Email Productivity Tips: The 5 Step Program!

In Merlin Mann's online post Five fast email productivity tips, Mann offers 5 quick tips that should get you back on track!

Tip #1: Shut Off Notifications

Let-go of:
- the need to know RIGHT NOW
- the need to answer RIGHT NOW
- the need of CONTROL (loss of manageability)
...leaving you constantly trying to catch-up!

Stop & Breathe:
If you don't do things RIGHT NOW... what "could" happen...?

Could there be a chance that someone else would resolve the situation?
Could there be a change that time will allow this issue to self-resolve?

Sometimes people have a tendency to "jump-the-gun" and shoot-off emails prior to taking the time to resolving issues themselves.

How can you concentrate for an extended period of time if you allow yourself to be interrupted? Be productive and allow yourself work periods.

Setup your email program to stop notifying you every time you receive a new email.

Easiest Way: Shut down your Email program and only open it up every 15 min., 30 min., 45 min...

Tip #2: Pick off Easy Ones

Looking at everything all-at-once may seem overwhelming.
Where do I start?
Which one need my attention now?

Pick off the easy ones...
This will benefit you by making your list smaller.

Answer the "little" things and getting them out of the way.
If it'll take you less than 2 minutes, complete the communication immediately.
Otherwise schedule "email filtering" times to deal or go-through these emails.

Tip #3: Write Less

Nowadays technology advances have allowed a multitude of variations for communication.

This means that NOT necessarily everything is a ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL.
Big, long, strenuous emails have a tendency to be read last, or too late.

Keep messages brief and to the point.
Nothing is more frustrating than wading through an email message that is twice as long as necessary.
Concentrate on ONE subject per message whenever possible.

Be concise and to the point.

Tip #4: Cheat

Create yourself some "Email Templates".

If you catch yourself answering; asking; and/or formulating the same types of emails... then maybe you should save yourself a 'copy' as a draft and re-use it when needed.

Tip #5: Be Honest
Be honest without being rude.

Honestly, if you don't know why or have the answer to a question - Why have someone wait on you?
Let them know you... just don't know.

If they want you to find out - ask for specifics and timelines...
"I can get you the answer by the end of this week, unless you need it sooner?"

If your presence is requested somewhere and you just can't make it...
Don't try to split yourself in half!
If you are to be somewhere, be there 100%, otherwise don't bother.

Sometimes it's just best to say "No".
"Sorry I can't at the moment. I just don't have the time right now."

Blogging - Tips on Getting Discovered (from the good people at CISION)

This tip sheet from CISION dates back a few years but still highlights some great tips!

To read the CISION EXECUTIVE TIP SHEET: This Blog's For You <-- Click title link.

While the paper goes more in depth as to what you should do / look for; some of the key highlights in helping you get discovered online include:

► LINKS: Are other bloggers linking to and discussing the blog’s content? While a number of services track statistics on how often a particular blog is cited by others, discovering whether a mention of your product or service on a blog is generating buzz can be done with a simple Web search for key phrases from the post. Depending on your goals, just two or three links to the post can result in successful impressions on the right audience. Keep in mind that only about 50 blogs on the web today average more than 20 citations elsewhere per day.

► UNIQUE VISITORS, RSS AND E-MAIL SUBSCRIBERS: Some blogs provide data about how many visitors and subscribers they have on their home page or on an About Us page. 

► POST FREQUENCY: Once you have determined that a blog is fairly popular, the frequency of new entries is a good indication of how often a blog’s readers are visiting the site. Frequency of posts should not be used as a primary parameter since there is always the possibility that a dedicated blogger is just shouting into the void with little or no audience. There is, however, a strong correlation between how frequently a blogger posts and the size of the blog’s audience. Among the top 200 blogs on the Web, ranked by Unique Visitors per Month, those that average at least three posts per day have two-and-a-half times as many visitors as less frequently updated blogs. 

► SOCIAL NETWORKS AND BOOKMARKING UTILITIES: Many blogs include links to a variety of social tools for bloggers. Yahoo’s MyBlogLog allows users to join a community of fans of a particular blog. The blog Lifehacker, for example, has more than 6,500 community members on MyBlogLog. Bookmarking utilities such as Del.icio.us (owned by Yahoo) and Digg allow users to bookmark blog posts and share their bookmarks with others. These sites then list the blogosphere’s most popular posts. A blog post can quickly gain steam this way - the most popular posts on Digg usually receive several thousand bookmarks (or “diggs”) within 24 hours of being posted. Searching social networks such as Facebook and MySpace for mentions of a particular blog can also help determine a blog’s popularity.

 

What's on Your Canvas?

This is how my day started - I try to find "an inspirational quote for the day" and today's was:

 

...and so la-dee-da I continued going about my day.

...then <<BAM!>> here comes the Universe with a lesson!

I received a phone call and all was well ...expect for this 'tiny' little comment made.  Now I can start blaming a multitude of things; point the finger; blame my hormones; blah-blah-blah...

But all in all - everything pointed me back to "my" today's message:

My experience is to "let go" of what others think.
I AM painting a life of "Love" and "No-Judgement" - for me.
My canvas is the result of my here-and-now.
My thoughts are my brush strokes and
My choices are what gets put on (in) to my "experience".

