Ann Mehl Enterprises LLC
 The Finish Line
  Today's Topic:  Make the Time

Newsletter June 2009  
Welcome!

It takes time to get a business up and running. It also takes time to learn how to work smarter, vs. harder. All the while, we need to make space on our calendars for connecting with others, caring for our families and tending to our homes. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. So why do some people seem to accomplish so much more? I asked Michele Woodward (MW), Master Certified Coach, successful author, advice columnist, speaker, teacher, mother and friend, how she "makes the time."

AM: How do you tend to organize your day? What planning tips/devices can you share?

MW: In the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, I have a definite preference for "J", which means I like plans, organization, and closure.  So, my days pretty much follow the same rhythm. I almost always do the same things in the same order.  As I grow older, this is REALLY helpful.  I have a daily waking up routine, a daily getting-the-kids-off-to-school routine, a daily picking up last night's clutter/straightening up the living room routine, a reading-the-Washington-Post routine.   After those things are done, I sit down to work.  To organize the work flow, I use a spiral bound notebook I got at Staples -- it has a to-do list plus a place to write notes.  I turn a new sheet for each day, and carry over anything that didn't get done the day before.  It keeps me on track, and when I jot down phone numbers in the notes section, it's easy to find them again.  The hardest part of getting organized is setting priorities and allowing those priorities to shift if something more important comes along.  It's a constant re-evaluating, weighing (which I find really fun!).  Back to the Myers-Briggs, it's really important to understand yourself -- your strengths, weaknesses, preferences -- so you can design an organizational system that works for you, and that you'll actually use!

AM: What is the greatest misuse of time?

MW: Worrying.  Honest, it's a sinkhole.  The future is unknowable, and shaped by our thoughts. So if you spend a ton of time worrying, you'll create a worrisome future.  Stop worrying, be present right here, right now, and live a great life.  If you want a more practical answer, the biggest misuse of time is failing to ask for help.  Asking for help makes you more efficient and delivers a better result.  Let go of the idea that you must Do Everything Yourself, and you will actually be more productive.

AM: How do you "make the space" for the important things every day?

MW: Maybe it's counter-intuitive, but I make space by not trying to do too much. I have very realistic expectations and a thorough understanding of how long it's going to take me to do things.  So if something takes 3 hours of continuous effort and I only have fifteen minutes, I'm going to wait until I have the appropriate amount of time, or create a 3 hour space tomorrow.  Again, prioritizing is very important.

AM: Why do you think some people achieve more success than others in terms of time management?

MW: I'm going to refer again to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.  Some people have a strong preference (Perceiving) toward openness, no plan, a "go with the flow" attitude.  These people will not manage time well because to do so feels like being restricted.  They want to leave all their options open -- it's their big motivator.  All things being equal, they want to be free to choose to do whatever appeals in the moment.  People like this succeed in time management when someone else (an assistant or business partner, for instance) does the scheduling and holds the Perceiver's feet to the fire.  This has to be done in a loving and safe way, though, so the Perceiver doesn't end up hating the partner!  When you know that the person "hemming you in" has your best interests at heart, it's a bit easier to take.

AM: What helps you to balance your personal and professional life?

MW:  After years of accomplishment and achievement I have come to realize that I am not particularly ambitious, competitive or driven.  And people will say, "Ah, she's not a player, then!  All players/successful people/superstars are ambitious, competitive and driven!"  And I would say, not true.  I have worked at The White House, had leadership jobs in corporate America, been on national TV, written a book, and made a ton of money.  By any measure, I've had an extremely successful life.  I am able to balance it all because I know I'm successful and the choices I make are not shaped by having to make my mark, get ahead or achieve.  I already have, I already am, and I already do.  So the pressure's off. And it feels really great.

Michele Woodward is the author of Lose Weight, Find Love, De-Clutter & Save Money: Essays on Happier Living, available at Amazon.com. She also writes an advice column at the fast-growing web presence for women: http://www.BettyConfidential.com. Michele is a sought-after speaker, leads a number of workshops and classes and writes a popular blog.  Find her online at: http://www.michelewoodward.com/
Sincerely,

Ann Mehl

Ann
Ann Mehl
http://www.annmehl.com
Certified Life & Career Coach
*Women's Running Magazine Feature: http://www.annmehl.com/press/WR_j09_pg49.pdf
Join us for a Girls on the Run 5K!
Saturday, June 20th at Asphalt Green.


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Registration as a running buddy is now open. Only women can be running buddies, but we have plenty of other volunteer roles for men.  Don't miss this opportunity to get involved with a great cause!

To register as a running buddy, please follow this link:
http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1741888&assetId=3A974592-08F3-41DE-8937-B01516288904
 
To volunteer to help in other ways, please contact Holly Carmichael, Race Director, at runningholly@gmail.com.

About the New Balance GOTRM 5K
Please come support Girls on the Run Manhattan at one of the most moving and unique events in Manhattan! Hundreds of young girls will celebrate the completion of their Girls on the Run training program by running 3.1 miles together. Your race entry fee earns you a race t-shirt and race bib, along with our heartfelt thanks for your support and participation. Run along with us to celebrate health, inspiration and months of hard work at this fun family event where all girls are number one!

What is a Running Buddy?
Running Buddies are enthusiastic, supportive, fun, patient, and able to run, jog or power walk a one-mile or 5K distance. In an ideal situation, you will be paired up with a single girl and serve as a mentor through the 5K run. It's possible, however, that we will have too few or too many volunteers. If that is the case, you may be asked to jog with a small group of girls, or serve as a cheerleader along the route.

Getting You To Your Finish Line
Life Lessons Of A Marathoner

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Over the span of 16 years, I have completed over forty marathons worldwide during which I learned a great deal about what it means to live to your fullest potential.  Whether your "finish line" is to complete a marathon, locate a new career, start a business, uncover creative talents, improve performance, get in better shape or find more joy, this talk will move you in the right direction.  I will impart my life lessons learned "from the road" which will include memorable tips and anecdotal stories.

WHEN: June 17, 3-5pm

WHERE: http://www.ingoodcompanyworkplaces.com
16 West 23rd Street, 4th Floor

RSVP: victoria@ingoodcompanyworkplaces.com with ANN MEHL in the subject.