Run Your Day Like an Athlete

Posted on August 3, 2014 by dailyplanit

photo source: https://pixabay.com/en/jogging-run-sport-jog-sporty-race-2343558/

Apply the techniques that runners use for an effective daily routine.

WARM UP

Start slowly and do what it takes to wake up your mind and body.

Begin the day with gratitude, meditation or prayer.

Stretch, breathe deeply, do some exercises.

Briefly check weather, news, email.

Get inspired with a motivational quote or music.

PICK UP THE PACE & RUN IN THE ZONE

Get to work-review your calendar and to-do list for top priority items. Choose tasks that require thought or creativity in the morning when most of us have the most energy. Behavioral Economist Dan Ariely concludes that generally people are most productive in the morning for two hours after fully waking.

Start with important work: first a high priority task you want to do, followed by a high priority task you don’t want to do. (I prefer this sandwich method, but there is also the worst first aka the Eat That Frog method)

Focus-don’t get distracted. Give yourself encouraging self-talk.

Be Aware-add incoming tasks to your system and adjust as needed. In any extra time available, add tasks for goals and projects, plan or learn something.

Pace Yourself-maintain a rhythm, remember to breathe deeply.

Be Disciplined-push yourself a little. Be strong and tackle the difficult tasks you would rather avoid.

Stay Hydrated-drink plenty of water.

COOL DOWN

Regroup & Refresh-slow down and do easier tasks like phone calls and errands in the afternoon, when energy is usually lower. Stay motivated by reviewing progress and lists.

Review & Plan-review the day and plan for tomorrow. Clear your desk, know where to begin tomorrow, and assemble anything you will need.

Visualize-think about how the next day will look so you can hit the ground running.

Recharge-relax and enjoy the evening. Connect with people you love. Get the rest you need and let your subconscious solve problems while you sleep.

Download a printable Run Your Day Like An Athlete (pdf)

RunYourDayLikeAnAthlete

Free Printables: Planner Insert (pdf)

Learn more about how to Optimize Your Day With the Science of Productivity with A Daily Routine. Learn more about productivity with the free Time Management 101 tutorial. See how this chart with the daily routines of famous creative people from Podio sparked my curiosity and taught me the importance of a time audit.

The Life Area Energy Level Gauge: How Are Your Energy Levels?

Posted on July 27, 2014 by dailyplanit

It’s taken me awhile, but I’ve come to the same conclusion as Einstein! To be productive, we need to manage energy. To focus our energy, we need to be aware of the balance of many different life areas.

Everything is energy, and energy is everything.

Most of us know what it takes to increase our physical energy. We know the importance of taking care of our bodies and gaining strength with exercise. But when we develop strengths in all life areas, we can amp up our energy levels in all dimensions! There are some very practical actions we can take, and the activities for a Year of Personal Development are a good starting point.

We need to know where to get started, though. After all, we can’t do everything at once! This is where the Life Area Energy Gauge comes in.

Similar to a Wheel of Life, the Life Area Energy Gauge provides an overview of energy levels in 12 areas of life, clearly showing which areas are low and need more attention. This one page tool is quick and easy to use, a great way to perform an annual review and add focus.

Chronodex4partLifeAreas

The 12 Life Areas

MIND: mental, career, finance
BODY: physical, organization, recreation
HEART: relationships, social, emotional
SOUL: purpose, character, spirituality

(chronodex from artist Kate Smith)

Life Area Energy Level Gauge

energygauge

There are four statements for each life area. If you can answer with “yes” or “usually,” you can check a square for that statement. If your answer is “no” or “sometimes,” you don’t check the square, revealing which areas could use more attention.

Example – Physical

You drink 8 glasses of water a day
You eat healthy food
You exercise at least 3 times a week
You get enough sleep

It is easy to see that if you can answer these statements with “yes” or “usually,” your energy levels are doing well in the physical life area. With the full tool at the Daily PlanIt Shop, you can check your levels in all twelve life areas. Find ideas for goals to set to improve energy levels and make plans to develop. Learn how to create habits to overcome procrastination and gain motivation.

Now, I’m no energy expert. In fact, I’ve always thought of myself as a low-energy person. But I think it would be great to have more energy. Here are a few ideas for ways to increase energy.

