Four Steps To Make Your Day Dynamic!

by: Nandang S Nugraha | Total views: 41 | Word Count: 691 | View PDF | Print View

 by: Miami Phillips

There are two ways to start your day. The first is to
dive in; tackling whatever is in front of you. You might check your
emails. This is an interesting beginning as it is always possible
something fun and new came in since you last looked.

Next thing you know you are deeply involved, answering
all your mail. Some messages require thought; others require action,
either research, interaction with others, or decision making. It is
natural to attempt to take care of these mails, as they are right in
front of you. You feel hungry, look up and it is mid morning. You have
just spent a quarter of your day dealing with emails!

Another scenario is firefighting. Firefighting is the
act of facing and finding quick fix solutions for all the emergency
situations that seem to be coming at you from unknown sources. These
urgent problems can also eat up an alarming amount of your work day.

Let's look at an alternative method of beginning your
day. First, remember that this day is a gift. You have the choice what
to do with it. Why not choose to do the important -but-not urgent tasks
first? These are the tasks that will advance your life goals, and
ensure success for you as you have defined it. If you do not prioritize
and do these tasks first, you will almost certainly fail to do them.

Here is how.

1. Define where you want to be in 3-5 years. Now list the
steps it will take to get you there. Break these steps down into yearly
goals, then monthly and finally weekly. Take the time to plan your
life!

2. At the beginning of your day, pull out your weekly
goals. What will you do today to advance your weekly goal? List this
(these) tasks.

3. Scan your emails - don't read them! You will get
bogged down! Also, scan your phone messages, faxes inbox and anywhere
else you receive communication. The goal is to get an idea of what new
items will require your attention today.

You have spent 30-45 minutes of your day. You have
gathered up the information required to plan your day, you know what
you have to do, and are already planning it in your mind. You don't
have to worry about forgetting something important.

4. On a clean sheet of paper, or index cards, prioritize
10 -15 things you intend to accomplish before the end of the day. Be
realistic. You will not be able to do much more than this. From the
10-15 highlight 4 or 5 items that are important-but-not urgent and
critical to your long term goals. Prioritize these items first, and
then follow with the remaining items in some sort of order. Put an
estimated time to complete each item beside it. At the end of the day,
your review of what got done and the actual time it took will be a
great education and experience for future planning. With practice, this
skill will serve you well.

5. Now do one of your highlighted tasks, preferably one you enjoy.

You have now spent approximately 90 minutes of your day.
You have achieved a step towards your 3-5 year plan. (Imagine what a
constant daily step towards your goal will produce!) You know how your
day will play out (for the most part), and you are comfortable knowing
you have not missed anything of importance.

If you begin to do the important-but-not urgent items
on a daily basis, you will find less urgent items surprising you. The
feeling and knowledge of achievement will be encouragement for you to
continue to strengthen your skills in this area.

There you have two ways to begin your day. Your choice!

Your Coach and online friend,

Miami

Miami Phillips

Helping others find their path - and stay on it.

www.creativemasterminds.com

Quotation of the Week

Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I'll give you a man
who will make history. Give me a man with no goals and I'll give you a
stock clerk.

J. C. Penney

About the Author

Miami Phillips is an ANSIR Certified Personal Coach and the founder of Creative MasterMinds who believes personal growth is an essential ingredient to being happy and contributing to this world. While his main focus is affordable personal and business coaching, he also offers motivational teleclasses, ebooks, reading recommendations and much more. To find out more visit his site at http://www.creativemasterminds.com or send him an email at coach@creativemasterminds.com

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