Linda Stanfield

OrganizEzineTM
August 2008
Greetings!
 
Finally!  School is back in session, vacations are over and we can all get back to our routines! 
 
I love summer, but it sure presents some challenges in managing our day when we are gone, or covering for someone else who is gone.  Below you will find some ways to help get yourself back on track. 
 
I hope your summer was the best one ever!
Month/Year
The Bus-y-ness of Business
Getting Back on Track!
 
Have you ever had days where you don't feel like you accomplished anything?  You were putting out fires and answering emails all day long--especially after holidays and vacations?  It is hard to know what to tackle first, and we just get lost!
 
This month's tips are designed to help you work through the muddle of overwhelm, lift yourself up to where you can see the forest for the trees, and make solid decisions that will have you feeling powerful in your day, instead of being a victim to it. 
 
Let's talk paper: 
  • See what's there. There are many ways to prioritize things, but first you need to know WHAT there is to prioritize!   Take 30 minutes to sort out the piles on your desk.
  • FAT.  Use Karen Ussery's FAT sort--File, Act or TOSS.  (I like the last one the best!)  If it needs filing, then do it, or put it in the "To be Filed" area, but don't let this one go too long!  If items need action, then group them into relevant topics or projects. 
  • Time driven items.  Pull out those items that are time-driven and need immediate attention. 
  • 5-minute Fix. Pull out any items that can be handled in a quick 5 minute phone call, review of documents, etc.  Then when you have just a short amount of time in between meetings or are getting ready to go to lunch, you have a few things you can knock out and still be productive.
  • Choose 3.  Choose the top 3 things you want to focus on first and work those until they are done.  Then choose another 3.  This allows you to stay on task when you are interrupted and be focused in getting something accomplished. 
  • Be flexible.  Fires happen.  Life happens.  Expect that you may have to change your top 3 items throughout the day, and take a moment to breathe and listen for what is really the highest priority item for the moment, or something that is just trying to steal your attention.
Best wishes for a most productive September!
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Brain Food
 
Outlook:  Easy Time Management Secrets
 
 A 4-part webinar series--stay in your office to learn!
 
How would you like to learn how to really
MAXIMIZE your productivity
using this great program? 
 
We will go beyond just putting in a contact or calendar item. 
 
This is not a super-techy kind of class--you will learn valuable ways to use Outlook that are designed for the busy work professional!
 

Only $137.00 per person

Starts Wednesday, September 10

8:30 am to 9:30 am
Arizona time (we are currently on Pacific time,
but DON'T participate in Daylight Savings Time)

Click hereto register --  Class is limited to only 15!!
 
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Global Corner
3 Great Places to Recycle
 
  1. Linda StanfieldEYEGLASSES:  The Lions Clubs have a Recycle for Sight program and have various sites throughout the country to collect them, including many glasses retailers.  Go to www.lionsclubs.org for more information.
  2. ATHLETIC SHOES: Nike recycles shoes and uses them to build playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts for kids.  Visit www.nikereuseashoe.com
  3. NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES:  Aside from your recycling bin, hospitals, nursing homes and shelters are good places to have them be read again and again.
Month/Year

Blessings,

Jody Owen
The Space You're In
(480) 461-0463