See also: Effectiveness is All About Managing Your Time, Energy, and Attention from Productive Flourishing. A video from The Science of People demonstrates a Wheel of Life: The Science of Goals.

See more tools for brand and purpose, and personal development at the Resource page.

Tagged with: balance, energy, personal development, wheel of life
Posted in personal development

Flea Market Booth Ideas

Posted on July 7, 2014 by dailyplanit

On July 1st, we moved into a booth at the Fleamart in Independence, Missouri. We had been on the waiting list awhile until one became open, and I spent the time planning and getting as ready as possible before the big day. I looked for display ideas and added Flea Market Booth Ideas on a Pinterest board. We investigated prices of things, which were surprising sometimes. Who knew a Tater Twister would be worth so much?! (It makes great curly French Fries, but no longer fits our now low carb diet.) We found the hutch cabinet at a garage sale, and after cleaning it up and refreshing the stain it looks pretty good! We added a light and my husband put a lock on the door. We got extra keys made and were ready to go.

The booth we got has a column in it which turned out to be challenging to work around. Some of the ideas I had for setting up the display didn’t work out, but I’m still pleased with what we came up with.

I really enjoy adding value to something, like the jars I made into solar lights or filled with peppermint bath salts.

…and the rose candle holders I made from glassware.

What kind of things do people actually want to have or give as gifts? What makes you say, “I want that!”? I think people are probably looking for something unique. Yesterday I took some time studying other booths to see what they are selling and how they’ve arranged things. It’ll be a continuous process to add to and improve the booth.

Our main goal has been to declutter and get rid of stuff we don’t need or use. Will this turn out to be a profitable venture? Will it be worth all the time and effort? It remains to be seen! Hopefully this will turn out to be a fun hobby that generates a stream of revenue.

UPDATE: We pulled out of the FleaMart Booth at the end of August. It may not have been the best time of year to try it, but we found the return for our effort simply wasn’t worth it. Still, we did get rid of some stuff! It was very interesting to see what people would buy, and what they wouldn’t. I learned that I am not very good at guessing this!

Tagged with: flea market, ideas
Posted in Ideas That Work

Your Inner Adult

Posted on July 5, 2014 by dailyplanit — 2 Comments

Ah, Independence. I remember the excitement of moving out on my own after high school. I lived at home the first year of college, and then a friend and I found an apartment to rent. Finally, I could do what I wanted to, when I wanted to. I was independent, in charge of my life! Yet with freedom comes responsibility. I had been working part time since my first job as a dishwasher at Camp Wood the summer I turned 16. While things cost a bit less then, pay was less too, and the reality of paying bills must be faced.

On one birthday I received a card that said “Age is mandatory, Maturity is optional!” While it made me smile, sometimes I think I need to connect more with my inner adult. We hear a lot about our inner child, and connecting with imagination, playfulness and other child-like characteristics can be a good thing at times. But I’ve been thinking about adult characteristics like responsibility and courage.

Your Inner Adult:

An adult is responsible and thoughtful. An adult stands up and speaks out for the things they believe in. An adult handles tough situations and acts with courage. An adult acts with integrity and is kind yet firm.

Here is Ann Lander’s definition of Maturity.

Your Inner Child:

A child finds joy in simple things, plays spontaneously, and has fun. A child is in touch with imagination and innovative ideas.

The book “Compelling People,” talks about a balance of strength and warmth. Next I read the book “Making Ideas Happen,” which shows the importance of being able to switch between dreaming and doing.

“Is the ability to switch a key skill in life?”

Being able to access and switch between inner adult and inner child could be a great skill to have. Maybe we need a little of both, depending on the situation.

Tagged with: inner adult, inner child, maturity
Posted in personal development

Making Ideas Happen (Book Notes)

Posted on June 29, 2014 by dailyplanit

Why is it so hard to finish what we start? I don’t know about you, but I have an incomplete project or two around. The initial enthusiasm begins to fade as the work goes on and difficulties occur. Distractions crop up to take us off in different directions, and sometimes we never get back on course. The motivation that was so strong at the beginning is no longer enough. I was so pleased to find a book that explores this topic. Here are my notes inspired by reading the book “Making Ideas Happen” by Scott Belsky.

