These Lists are Shortcuts for Life

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I’m all for shortcuts — that’s why I make so many lists about whatever task I’m working on.  Whether it be looking for an apartment or finding a new restaurant I like to work things out on paper and give myself a cheat sheet.  I’ve written about my new favorite source for cheat sheets called SkinnyScoop.com.  It’s a great website that gives visitors the “skinny” on all sorts of topics to make life easier.

I’ve compiled a couple of lists for the site about how to be more productive and the best websites for planning a vacation.  It’s great fun to make lists using their software and to read some of the others on the site.  You can comment on and add to any list you like. It’s a nice way to interact and find shortcuts for just about anything.  You’ll find ways to declutter, the best subscription websites, amazing dessert recipes, etc.

I’m honored to be named as one of the SkinnyScoop Tastemakers.  That means that I’m part of a group of 9 women who will actively contribute to the site and offer our expertise in our various fields.  So I’ll be making lists about making lists! Perfect — I can do that!  I hope you’ll check out the site, upload your own lists and read through some of mine and the other Tastemaker’s lists.

10 Ways to Create Free Time Out of Thin Air

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nuttakit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Everyone I talk to complains about not having enough time for everything they want to do. What would you do with that time? Get more work done, write a blog, take a wine-tasting class, staring at the sky, sleep?

Whatever you decide to do with your new-found time…my guest blogger Dr. Shannon Reece says it’s possible! Dr. Reece trains women entrepreneurs to use their strengths to create successful businesses.

Creating Free Time Out of Thin Air

by Dr. Shannon Reece

Our lives are busy! You may be thinking that’s the understatement of the decade, as you try to read this post, while attending to three other things at the same time. But part of the reason our lives have become overwhelmingly full is because we have lost sight of the things that matter the most. Easy to do, amidst the noise and clutter you have to filter each day.

If you stop for a moment to think Read more

Lists Will Organize Your Life

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I think I may have met my list-making match! Sarah Welch from GetButtonedup.com is a task master, productivity expert and organizing guru. Her site gives tools to get everything in your life in check. I’ve guest blogged for her and really admire the empire she’s built on being on top of your game!

She’s my featured list producer this month because she’s used her organizing ways to become a great success.

Q: Why do you call yourself a compulsive list producer?

A: If I don’t have a list to work from, the million-and-one to-do’s that I have buzzing around my head, make me feel dazed and confused. If I try to get through the day without a list, I lose my ability to concentrate. I feel overwhelmed because my short-term memory is trying to “remember” things on my list by endlessly looping tasks at random, which ultimately makes me feel I have more to do than I actually do. When I start the day or week with a master list (which I sync up to my calendar), I can crank through things like nobody’s business. I feel sane, productive, and never worry for a second that important things are falling through the cracks. Read more

Top Productivity Blogs

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I’ve written many many blogs about how to be more productive at work and at home. It’s so easy to get distracted but there are so many ways to keep your focus.  My favorite (as you know) is keeping a list.  There are also websites that will help you get more done and be more efficient. I was lucky enough to be named amongst the “Top 50 Productivity Blogs of 2011” by Evan Carmichael and his Entrepreneurial Blog.  Check it out — I’m number 15!

I went through the other blogs listed and here are some of my favorites that I think will help you:

  • http://officesupplygeek.com/ – I’m an office supply geek myself.  I love pencils, notebooks and any kind of list paper.  This blog gives news and reviews on fabulous office supplies.
  • http://www.lifehacker.com/ – For information on how to pick a computer to how to recreate coffeehouse coffee — Lifehacker has tips and tricks for getting things done.
  • http://zenhabits.net/ – I’m all about escaping from the daily chaos of life. This blog helps to clear the clutter and find simplicity in your life.
  • http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/– This is a real boost — with inspiration to live to your full potential.  It’s a great site when you need a little help achieving exactly what you’re meant to do!

Congrats to all my fellow bloggers.  Honored to be on the list with you!

Make Your Life Less Stressful

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Courtesy: D Sharon Pruitt

Last week I was over an hour late to work because of the NYC subway system. This is not a post to bash the MTA however. Even though I was trapped on an R train at 34th street for more than a half hour — I embraced it.

I could have freaked out like some of the other passengers — but this was my thought process:

1. I could use the extra time to catch up on the book I’m reading.

2. It could be a lot worse — thankfully it was only 30 minutes.

3. I don’t mind having a few minutes in the morning of just sitting still — how often do you get to do that?

4. Getting upset and worked up over this will only make my day stressful to start.

5. While other passengers contemplated jumping out of the emergency door — I could take a deep breath and enjoy a little stolen time below ground.

I know this isn’t always possible — but I try to make the best of every situation–even the crappy ones.  Just step back before you freak out, inhale deeply and attempt to turn a negative into a positive.  Worked for me!  I’m halfway through my book now.