Begin Each Day With a Well-Honed To Do List

p>Time flies faster and faster each day.Kelly Ripa, Katie Couric, Barbara Walters, Charlie
Technology gives the impression that we canGibson, Tom Brokaw, et al. They have hair
accomplish more in less time--yet, observationdressers, chauffeurs, wardrobe attendants and a
and studies reveal America is falling behind in thefull staff of people, making sure their every
race as a productive force. To improve your rateprofessional need is met, as well as nannies,
of productivity--there are some easy and simplehousekeepers, etc. You can rest assured they
things you can do.o Do avoid over scheduling youraren't grocery shopping or do laundry.o Do avoid
day. It seems like scheduling every minute is theadopting the microwave mentality. Appreciate the
logical and practical solution. However, it has thevarious stages of projects and goals, as well as
opposite effect. Some things will take longer thanthe pleasure they give. Be like a rose--it begins to
you expected, because there will be interferencesbud and unfold slowly and perfectly--as it unfolds
that you cannot predict. If you are scheduled towe can enjoy its beauty. A relationship can
the max, you will have no room to absorb thechange, being just as beautiful and enjoyable at
miscalculation on time. Plan to schedule about 75%each stage. Enjoy your journey as you move
as productivity and 25% free time to givethrough each stage of a project--whether long or
yourself flexibility.o Do avoid saying, 'Yes' toshort. Observe yourself as you learn in the
everything. See my article, Freedom to Say, 'No.'process.o Do avoid 'giving up.' Never give up.
Saying 'Yes' to everything is like cholesterolWhen you make a mistake, or when the wind of
clogged arteries. Your system is overloaded withlife blows in unannounced--and it will--being as
stuff you have difficulty handling. Sometimes youprepared as possible will give you the strength to
will need to say, 'No' to yourself. If you want tobe able to carry on. If you lose your job, having a
read a book, you will need to say, 'No' toreserve of money will ease the transition into a
watching your favorite TV show. If you want tonew job and give you the ability to wait to find
start a business, you will need to say, 'No' to timethe right job. When it seems there is no end in
wasters or other lesser important things.o Dosight--push on. The answer is usually closer than
avoid trading what you want at the moment foryou think. Avoid dooms day (fear) thoughts,
what you want later. That extra few minutes ofanger, frustration, or a 'poor me' attitude. No one
sleep might seem like the best thing since yourcan stop you--only you can stop you. Keep on
last favorite chocolate, but you know it will onlyuntil you get what you want.o Do Simplify your
cause you to be late, and then cause you to playlife with a few more items you want to avoid.
catch-up. That new pair of shoes or dress mayListen to your heart. Listen to your intuition--a.k.a.
seem like the most awesome item you could buygut. Your heart and intuition will readily and easily
for yourself, but if it causes a money crunch forhelp you make up your own list of things to avoid.
necessary items, they aren't worth it. Think aboutSet your intention on filtering out things that do
the long-term effects of your decisions onenot give you the most enjoyment/reward.o Do
decision at a time.o Do avoid being duped by theSet you intentions. Set your intentions on what
cliché "You can have it all." Having it all isyou want--be specific. I will write a book this year.
possible, either by having it at different times inI will learn to golf. I will improve my golf game.
your life, or by having a whole lot of help--think