Prioritization Is The Key To Success

Whenever I find myself not getting anywhere I always write down what is keeping me from achieving my goals. It almost always involves tiny chores or obligations I have taken on that really need to be delegated to someone else or not done at all. I really don't need to run an errand every week to the market or I don't need to take that new client. It is about what am I trying to move towards in life is what matters. Is it more time to relax? Is it losing weight? Is it seeing friends more often? Whatever you decide to do in life there are only 24 hours in the day so don't let your dreams slip away because you are trying to please others or create the appearance that you fit the label of what it means to be "successful". Good luck!

3 Steps to Life Management

Step 1: Assess. Spend an hour writing down whatever your thoughts are. Your hopes, dreams, concerns and feelings.

Step 2: Prioritize. Put the most important things first and remove the unimportant things. Important things usually fall into categories of relationships, health, finances or career.

Step 3: Execute. Create a timeline on achieving your goals and continue to adapt and change that timeline.

Backup Your Files

As time goes on you take photos of the family, scan important documents and manage all your online investments. You know all your online stuff is relatively safe but you always wonder what would happen if your computer crashed. It's the worst thing that could happen but you figure it won't. I think it's the same thing we do when we worry about our homes burning down or getting in a car accident. We think it might happen but we figure it's nothing to worry about right now. You need to start thinking about it because it could happen sooner than you think. The loss of all your precious data is priceless and worth protecting. All you really need to do is buy an external hard drive for less than $100. Then use the computer programs already on your computer to backup your stuff. In Windows 7 you can backup your files and even your entire system with the applications. You know what a nightmare it would be to re-install all those applications! Ugh. Makes us all sick just thinking about it. It takes about a day to get everything backed up but it will be so worth it. The software will even allow you to update the backup with the newest things you've changed automatically. No need to worry about what is new since the last time you backed up. After you are done, put the external hard drive in a safe place where it will be protected from fire, flood, theft, and a power surge. You will be better for it.

How Not To End Up Bitter and Resentful

I see so many people every day with so much anger. For all the venomous things they say it does not compare to the damage they are inflicting on themselves. There is a seduction that takes place with being bitter and resentful. A sense that we see what is wrong with the world and everyone else is blind to it. We cast ourselves as this victimized rebel who will never let anyone hurt them ever again. The irony comes when those same feelings turn inward and began to kill all the joy within. Negative emotions are just that. Negative. Negativity drains us of our passion for life and takes us off the path to self discovery. If you are a pessimist I encourage you practice every day to see good things in the world. Only with seeing the positive can you change the broken record of ill that pollutes your reality.

The Value of Networking

It usually seems counterproductive to spend time socializing with people and think that is going to help you advance your career. I used to think it was not very important and all I needed to do was work on my technical skills. For those of us who are more introverted it can be hard to get to know new people and we convince ourselves it isn't as important for our careers down the road. Unfortunately, we are deluding ourselves. The connections we make with people are the driving forces that move our dreams into reality. This includes people who aren't just on the same career path as you. A doctor, a plumber or just about anyone can be that one contact who tells you about an opportunity or works at a company and refers you to your next job. I've always when by a simple rule. If I like them, I spend time with them. But I learned to have an open mind and realize you aren't looking for a best friend. You are simply looking to stay connected. There are many levels of intimacy when it comes to relationships. Your family, your neighbor, the postman, the gardener or the stranger who you say good morning too. These are all varying levels of intimacy and all are relationships are at different levels. Keep that in mind the next time you are at a social event. Good luck!

Marketable Skills

When you first start to develop your skills they are basically a hobby. You may want to be an accountant and you start to learn math but it still has to come from a place of fun and excitement in the adventure of problem solving. Once you get going and make your way on the path of turning a hobby into a marketable skill you can then earn money from this skill. It is the basic principle for all of us who become professionals at what we do. If you have an interest in something you should explore it. With a well managed plan you could see that interest grow into something big. The steps to achieving your goal are:

1. Finding the time to do it
2. Using educational materials to expand your understanding
3. Practicing your interest
4. Learning from mistakes
5. Repeat Step 1.

Time Management

Everyone slacks from time to time. The demands we put upon ourselves is tremendous. Home life, business, and trying to stay healthy physically, fiscally and emotionally is so demanding. The craziness of our lives demands some sort of plan. Time management is the plan needed to keep order. Use a computer program or a notebook or a day planner and track your day. Don't make the mistake of not writing down your goals as well. Life has a way of wanting to control you rather than you controlling it. Friends, family and colleagues have an agenda of their own and if you don't put yourself first you will soon be off track. It may seem a waste of time to keep track of your life but you will soon find how much time you really waste on things that really aren't important.