*IF* I choose to mess-up my canvas; I'll then need to "think" of ways to make it better.
*IF* I choose to add stuff to it; I also need to realize that it'll impact all future outcomes.
...my painting (my canvas) is indeed *MY* life.

Ultimately in the end, the results are... just that - *MY* results, any no one elses.
I am the one that has to live with what's been put on the canvas!


The Universe's message to me today was presented to me today for a reason.
...and since there is a REASON for everything - this particular message today;
just had me realize (be reminded) that I need to "let go" and allow things to happen freely.

Again, *For Me* it's always about trying to control situations / outcomes; this is what *my* "letting go" and "allow things to happen" pieces is all about.

Message to myself: Stop it. You can't have the Universe work through you if you are trying to control everything. Take a breather, relax and reconnect - without this self-actualization you're just becoming part of the problem. Disconnect from this 'negativity' and reconnect with Source.

Again,

This is what I love about ART!
Art allows the 'inside' to be expressed 'outside'.
No matter if it's though Painting; Sketching; Photography; Singing; Writing; Collecting; ...doing whatever it is that allows you to get 'lost' in your world, your passion - this is ART!

Budget / Money Management

Most of us are having to work harder and longer for our money today. Our earnings are a precious commodity, so we owe it to ourselves to look after our money and spend it wisely.

Unfortunately, money management is rarely taught seriously in school, if taught at all, so 'trial and error' has become our teacher. This can result in enormous stress as we wrestle with paying bills, managing debts and saving for the future, against the ongoing challenges of inflation and for some, unemployment. Setting up a budget is the only solution, but take heart - many families find budgeting is much easier than they expect. What better time to find out than right now? 

Tips and Tools You Can Use

Successful budgeting begins with clear identification of income and expenses, with the latter broken into fixed expenses (fixed payments that you have to make, such as rent, mortgage, loan payments etc) and variable expenses (ongoing payments that vary and could be controlled, including gifts, entertainment, travel etc.) Many tools are available to help you with this vital first step. Once completed, you'll be in an excellent position to begin taking control of your finances. Here are some great tips: 

Assessing the situation

• Add up your income from all sources, including take home pay, pensions, child support, alimony, rental income etc..
• Determine the fixed expenses you have to pay, including rent, mortgage, utilities, loan payments, insurance etc..
• Determine the variable expenses that you have some control over, including food, clothing, entertainment, travel, gifts etc..
• Track your daily pocket-change expenses for a week or more, including snacks, newspapers and spontaneous small purchases. These can add up!
• Add an amount for emergencies that may crop up over the year.
• Add an amount for savings for the future.

Balancing income and expenses

• Compare your income with the total expenses you listed above. If your income is greater than your expenses, reflect whether you could make better use of the surplus through saving or investments.
• If your expenses are greater than your income, it's time to trim your budget.
• Clearly identify the amount you need to trim from expenses.
• If debt load is overwhelming, consider credit counselling.

Trimming expenses

• Review fixed expenses. This is the hardest area to trim but savings are sometimes possible through better mortgage rates, loan consolidation etc.. In extreme cases, alternative housing options may need to be explored.
• Divide your variable expenses into 'needs' which would include basic food, clothing and utilities etc. and 'wants', which might include entertainment, hobbies and travel etc.
• Consider where savings could be made. There are many resources to help you with this.
• Set realistic targets that allow for small treats. If your budget is too harsh, you are more likely to give up.
• Be a financially wise food shopper

o   Slash your grocery bill (http://www.chatelaine.com/article.jsp?page=money&cid=294933

o   Save on purchases (http://www.ourfamilyplace.com/purchases.html)

o   Find saving coupons on the internet (http://www.save.ca/)

·         How to handle your debt load

o   Manage Debt Step by Step(http://moneycentral.msn.com/articles/smartbuy/debt/contents.asp)

o   10 strategies to reduce your debt (http://moneycentral.msn.com/articles/smartbuy/debt/1330.asp)

o   What Debt To Pay Off First (http://www.bankrate.com/dotp/news/cc/19980713.asp)

o   Dealing with debt: from the Office of The Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada (http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/br01035e.html#Possiblesolutions)

Savings and Emergencies

• If at all possible, consider funds for savings and emergencies as budget 'needs'.
• Try to cut 'wants' before you cut into these funds.
• Consider automatic payroll deductions from your monthly salary into a savings account.

Helpful Resources

Household budget form

(http://www.ourfamilyplace.com/budget1.html)

How to budget

(http://www.bankrate.com/dotp/news/advice/20000511b.asp?keyword=)

Money Saving Tips

(http://www.ourfamilyplace.com/saving.html)

10 strategies to reduce your debt

(http://moneycentral.msn.com/articles/smartbuy/debt/1330.asp)

The Canadian Coupon, Contest and Online Shopping Site

(http://www.frugalshopper.ca/)

Online Coupons

(http://www.insanecoupons.com)

Free things to do in the Greater Toronto area

(http://www.e-kidstoronto.com/ekids/freethings.htm)

For more information or to arrange an appointment for confidential counselling, contact FGIworld, your EAP/EFAP provider, (24 hours-a-day/7days-a-week) at: 1-800-268-5211 (English) © FGI          1-800-363-3872 (en français)

The Delusional-Genetic Programming: Are you a Blind Sheep?

