Time for Some "Mental" Spring Cleaning
I thought if I opened with the use of the word "spring" it would help to make this past winter a memory a lot quicker. Spring time for me was always a time to freshen up our surroundings and get rid of the old to make room for the new.
With that in mind, I want to share some thoughts on what each of you could do in the area of "mental" spring cleaning to make room for some new and more effective learning and behavior that will help you to grow and succeed versus splashing around in that crowded swamp you call your mind.
1. Many of you are carrying around way too much "stuff" in your minds, as Outlook tasks or on the tattered pages of a yellow pad(s) (you probably use a legal pad because it is 3" longer). You either forget the things in your mind, change the completion dates in Outlook, or re-write your lists on a new yellow (legal) pad. You fool yourself with these famous words of self-encouragement - "I'll get to this" - but, you never do get to most of it. Time to challenge your status quo and try a new behavior - you know, identify your top 3 priorities and get those done first!
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2. Some live by the expression "I work hard and play hard" - no you don't! Working hard isn't measured by the length of your "to do" list or hours you spend at work. It is measured by results. The real questions is: are you working smart on the right things at any particular point in time? Play is supposed to be fun, helps you re-charge, enjoying time with your family, etc. Don't play hard - give play your best effort but have fun.
3. Here's a fact: there is never enough time in any day to get everything you want to get done - done! You are spending too much time and effort working on things, many of which are really not that important or relevant. It's not the quantity of what you do, it's the quality of what you do and the results that effort produces. If you're a leader, it's the quality of time you spend developing your team and the quantity of the right things you get others to do (that you don't have to).
4. Find time for yourself to use your existing skills better, to learn new skills or to make existing ones stronger. The better you get, the better everything around you gets.
5. You know those piles of reports, magazines, etc. that are scattered around your office on the floor, in the closet, in the trunk of your car, or home that you said (maybe at least 6 months ago) - "I need to find the time to review/read this"? Be bold - toss it all - now! Let's get the spring cleaning going!