Getting ideas is usually not the problem. Actually acting on an idea to create something is the hard part. It’s especially challenging when working with creative teams. How this can be accomplished is the subject of the book “Making Ideas Happen,” by Scott Belsky, founder and CEO of the Behance Network, a leading platform for creative professionals.

START

Capture the idea. Choose ideas wisely. Evaluate the idea.

GET ORGANIZED

Set up a system to manage your projects. Learn more about the Action Method at 99u. Organize visually. Create a work space that allows shifting between creativity and productivity.

EXECUTE

Act with persistence. Focus. Have a follow-up system. Set a target date.

FINISH

Follow through to completion. Commit to shipping. Overcome resistance. Know when it is time to release.

Create COMMUNITY

Creative ideas are best served when people communicate and interact. Fresh perspectives add to the outcome. Request input on ideas and get feedback. Pitch your idea to others and market yourself.

Be a LEADER

Inspire others with your vision. Motivate yourself and others. Think like an entrepreneur. Encourage engagement with playfulness and recognition as rewards.

Scott Belsky speaks in several TED talks: Making Ideas Happen, Pushing Ideas Forward, Making a Creative Meritocracy.

See Also

The Myth of Fast, Fun, and Easy by Michael Hyatt
What I’ve Learned about creating meaningful work from Paul Jarvis
10 Easy Ways to Start Something Great at Success Magazine
The 5 Cs of Completion from Productive Flourishing
Challenge Yourself! Daily PlanIt Post

Tagged with: Making Ideas Happen, Scott Belsky
Posted in Books, goals, productivity, work skills

A Look at My System and Workspace

Posted on June 23, 2014 by dailyplanit

I developed the Daily PlanIt Keep It Super Simple (K.I.S.S.) System to combine the best features of electronic systems with the ability to print a paper copy. These pictures show how it fits together with my files and workspace. As I try new things and make changes, my system has been continuously evolving. It’s still not perfect, but works pretty well for me.

My system relies heavily on Google. I use Google Calendar, Google Tasks (plus some apps) and Google Drive.

For my To Do List, I use a combination of Google Tasks (for repeating tasks) plus GTasks and Tasks & To-do for Google Tasks . I can add tasks in Google Calendar when I’m at my computer, or in Tasks & To-do for Google Tasks with my tablet. Tasks & To-do for Google Tasks is an Android app I’ve been using for awhile now, and I like it a lot. You can create subtasks for projects, set reminders, and it syncs with Google.

Google Tasks, To-do - Taskary - screenshot

Tasks & To-do for Google Tasks

Combination: I send myself an email of my to do list from GTasks to print out as part of the weekly review process. This could be done more frequently if needed. I keep it in a leather index card holder inside a cut-down plastic project file. Blank index cards to capture notes are in the back pocket of the holder.

mini system

To Do ListCheck out the Free Tools page for paper forms and read more about possibilities for a To Do list here. There’s a free printable set of a weekly planning form plus five daily planning forms (pdf). I previously used these with the portable gtd mini system, and a Mead pocket calendar.

Desktop Action Files

The three front files are essential to my bill paying system: Checkbook, Bills, and To File. The files after that either are for idea capture or ones I refer to frequently. I keep two yellow legal pads in front of this file: 1) ideas and notes, 2) project planning.

Project Files

My Project Files are in a wire step folder holder, and in front of that is a plastic folder that holds my value statement and an outline of what I do, why I do it, and the features and benefits of each project. See Also: Files.

Project File

Project Planning

I use a yellow legal pad for planning projects, with a list of projects down the left side, and the next step on the right side. I also keep a Project Master List in Google Drive and print out a copy for the paper planner tool for the weekly review. There’s a free printable Project Master List (pdf) too.

Project Planning

Project Evaluation

More in-depth about evaluating projects, with a free printable Project Evaluation form (pdf)

Project Evaluation

Weekly Review

The Paper Planner Tool for the Weekly Review contains printed information for the process, and Day Runner slash pockets for frequently changing lists printed out from Google Drive.

Paper Planner Tool for the Weekly Review

Desk

My desk consists of a table with a printer on one end, and a rolling computer cart for my laptop. For many years I worked in a much smaller space, and I love being able to spread out now! Here’s what it looks like when I’m deeply into a project.

