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
makeitgreat@gmail.com
414.640.7445
Don't let stress wear you down. Next time you are... Read More
When it is all said and done, do you feel... Read More
I was a psychotherapist for... Read More
1)Excessive worryNo, I'm not saying "don't worry, be happy."Well-used worry... Read More
We function at our best when we are free from... Read More
In a recent CMA survey of 2251 physicians, over 45%... Read More
There are many kinds of daily grinds. In the U.S.... Read More
Why Stress Management programmes don't work?It seems that every week... Read More
Have you recently moved or started a new job? Do... Read More
Have you been feeling so stressful and almost losing your... Read More
Where does stress really come from? Is there any simple... Read More
Stress relief and managementRecognizing stress symptoms can be a positive... Read More
Several studies, including one of medical students around exam time,... Read More
Every day we are faced with a situation where our... Read More
Health Impacts of StressStress is a funny concept, try to... Read More
1. The Mentor Method: think of your favorite person. Someone... Read More
Q. I've suffered a few setbacks and disappointments in the... Read More
Workers across America will tell you that stresslevels are increasing.... Read More
A friend has this quotation on his office wall: "I... Read More
1. 5-minute rule. How many times do we say, "This... Read More
Stress affects different people in different ways, but affect them... Read More
Top Ten Ways to Reduce Your Stress at Home1. Create... Read More
Q: Someone told me that the Chinese symbol for crisis... Read More
We all know what it's like coming home from a... Read More
As small business owners, we often take on more than... Read More
home cleaning services Wilmette ..In the body, the stress response is mediated by the... Read More
"Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into... Read More
I hope by reading this article you will see the... Read More
Most people know of the importance of exercise as a... Read More
Something the successful business person needs is - lots of... Read More
When was the last time that you truly took a... Read More
In his book, The 22 Non-Negotiable Laws of Wellness, author... Read More
Stress management is a hot topic; stress-related illness and suffering... Read More
If you suffer from insomnia of any kind, the chances... Read More
Raise your hand if you have ever been rejected by... Read More
Have you ever said the words, "This job/my life is... Read More
Looking for all of the answers in how to manage... Read More
Most humans experience unexpected setbacks which can cause huge stress... Read More
The Rule of BalanceThere is more to life than work.... Read More
It is no secret that stress and related disorders are... Read More
Get at least 15 minutes of sunshine daily.Daily Exercise -... Read More
Everyone knows that stress isn't good - that it can... Read More
1. 5-minute rule. How many times do we say, "This... Read More
The right amount of stress can be good for you,... Read More
Did you know that more than half of our adult... Read More
The pace of life seems to quicken every year. More... Read More
One of the best ways to relieve yourself from the... Read More
Whether we are at work, traveling, or at home, we've... Read More
ResentmentsA wise friend once said that holding onto resentments is... Read More
Are you looking for stress relief? No drugs, no meditation?... Read More
Stress Management |