How to Take a Break and Get Stuff Done

(Photo Credit: www.Shutterstock.com)

(Photo Credit: www.shutterstock.com)

Most days I’m so concerned with my lists and getting things done that when I do have some down time, I freeze.  I think, “Shouldn’t I be doing something? There’s got to be something I can do right now.”  I forget that it’s OK to just do nothing and not have something planned out for every second of every day.

On this blog I talk a lot about taking regular breaks. However, when you’re feeling busy and rushed off your feet — I get that it can be tough to take a moment to slow down. Most of us eat lunch at our desk or read emails while we make coffee and we feel as though we have to be accountable for every minute. But this frenzied work ethic can actually be harmful to your productivity. It’s time to join me and give yourself permission to relax during those down moments.  It’s amazing how much of a boost in your efficiency you’ll feel if you just take it easy on yourself.

Because I can’t do anything — even taking a break — without a list, here are some ideas for you: Read more

I Spent My Weekend With Oprah!

Me and MomAs soon as tickets for “Oprah’s The Life You Want Weekend” went on sale – I snagged two tickets for my mother and me. I knew we had to be in the audience and I’m still beaming from our experience. The tour visits eight cities including Newark, NJ, which is where we were this past weekend. We were given workbooks, which you know I love! And special bracelets that lit up with inspiration. The tour included Oprah and her handpicked trailblazers: Mark Nepo, (who btw also published a book with my publisher, Viva Editions!) Rob Bell, Elizabeth Gilbert (remember Eat, Pray, Love?) and Iyanla Vanzant. Stedman and Gayle were there too of course. Read more

Fab Find: Wear Your To-Do List

bandsList makers take notes everywhere – on receipts, sticky notes, napkins, envelopes or even on the back of our hands. Anything that can be written on, will be. However all these scrap pieces of paper can be difficult to keep track of.

I’m bringing back “Fab Find” because I found the perfect solution on KnockKnockStuff.com.  Wearable wrist bands! I think they are great for anyone who is constantly losing their lists! Just write on the band, wrap it around your wrist, and voilà—your to-dos are literally at hand. Why not keep a few wrist bands in your bag just in case you need to jot something down?  They cost 6 bucks for 25 bands.

If you want more “Fab Find” ideas – check out my Pinterest board:

Follow Paula Rizzo – ListProducer.com’s board “Fab Finds”! on Pinterest.

 

Need More Friend Time? Unique Ways to Catch up

photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When you were younger spending time with your friends was as easy as going to their house after school. But now coordinating schedules with our friends becomes more of a challenge. Making time for them is important not just because they make you happy, but friends can also provide positive encouragement and hold you accountable to reach your goals.

Here’s a unique list of ways you can spend more quality time with your friends:

Start a wine club – A wine club is basically an excuse to get drunk with friends, but with better PR. An invite to a “Wine Club” sounds far more sophisticated and professional than just inviting someone over for drinks. Other than the wine, organizing a monthly club has many additional benefits. Setting aside a particular date every month gives friends a chance to block that day out on their calendars in advance.

Plus, even if people have to skip a few months here and there, you’ll probably still see them more regularly than if you tried to arrange separate events. I got this idea from my new favorite podcast, Glambition Radio with Ali Brown. She spoke to the CEO of a group called Women of the Vine, which highlights women wine makers. They have a wine club with More Magazine called More Uncorked. All the wine is made by women. Love that! Read more

Buzzwords Your Boss Hates

Words Your Boss HatesIf you work in a office your probably familiar with cringe-worthy business buzzwords like ‘deep dive’ and ‘crunch time.’ When you spend all day in a business environment it’s normal for these words to slip into our vocabulary, but it could be harming you more than you think.

New research from the staffing service firm Accountemps reveals all the common phrases your boss is sick of hearing:

  • “Out of pocket”
  • “Deep dive”
  • “Forward-thinking”
  • “Dynamic”
  • “Let me get back to you.”
  • “Pick your brain”
  • “Employee engagement”
  • “I am overwhelmed.”
  • “Crunch time”
  • “Think outside the box.”

For the rest of the phrases – click here.

So next time your planning on suggesting your colleagues ‘think outside the box’ maybe try it yourself first!

What office buzzwords do you hate?