I will slow down tomorrow.
After this is over, life will get easier.
There are just a couple of phrases that remind me that life never slows down or gets easier until we make some choices. It really is time to 'stop and smell the roses' or at least to 'sit a while' and listen to God. That time will change our perspecitive and even our attitude. Think about it.
Psalm 46:10 (niv) --- Be still, and know that I am God...
Here are some notes from an aticle I read this morning (10 Effective Habits of Time Management by Greg Smith).
Quiet time ... I begin each day with a cup of coffee on my front porch. I watch the sun rise, pray, and ask God for direction for the day. I think about my goals and projects, and I listen for new ideas...Every person must make time to think. Schedule an appointment with yourself, close yourself off, and don't allow interruptions...
Set a large goal ... The best way to accomplish a major goal is to break it down into smaller pieces. The old saying goes: "How do you eat an elephant? ... One bite at a time." ...
Greg's ten tips
1. Prioritize. Feeling overwhelmed by all you have to do? Stop and think – which item must be completed today? ...
2. Be realistic...The key ingredient for a good meeting is preparation. Ask yourself, is this meeting really necessary? Can the information be presented best another way? If there is still a need for a meeting, plan it well. One way to set yourself up for a panic situation is to plan an unrealistic amount of work for one day or one week...
3. Delegate. A person who refuses to delegate will very likely be a very busy and frustrated person. ...
4. Work efficiently. ...
5. Organize meetings wisely... The key ingredient for a good meeting is preparation. Ask yourself, is this meeting really necessary? Can the information be presented best another way? If there is still a need for a meeting, plan it well.
6. Learn to say no! Many people have a tough time saying no. They allow themselves to become members of every committee, even ones that are outside their particular talent or spiritual gift...
7. Destroy the paper monster. The best guideline for paperwork is to either file it or toss it. We never use 80% of the paperwork we keep...
8. Manage mail. Answer E-mail immediately. Don't read it and then let it pile up in your in-box; keep your in-box clutter free. Create a "keeper" folder and transfer the mail you want to retain. Create another folder for "actions pending." Respect other people's time and avoid forwarding all those stories people love to send you. Delete junk E-mail without reading it and use your filters to eliminate spam. Sort regular mail next to a trashcan. Handle it once. Open it or throw it away. Don't stop doing the important things in your life to sort mail.
9. Make lists. Making a list can be a legitimate time ...
10. Allow time for fun and surprises. Don't carry time management to the point where everything in your life is plotted, calculated, and placed on a calendar. Allow some spontaneity and fun in your life. I know a manager who decided to invite everyone over to her office for ice cream floats. This was a lot of fun and created a very positive work environment. I know another company that provides their employees 22 tons of M&M's to eat each year. Every now and then do something nice for someone totally unexpected. Call someone up and tell him or her how much you appreciate them.
That is good stuff that I needed to hear today. I didn't say that I am going to follow what Greg said to the letter, but I will try to learn a bit.
Ephesians 5:16 (nlt) --- Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Colossians 4:5 (nlt) --- Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.
After this is over, life will get easier.
There are just a couple of phrases that remind me that life never slows down or gets easier until we make some choices. It really is time to 'stop and smell the roses' or at least to 'sit a while' and listen to God. That time will change our perspecitive and even our attitude. Think about it.
Psalm 46:10 (niv) --- Be still, and know that I am God...
Here are some notes from an aticle I read this morning (10 Effective Habits of Time Management by Greg Smith).
Quiet time ... I begin each day with a cup of coffee on my front porch. I watch the sun rise, pray, and ask God for direction for the day. I think about my goals and projects, and I listen for new ideas...Every person must make time to think. Schedule an appointment with yourself, close yourself off, and don't allow interruptions...
Set a large goal ... The best way to accomplish a major goal is to break it down into smaller pieces. The old saying goes: "How do you eat an elephant? ... One bite at a time." ...
Greg's ten tips
1. Prioritize. Feeling overwhelmed by all you have to do? Stop and think – which item must be completed today? ...
2. Be realistic...The key ingredient for a good meeting is preparation. Ask yourself, is this meeting really necessary? Can the information be presented best another way? If there is still a need for a meeting, plan it well. One way to set yourself up for a panic situation is to plan an unrealistic amount of work for one day or one week...
3. Delegate. A person who refuses to delegate will very likely be a very busy and frustrated person. ...
4. Work efficiently. ...
5. Organize meetings wisely... The key ingredient for a good meeting is preparation. Ask yourself, is this meeting really necessary? Can the information be presented best another way? If there is still a need for a meeting, plan it well.
6. Learn to say no! Many people have a tough time saying no. They allow themselves to become members of every committee, even ones that are outside their particular talent or spiritual gift...
7. Destroy the paper monster. The best guideline for paperwork is to either file it or toss it. We never use 80% of the paperwork we keep...
8. Manage mail. Answer E-mail immediately. Don't read it and then let it pile up in your in-box; keep your in-box clutter free. Create a "keeper" folder and transfer the mail you want to retain. Create another folder for "actions pending." Respect other people's time and avoid forwarding all those stories people love to send you. Delete junk E-mail without reading it and use your filters to eliminate spam. Sort regular mail next to a trashcan. Handle it once. Open it or throw it away. Don't stop doing the important things in your life to sort mail.
9. Make lists. Making a list can be a legitimate time ...
10. Allow time for fun and surprises. Don't carry time management to the point where everything in your life is plotted, calculated, and placed on a calendar. Allow some spontaneity and fun in your life. I know a manager who decided to invite everyone over to her office for ice cream floats. This was a lot of fun and created a very positive work environment. I know another company that provides their employees 22 tons of M&M's to eat each year. Every now and then do something nice for someone totally unexpected. Call someone up and tell him or her how much you appreciate them.
That is good stuff that I needed to hear today. I didn't say that I am going to follow what Greg said to the letter, but I will try to learn a bit.
Ephesians 5:16 (nlt) --- Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
Colossians 4:5 (nlt) --- Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.
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