Desk and computer cart

Files

My desktop Action and Project Files are on top of a microwave cart within reach but off to the side of my desk. I discuss these and other files here. A four drawer file cabinet and binders, including my Household Notebook, are also important elements of my workspace.

Desktop Action and Project Files

Workspace

The ideal workspace helps us engage with both creativity and productivity. It can be challenging to find tools that help us accomplish our work effectively. That wraps up what it looks like here at the Daily PlanIt. Maybe there are some helpful ideas, but choices about systems and workspaces are very personal. May you find the tools that work for you!

Learn more about productivity at the free Time Management 101 Tutorial.

Tagged with: files, projects, system, to do list, tools, weekly review, workspace
Posted in productivity

System Reboot

Posted on June 16, 2014 by dailyplanit

Earlier this week, my laptop started to act like it was possessed. The cursor began crazily jerking across the screen on a path of it’s own choosing, definitely not in the direction I wished to go. I tried some troubleshooting tactics. I updated my virus checker and did a scan. I did a defrag. I attempted a system restore. And then it seemed okay. I thought I had fixed it, until I plugged it into the outlet in the kitchen, the same outlet I was plugged into when the problem began. Then the difficulty returned, apparently only occurring in those conditions. One of my friends advised me, “Don’t plug it into the kitchen outlet!” That’s pretty good advice, I’d say.

While my computer was unavailable (it took hours to defrag) I spent some time reviewing the process and systems I use to manage tasks and projects. Some updating was definitely in order. It reminded me of the importance of reviewing, and made me think about how it should be done regularly. If the thought of doing an in-depth review is daunting, I have found that even a quick review can be beneficial. If only a small amount of time is dedicated to glancing back and then forward, it still provides a good return for the investment. I also ran across a fantastic free tool for an annual review from The Art of Non-Conformity.

Things I learned from a system reboot

When facing a problem:

1. If certain conditions cause problems, and those conditions are not essential, avoid them! This is kind of a derivative of “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

2. Experiment to eliminate possible causes.

3. Don’t forget to perform routine maintenance.

4. If you’re stuck, review your system, your projects and goals.

More problems I ran into this week:

I reached the limit of my endurance for Spam. Frankly, I never have had much appreciation for any kind of spam. Lately spammers have gotten quite tricky in their methods for getting through spam filters. A genuine comment on a post has become increasingly rare. I resolved to turn off comments, although I invite genuine interaction on the Daily PlanIt Facebook page. They came to this conclusion at Copyblogger back in March. (I’ve seen spam in commments on other Facebook pages, so we’ll see how that goes.) Once the decision was made, I discovered there isn’t just one simple switch to throw. To truly turn them all off would require going to every single post, and there are lots of them here. My hope is that turning off comments on this and future posts and the pages will deter most of the spammers. Talk about time wasters, spam is on my hit list.

Awhile back, an employee at Office Depot persuaded me to purchase several printer cartridges of their brand rather than genuine HP printer cartridges. I knew better than to do that, but allowed myself to be swayed. The first one perked along well, but eventually my printer revolted. When I replaced the cartridge with the real deal, my printer was once again happy. So I attempted to return the other Office Depot cartridges, but was refused a refund. I’m not mad, but I AM going to spread the word, and I’ll never buy another cartridge there. I’m just saying.

Do you do regular maintenance and a weekly review? An annual review? Let me know on the Daily PlanIt Facebook page!

Tagged with: system review
Posted in goals, productivity

A Daily Routine

Posted on June 9, 2014 by dailyplanit — 13 Comments

There is benefit in having a daily routine. These often simple yet essential tasks keep us on the right track. It is interesting to see how others arrange their days. (See the articles listed at the end of this post.) But just as we must each find a productivity system that works best for us, everyone needs their own daily routine for their unique life. Getting started on a task or a day is often the hardest part. Once a routine is in place, it becomes an automatic way to begin. The idea is to free up brain cells that can be used for more creative pursuits. Of course, the occasional shake-up adds variety and invites inspiration.

Optimize Your Day With the Science of Productivity and Run Your Day Like an Athlete. Scheduling with Time Blocking and Focus Themes can be helpful to design a daily routine that works well for you. Include practices that have been shown to increase happiness & well-being to really make Positive Shift Happen.

