Simple Tips to Help Simplify Your Life! - Make it Great!

Quote of the week

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Leonardo da Vinci

Why are we all so stressed out these days? I would argue the reason for the stress is because we our lives are too complicated, and they need to be simpler. Don't believe me?

Quick 2 part quiz:

1) How many remote controls do you have in your house?

2) How many devices do you have that use remotes have buttons you could use instead of these remotes?

Do you really think you need these remotes? Do you really think you need these devices? Now I'm as guilty as the next. I have 6 remotes I can see right now without really looking, and probably another 3 or 4 I can't find or don't know about. I am working towards making things simpler in other parts of my life. I only have 1 bank account where I keep money, I only have 1 place where I get all my insurance, and I try to write all my notes in only 1 notebook. I'm also working on saving all my computer files in 1 place, and just bought a new computer that will allow me to keep these files all on my PC, with a backup already made so I don't freak out if something crashes. I encourage you to do the same.

Now if I could just find the remote to shut off my TV, I could go to bed. MUST...GET...SIMPLER!

Article of the week - Ten Tips to Cyber-Simplify your life http://www.cybersimplify.com

Technology is supposed to make our lives easier and simpler. How many times have you heard that? Now ask yourself, is your life easier? Do you feel more relaxed and/or productive?

If the answers are a loud NO, then you are not alone. The reality is, as our interactions with machines increase, we must realize the importance of 'turning on' our human selves.

Here are ten tips on how to Cyber Simplify your life:

1. Time management
Learn to organize your time. Ask yourself before doing a task, is this the best use of my time? And what will happen if I don't do it?

2. Prioritize
Make a list of what you need to do. Number the list. Now go back and put an A by the items that are the most important, a B by those somewhat important and a C for minimal importance. Pick three A items and do them. Then pick three more. When finished with all of the A's, move on to the B's etc.... You should assess and complete tasks by importance to maximize your time.

3. Communicate clearly
Effective and clear communication is one in which there is an exchange between two parties. This is in contrast to efficient communication, which is simply the relaying a message. Before you initiate communication, you should understand what kind of communication is called for (context) i.e. face to face, e-mail or fax. You should also have an idea of the type of response that is required.

4. Take a break
Studies show that we are most productive and less likely to make a mistake, when we stretch for five minutes or breathe or relax every hour.

5. Create down time
Turn off your cell phone in the car. Switch off your beeper. Find a way to create time and space to think and plan your day.

6. Arrange regular face to face meetings with your colleagues
It is important to create a venue for the sharing and exchange of ideas, thoughts and knowledge. These can be formal or informal. Make a conscious effort to share time and space.

7. Exercise, exercise, and exercise
Nothing is as effective in busting stress. Park your car farther away than usual and walk to appointments. Take the stairs when possible. As you are walking, learn to focus on what you hear, feel and see. For example, say to yourself, "Now I am aware of..."

8. Carry a yellow notepad
This is commonly known as an external brain or peripheral memory. You can jot down notes and make lists. They are great for organizing your items and scratching them off as they are accomplished.

9. Find a structure
A structure is an object that you can place at your desk or around your workspace that will remind you to breathe, meditate or stretch. It can be a little sticky on your computer, or a rock, or picture. Associate a meaning to it that is in tandem with an action and just do it.

10. Relax
As you are reading this, take a deep breath. Breathe from deep in your gut and through your nose slowly as you count to 25. As you exhale, focus on releasing tension and stress. You can practice your deep breathing anywhere and everywhere, at the traffic light, waiting for a fax, or standing in the elevator.

Book of the week

Man's Search for Meaning - Victor Frankl
The book begins with a lengthy, austere, and deeply moving personal essay about Frankl's imprisonment in Auschwitz and other concentration camps for five years, and his struggle during this time to find reasons to live.

Frankl epitomizes a "Make it Great!" personality. He took his life, what was left of it, and made it the best he could. What an inspiring book!

Action Items for Your Week

1) Simplify your life - Try to get rid of any remotes you don't know what it does anymore. Try to get down to 1 or 2 bank accounts. Use some of the cyber-simplification tips found above. Share some of your most successful tips with loved ones in your life.

