(Photo credit: B Tal)
The average American spends 1,700 hours a year at work, and unfortunately for you and me that means it’s a statistical inevitability that something embarrassing or awkward will happen while you’re at work. I don’t know about you, but it always seems to happen to me at the most inconvenient time, like spilling coffee on yourself right before a big meeting.
Here’s a checklist of ways to deal:
(photo credit: wikipedia.com)
If you’re a busy person like me, you’ve probably found yourself day-dreaming about a 25 or even a 26-hour day. A fantasy world where you not only finish all your tasks for the day, you even find time to pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read. Unfortunately I can’t make the day longer, but I do know how you can save one hour at a time.
On hold with the bank? Bored on your daily commute? Use this time to do smaller tasks like reading your emails, checking your Facebook page or paying bills with a mobile app. This not only saves time, but stops these smaller errands from becoming pesky interruptions at work.
Time saved: 10 minutes Read more
(Photo credit: melodygranger.com)
Any season is great for list-making but summer is especially perfect. There’s always so much I want to do and hopefully, the weather cooperates. With a busy schedule and summertime just around the corner, it’s a great time to make a list of goals to accomplish by the end of the summer.
My Summer Goals
1. Go to the beach at least two times. I grew up near the beach on Long Island and strangely enough, I haven’t been on the sand in the summer in a few years. I must remember to take a beach chair with me the next time I go so I at least have a bit of protection from the sand! As much as I love the beach, there isn’t anything worse than being covered in a large amount of sand.
2. Read two fiction books. I spend a lot of time reading lots of non-fiction for work and my own research that some of the stories I love to get lost in getting put on the back burner. Right now I’m reading Emily Giffin’s “The One & Only” and I have a few others on my list. Check them out on GoodReads. Read more
Me and my publisher Brenda Knight at Book Expo America in NYC
I have exciting news to share with you — my first book is coming out in January 2015! It is called “Listful Thinking: Using Lists to be More Productive, Highly Successful and Less Stressed”! I can’t wait for you to read it.
The swag my publisher Viva Editions gave out at Book Expo America to promote the book!
Every year I go to Book Expo America here in New York City for my day job as a TV producer. I check out all the new titles and set up meetings with publishers so they can tell me about their upcoming books and authors in the health field. It’s a huge trade show and the who’s who of book publishing is always there. This year, I got a great surprise — my publisher, Viva Editions, already started creating some buzz about my book with these adorable “Listful Thinking” notepads!
We’re still working on the cover art and ironing out all the details for the January publication date. I’m working on all sorts of fun events and activities leading up to the launch and I hope you’ll participate in them! I’m open to ideas too, so shoot me an email if you have any.
I will be sure to keep you posted but just couldn’t wait to share the news! Please add the book to your “Want to Read” list on Goodreads and please spread the word!
Enjoy your summer Friday! (Photo Credit: blog.syracuse.com)
If you are lucky enough to have summer Fridays at your workplace you know it’s where every Friday throughout the summer people get off of work at 1pm (or so.)
When I first heard about this, I tried to convince my boss to pick up on the trend. But unfortunately, the news business runs a little differently. But if you participate in shorter workdays on Fridays – you can enjoy your longer weekend by being as productive as possible up until the moment you leave work.
Here are a few tips on how to make your summer Fridays as productive as possible:
1. Do more during the week: Plan your schedule appropriately, so a shorter workday on Friday is do-able. Rather than cramming everything in at the last minute, really make sure you’re on track with your work. Schedule busier tasks earlier on in the week and reserve Fridays for follow ups and smaller tasks only.
2. Don’t open your e-mail until noon: It’s harder than it sounds. There’s many times when it’s easy to keep hitting refresh on your inbox to kill time, but resist the urge. Spend your mornings doing what’s important, rather than responding to e-mails that aren’t urgent. As important as you may think it is, usually e-mails can wait a few hours.
3. Prepare the night before: Throughout the week, make a to-do list of the things you must get done each day. If you’re writing an article, outline it the night before– it’ll save you hours the next day. Don’t leave the office until everything you need to accomplish gets done. You’ll thank yourself when you get to start your weekend early.
4. Keep your office cool: Working in a hot room tends to make us feel groggy and sluggish.
5. Treat yourself: Get as much out of your day by working hard first and then enjoying a nice reward of your choice afterwards! Whether you plan to get a manicure or treat yourself to a nice meal, finish your task first and reward yourself afterwards. It’ll act as a motivator and you’ll be able to enjoy it at your own leisure without stressing about all of the things you have left to do.
6. Meditate: In the morning, spend a few minutes to focus your mind and listen in. You will discover ideas inside of you that will help you find success throughout your workday. By relaxing, you’ll be able to align your goals and plan your day to be as productive as possible.
Enjoy your head start on your weekend!