I often practice a standing meditation as part of my daily routine to touch on all of the senses while stretching and breathing deeply.

Daily Schedule (pdf)

Grab your favorite printable daily form and design a routine that works for you. Remember to consider your defaults and make them work for you. I am fortunate to have more freedom and flexibility now, but generally follow these routines.

Morning

“If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m going to do?” -Steve Jobs

“What will I do today that’s worth talking about tomorrow?” – Montel Williams

Waking up (videos at my Routine Youtube playlist)

Breathe
Embrace courage
Charge phone and energize
Have a healthy breakfast
Add a peaceful video [Summer, Fall, Winter]
Move with tai chi, yoga, stretches
Prepare for the day
Start with uplifting music

Getting going

Focus on important work
Review calendar, priorities, and to-do list
Action steps for AIMs
Motion creates motivation
Email, daily tasks, and themes
Sustain focus with breaks and exercise

Noon lunch/rest

Afternoon

Be aware, stay hydrated
Review progress and stay on track
Add routine tasks and errands
Kick up the music
Examine results and plan tomorrow
Start to cool down and clear desk

Evening

Dinner and cleanup
Easy, calming music
Conversation and connection
Include weightlifting and posture exercises when watching tv
Dedicate time to reading and preparation for tomorrow
Establish habits to relax and unwind
Doors locked, wash up/brush teeth

What does your daily routine look like?

Crash

Posted on June 2, 2014 by dailyplanit — Leave a comment

The facts do not lie…wearing a seatbelt greatly improves the chance of living through a car accident. Still, some people resist wearing a seatbelt when driving.

I know seeing my nephew in the hospital after his car accident had an immediate effect on my seatbelt behavior, and I have made it a habit to always buckle up since then. He sustained a major head injury, and I didn’t know if he was going to make it. I’ll never forget how he looked lying there, his face so injured and swollen, tubes everywhere. I was so scared that we might lose him. It took some time, but thankfully he did recover.

My nephew’s car after the accident

The following scenes from three movies I love are of car crashes that also had an emotional impact on me. I love movies that connect with our emotions in a powerful way, and these definitely do that.

The car crash scene from the movie “Adaptation” shows how quickly an accident can happen.

After the car crash in the opening scene of the movie “The Lookout” the character played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt will never be the same again.

Finally, a dramatic scene from the movie “Crash.”

I urge you to watch the clips, and to always buckle up and drive with caution.

Posted in Ideas That Work

It’s Not Just Who You Know (Book Review)

Posted on May 25, 2014 by dailyplanit — Leave a comment

'It's Not Just Who You Know' “It’s Not Just Who You Know” by Tommy Spaulding is the May choice of the 12 Books group at Goodreads.

The author starts out strong with engaging stories that describe how the relationships he developed helped him to overcome a learning disability and become a leader. However, by the time I reached the middle of the book I was worn out by the level of connection and amount of networking involved. The author is connected to many well-known people, and my thoughts turned to discouragement that this was way more than the average person could ever expect to manage. One review on Amazon describes Tommy Spaulding’s approach as “extroversion on steroids,” and after awhile introverts like me will likely begin to find the ideas daunting. Yet, there is useful information that can be employed on a smaller scale and I’m glad I read the book.

The Five Floors of Relationships

The author’s model of understanding relationships is retrofitted from the five levels of communication commonly studied in communication theory. Relationships range from the basic transactions of the First Floor to the high level of Fifth Floor relationships.

The Back of the Business Card

The book shows how to build relationships beyond the basic information that is on the front of a business card. Think about turning the business card over to the back and filling in the blanks by discovering more about a person’s interests with observation, questions, and listening. He coins the term netgiving rather than networking for a focus on what we can give rather than what we can get in our interactions with others. Many of the articles I’ve read about networking also recommend this approach.

Nine Key Traits are helpful in achieving real relationships: authenticity, humility, empathy, confidentiality, vulnerability, curiosity, generosity, humor, and gratitude. With short chapters on each of these traits, the author shows how many of the traits can be developed.

There is a need for information about how to develop relationships, and this book provides insights beyond Dale Carnegie’s classic book “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”

Resources:

A First Look at Communication Theory

Altman & Taylor’s Social Penetration Theory at Wikipedia