I can't even recall how many times my dad would tell me: "Get with the Program!"
or something like, "It's all part of the Program!"


What we 'accept' as programming becomes our realities.

In the below video Part 2 of 9, Bruce Lipton speaks with Joe Rogan about consciousness and the effects it may have on the reality we perceive.

At about the 6:17 mark, Bruce Lipton dives in to the "programming" concept:


Programming References / Quotes:

"Give me a Child until he is 6 or 7 and he will belong to the Church for the rest of their lives." Jesuit People

I also read the book Bruce Lipton references, Rich Dad, Poor Dad:

“If you realize that you're the problem, then you can change yourself, learn something and grow wiser. Don't blame other people for your problems.”
― Robert T. Kiyosaki, Rich Dad, Poor Dad

The African Monkey with a Diamond - Searching for the Truth

Joe Rogan on Materialism and Technology --> a TRUTH conversation.



And the timing was impeccable... I understood what he was talking about when he spoke of the YUGA CYCLE since I just finished watching (the YUGA CYCLE is explained at about 22 minutes in):

Anxiety vs Stress

Stress isn't an illness and in itself isn't even necessarily harmful. It is defined as a physical, mental or emotional tension and can have vital positive effects when it provides the adrenaline we need to face genuine danger or to rise to meet challenges such as giving presentations or coping with life's deadlines and dramas. 

Unfortunately, reactions to stress can vary widely and can result in unreasonable, crippling anxiety for some. In fact, 25% of the population will suffer from some type of anxiety disorder during their lives, with women being particularly susceptible. If you are amongst this group, you may find it encouraging to know that anxiety disorders are the most treatable of all mental disorders. 80% who undergo cognitive behaviour therapy report recovery after a year. 

Tips and Tools You Can Use

It is essential to recognize that anxiety disorders are medical conditions that require diagnosis by a medical practitioner and subsequent treatment. Don't try to overcome the challenge alone - there are numerous resources to help you. Here are some tips to help you get started: 

Types of anxiety disorders

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by chronic worrying, nervousness and exaggerated fears. It is usually accompanied by physical symptoms that may include headaches, shaking, twitching, hot flushes, breathlessness, dizziness, nausea or insomnia.
• Panic attacks involves panic attacks, which lead to a cycle of fear of future attacks. Panic attacks can be terrifying for the person afflicted and may include trembling or shaking, a choking sensation, racing heart beat, dizziness, tight chest, numbness or tingling and the fear that a heart attack or death is imminent.
• Social Anxiety Disorder is noted by an extreme fear of being humiliated or 'shown up' in front of others. Symptoms may include a severe fear of speaking, eating or writing in public; blushing, sweating and inappropriate anxiety during social interaction and difficulty making eye contact. Day to day living can become virtually impossible for some sufferers, with serious consequences on work, education and relationships.
• Phobias involve an irrational and exaggerated fear of specific situations or objects. Phobias can include agoraphobia (fear of going out) and claustrophobia (fear of being enclosed), amongst many others.
• Obsessive compulsive disorder results in continual unwanted thoughts and rituals that the sufferer has no control over. These can range from fear of germs or contamination with subsequent compulsive washing and cleaning, to compulsive touching, checking or counting.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder affects sufferers who have been through extreme mental or physical trauma. Symptoms can include traumatic flashbacks, emotional numbness and hyper-anxiety.
• Self assessment

Children and Anxiety

• Fears, Phobias and Anxiety in children
  (http://www.childanxiety.net/Fears_Phobias_Anxiety.htm)
• Helping your child deal with trauma
  (http://www.parents-talk.com/expertsadvice/ea_st_0005.html)

Treatment

• Your general physician may give you a thorough physical examination to rule out any physical medical conditions.
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is proving highly effective. You may be referred to a psychologist, counsellor or support group who will help you gain understanding of thinking patterns, gradual exposure to and mastery of situations that have provoked anxiety, and various strategies - including breathing and relaxation techniques - to reduce or cease unwanted reactions.
• Highly effective medications are available, which form a crucial part of the recovery process for many.
• A combination of medication and therapy is reported to be achieving highest success rates.
• Coping with anxiety
• Simple things you can do to control stress

(http://stress.about.com/library/weekly/aa112600a.htm)

o   Supporting someone with anxiety

·         Medications

o   Access to Health Canada medication related information (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/product.htm)

o   Health Canada drug product database  (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb-dgps/therapeut/htmleng/dpd.html)

o   What's this pill for again?

(http://www.50Plus.com)

o   Medication

(http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/for_you/seniors.html#7)

Helpful Resources

Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM)

(http://www.adam.mb.ca/about.html)

For more information or to arrange an appointment for confidential counselling, contact FGIworld, your EAP/EFAP provider, (24 hours-a-day/7days-a-week) at: 1-800-268-5211 (English) 1-800-363-3872 (en français)