2) Organize your life - Write things down so you don't forget what needs to be done. Store things in 1 place and 1 place only.

3) Clarify your life - Figure out what's really important, and make sure you are making time for it. Doing what's really important is one of the best ways you can "Make it Great!"

Until next time...Make it a GREAT day!

Phil Gerbyshak
makeitgreat@gmail.com
http://www.miginstitute.com/
414.640.7445

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Stop Yourself Reacting To Other People When They Push Your Buttons

We all know what it feels like to have our... Read More

Relieving Stress

Where does stress really come from? Is there any simple... Read More

Stress: Daily Self-Care Habits to Manage Stress

Today we have more stress in our lives than ever... Read More

How To Stress Less and Smile More-The Six Fundamental Steps To Improved Health

More than two-thirds of visits to doctors' surgeries are for... Read More

Stress Management: KYFM - Keep Your Feet Moving

One of my favorite stories about change is the story... Read More

Is Worry Necessary?

Who hasn't experienced "worry" at one time or another? Almost... Read More

Stress Management: 9 Universal Laws for Problem Solving

1. The Law of GiftsRichard Bach, author of "Illusions" says... Read More

Choose a Stressless Lifestyle!

A stressless lifestyle? That's very easy to say. Yet it... Read More

Seven Steps to Reducing Stress and Reclaiming Your Life at Work

According to the StressPulse survey by ComPsych Corporation completed at... Read More

Emotional Freedom - At YOUR Fingertips!

What would you say if I told you I know... Read More

Stress Management: 5 Questions to Get Crisis to Work for You

Q: Someone told me that the Chinese symbol for crisis... Read More

The Epidemic of the Eighties is Still Here

IntroductionTime magazine called stress the "The Epidemic of the Eighties".... Read More

Waking Up Well - The Essentials

Preparing for sleep the night before is the place to... Read More

Reduce Stress To Maximize Efficiency

The right amount of stress can be good for you,... Read More

Aromatherapy Candles Release Stress

Have you been feeling so stressful and almost losing your... Read More

Three Stress Relief Techniques

There is good stress, and there is bad stress. Good... Read More

10 Ways to Monitor Corporate Stress Levels

10 Ways to Monitor Corporate Stress LevelsGood military leaders work... Read More

Stress Management and Mastery: 3 Steps to Loving What You Do

My first real job (schedule, time clock, paycheck, boss) was... Read More

How To Put An End To Loneliness

Loneliness and separation are the real illness of our times.... Read More

Quick Steps On Handling Stress

Looking for some quick stress relief?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker,... Read More

Dialing M For Mindfulness

Looking for mindfulness? Who ya gonna call?Try dialing M.It's easy... Read More

Stress Management and Mastery: 3 Powerful Tools to Beat Stress

Q: We recently had someone come to our company to... Read More

How to Relieve Stress

One question that is not asked enough by people under... Read More

Stress Management: How to Use the Power of Focus

Here's a fun little experiment:Take a few seconds and look... Read More

Manage Stress and Fear: Visit The Secret Garden!

Recently I completed some new workshop engagements in addition to... Read More

Are You Leap-Frogging from Vacation to Vacation? Try Lily-Padding...

It's summertime and chances are you can remember a summer... Read More

Stress Mangement and Mastery: How to Defeat Sunday Night Syndrome

Picture the following scene:It's Sunday evening, the weekend is winding... Read More

Extreme Self-care: Make Time for Yourself

If you've recently experienced loss or are going through a... Read More

Coping with Change: Develop Your Personal Strategy

Why do we resist change? As the saying goes, the... Read More

Journal Your Stress Away

Writing down our thoughts and feelings, as in keeping a... Read More

Stress Buster Tip: Relax From The Weekday Stack!

Everyday can be full of stress but we all deserve... Read More

Putting Your Life in Perspective

Do you often overreact to situations? Are you a constant... Read More

20 Ways to Shift Worry Into Attractive Energy

Worry, big or small blocks positive vibrations from entering your... Read More