Take for example your closet. Begin by going through each item and pulling out anything that is old, torn, dirty, ill-fitting, etc. Next, make two piles from this original one. One should be the keep and repair, the other recycle or discard. Use large plastic bags that you can put away in the closet (or in a corner or storage area) until you can pick back up the next time. It is essential to write down when you will be doing this, and to treat it like anything else in your schedule. If you are on a roll and go over the time, go with it! Chipping away at it is the only way it will get done.

This same exercise can be done with cleaning out file cabinets, shredding old papers, etc. Go through each one, make a decision about it, and complete the steps needed. Then you can get right back on track the next time.

Finish each project before going to the next. You will be amazed how much you can get done in 3 or 4 half hour cleaning sessions a week!

 

 

 

 

 

As soon as my son was old enough to know what the calendar was and that "his" color was blue, he would check the calendar every morning after breakfast to see if he had anything special going on that day, and when my daughter came along, she did the same thing. They also quickly learned that the numbers referred to time, and they would even remind me of an appointment as the time grew closer that day. As my kids got a bit older, they began writing things on the calendar as well, and I honestly think they were more diligent about doing it because it was "their" event, "their" color.

They are now young adults (one graduates from med school in May, the other begins a Masters program in bioterrorism this summer), and both have told me that the color-coded calendar helped put them on a good solid path to time management and really paid off during their busy high school (sports, social events, etc) and college years. Both keep a planner, and both now do what I do in my personal planner and "refrigerator" calendar -- use a different color of ink for each of 5 priority areas in my life (I have faith, family, self, friends, home), with black ink for general things that don't fit in any category.

I also use this strategy at work, using one color for appointments with or tasks assigned by my boss, another for long-term projects, etc. I've found this system works extremely well, saves time, and helps me check at a glance not only what I need to do today but whether or not my day/week is balanced. For example, if I'm feeling stressed and out of sorts, I can quickly check and see if I've got any me-time scheduled and, if not, make sure to allot some time for that. I can also quickly see if I'm spending my times in proportion to the order of my priorities.

The color-coded calendar (and personal planner) has been a god-send for me and for my family! 

 

Substitute feelings of fear with gratitude and get those negative thoughts in perspective. Do not focus on the negative. Visualize yourself as successful, and then carve out a strategic plan to achieve your dreams. Vision boards are extremely helpful for you to see your goals on paper, and then you can keep this mental picture in your mind. Research implies using visualization and simulation makes it more likely you will achieve your goals. Yes, you still need to work at achieving them, but banishing self doubt, fear and naysayers is crucial. 

You can do it! Believe in yourself and go after your dreams. Create a vision board, write your business plan, and make it happen. Why not you?

 

If you asked every person in the world who gave them their best advice, it is a safe bet that most would say it was their mother. I am no exception. My mother has taught me many valuable lessons that have helped shape my life. But having no regrets stands out above all others, because it has informed every aspect of my life and every business decision we have ever made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Why am I not exercising regularly right now?
• What is coming up that I consider more important than taking 30-45 minutes out of my day to exercise?
• What are the current consequences of not exercising regularly? (i.e. feeling unenergetic in the evenings)
• How can I ensure that exercise will be slotted regularly into my day? What changes do I need to make?
• What are 3 practical action steps I need to take to ensure that I start exercising regularly?

Once you have asked yourself the above questions, create a small action plan and experiment until you find the right method that gets you working out regularly.

 

 

 

When you get up in the morning, first and foremost you should do practices or rituals that bring you joy. Start off feeling good and well. This sets the tone for the day. We are all individual, so what works for you may not work for another. If you honor yourself and your needs first, then a great sense of love and worth becomes your tone. As you move about your day, others will feel this vibration from you. They will treat you kindly because you treat yourself kindly. You are responsible to find and create what you need to have a great day. Nourishing yourself first everyday will allow you to pass on the kindness, acceptance and love that you generate in the morning. 

 

 

 

 

Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the floor. You can also sit cross-legged, if you are more comfortable sitting that way. Close your eyes. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, counting slowly to 6. Hold your breath for a count of 3. Then, exhale slowly and completely to a slow count of 6. Hold your breath out for a count of 3.

Do this again: inhale to a count of 6, hold for a count of 3, exhale to a count of 6 and hold your breath out for a count of 3. As you do this deep rhythmic breathing you will become calmer and more relaxed.

Then, forget about the count and just watch your breath. If you need help focusing, you can silently chant "one" as the breath goes in and "two" as it goes out. Don't try to control the breath, just watch it.

This simple practice, especially if you do it every day, will aid you to be more calm, relaxed, and refreshed.

 

 

 

1. ) Send an email to someone you haven't spoken to in awhile. Pick a name out of your Outlook and type 2-3 quick lines. We all know we should be networking more, but it sounds like a big project. It doesn't have to be. Send 1 email a week and that's 50 opportunities for outreach; send 1 a day, and that's over 350!

2.) Update your LinkedIn status. Did you work on an interesting project, read a good book, attend a conference? Put it in there.

3.) Set up a Google alert on your name so that you stay vigilant about what's said about you, attributed to you and posted on the Internet.

