nap can be a 10 minute rest, a moment of meditation, or just watching the Oprah show (you'll cry and get all your frustrations out at the same time).

A friend of mine who loves to nap, lovingly gave me a book called, The Art of Doing Nothing by Veronique Vienne. The book isn't a very interesting read, but has nice photos and discusses napping. It makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who is too busy. Somehow it helped me get it together on rough days, and I want to help you in return if I can. Another book, which gets 5 stars may be more appropriate, The Art of Napping by William Anthony.

Take care of yourself.