4.) Write a Thinking of You card or love letter to your significant other. Hide a note for your kids in their lunchbox. Having solid personal relationships gives you a solid foundation for your career.

5.) Write down 3 professional wins in the last few months. File this away for your next performance/salary review meeting. 

 

 

 

 

According to a new study from Denmark, researchers found that when certain participants were given 100g of dark chocolate (as opposed to milk chocolate), they were less interested in eating fatty, salty or sugary foods – even up to 2 hours after consuming the dark chocolate!

If you eat milk chocolate, try giving dark chocolate a go. Aim for brands that offer 70% or more cocoa (check the label). If you feel like some chocolate, aim for 2 small squares and this should satisfy.

 

British psychiatrists and dentists did a study on thousands. They found that having inflamed gums and dental disease from lack of flossing and diligent brushing resulted in worse cognitive function during the lifetime – not just later in life either!

So, make it an aim to brush and floss daily to keep your brain in great order!

 

 

Instead of power naps, try a using a power chant to help rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. Peace, love, harmony. Meditate on the three word chant throughout your day. In modern society, we embrace various aspects of Chinese culture, from understanding Ying Yang principles, to designing homes using Feng Shui, to referring to Karmic repercussions within our lifetime, to employing "mind over matter.” Take it to the next level and revitalize your day with this simple three word chant: Peace, love, harmony.

 

 

 

"Here’s how she put it: 'Sonny, I don’t care who you are. Some day you’re going to have to sit on your own bottom.' After more than half a century in the energy business, her advice has proven itself to be spot-on time and time again. My failures? I never have any doubt whom they can be traced back to. My successes? Most likely the same guy.

 

 

 

 

Clint had a rule of thirds for happiness in life. He told me to ask three questions: Are you happy with your job? Are you happy where you live? Are you happy who you’re with (depending on your circumstances that could mean friends, spouse, partner, etc)? If you answer Yes to at least two out of three, you found your spot for the moment. If not, you need to make a change to one of them.

 

 

• To avoid cavities and plaque, try shiitake mushrooms. They prevent oral bacteria from creating dental plaque.
• For white teeth, eat pineapple and vitamin C-rich foods. These act as natural "whiteners."
• For healthy gums, try wild salmon. It contains Omega 3, which reduces inflammation. You can also add basil to your food, a natural antibiotic which reduces mouth bacteria.
• To prevent enamel loss, eat more quinoa, onions and broccoli. Quinoa is calcium-rich, which is good for your bones and teeth. Onions, which contain sulfur compounds may kill streptococcus bacteria can cause tooth decay. Broccoli is filled with iron, which may create a protective barrier, shielding teeth from acidic foods and drinks. 

 

 1.) Make a list of 20 sensory memories from childhood. These are early memories based on your five senses, such as the smell of cut grass, the taste of grilled cheese, the sound of leaves crunching, or the wind in your hair as you ride a bike. Recall sensory memories that make you feel good.

2.) Schedule a day off ahead of time – sometimes months out.  Keep that day sacred, and make no other commitments 

3.)  Spend the day doing as many of those things that you’ve recalled from your sensory memory as possible. The things that pleased us during childhood are often highly accessible, free, and easy to incorporate into our daily lives if we just thought about them more often.

Neurologically, this process is an efficient route to tap into your mind's "map" of experiences that hold positive associations for you, giving you a tailored physical and emotional boost.  Once a year, it’s a day well-spent that you'll come to look forward to. Just making the list of memories can be helpful in giving you insight into what innately floats your boat.  Look for patterns.  Are your top 20 solitary or interactive activities?  Are they outdoors?  Creative?  Safe?  Visual?  How do you incorporate these overarching themes into your life?  

 

Think about it! Maybe you don’t have the budget right now to indulge in couture or douse yourself in Dior – it’s okay because this cost effective accessory will make you stand out more than any pair of Jimmy Choos.

On the other hand, what if you are dressed to kill but have accessorized yourself with an unwelcoming, unapproachable or overall bad attitude? While it won’t get you on the famed Blackwell’s Worst Dressed list, beware as it may get you on another list that cannot be so easily rectified by your stylist.

 

 

The most fundamental commitment you have to make as a leader is to humbly listen to the input of others, take it seriously, and work to improve. Again, it sounds simple, but it’s not easy. Leadership, as Marshall always says, is a contact sport, and one has to constantly ask for and respond to advice from colleagues so you can improve.

 

This advice instilled in me a great sense of confidence, and despite the fact that sometimes I was a little nervous, I stepped out and did what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it. I think it really often is up to the parents to help build confidence in their children. It is a very necessary part of growing up.

 

 

Which option would you take?

1.) Do you refuse and state you are cutting back on sugary, fatty foods?

2.) Do you accept it and devour the whole lot, as it’s rude to turn down your guest?

3.) Do you politely say you are full and will just have a sliver/small slice to try it out?

If you answered option 2, you may be in trouble!

Option 3 is your best bet. Without offending your host (like option 1), you get to sample her dish. You also take responsibility for your own health and wellness and assertively handle the situation.

At the end of the day, it’s your body and you are responsible for what you put in it. Now, if you actually WANT to choose option 2, that’s a whole different story!