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t’s summer for those of us in the US and Europe. The sun is shining. The days are longer. We feel energized. Are you enjoying the classic joys of summer? Eating a dripping ice cream cone on a blazing, hot day, diving into a cool pool and walking barefoot on lush green grass? Or are you overwhelmed, overworked and overly stressed? Summer is a great time to regroup. Most of us keep different schedules for summer. We will make more trips, socialize more, and dress more casually. As a result our way of thinking loosens up a bit too, giving way to bursts of creativity and joy. Would you like to have a memorable summer as well as continue to experience personal and professional success?
Here are 3 excellent and effective strategies:
SLOW DOWN YOUR SPEED-Our work and family life can only be as healthy and vibrant as we are. Consider the many aspects of your life: your total well-being, your family, your financial fitness, community involvement, social life, and your spirituality. I like to use the analogy of our bank account with our “life account”. Just as your bank account can be added to or deducted from, so it is with your own Life Accounts. What is the status of your emotional bank account? Your spiritual bank account? Any shortages? Are you overdrawn? Bankrupt? Take the time to replenish and create reserves in the various aspects of your life. This “investment” yields great dividends.
FOCUSED CONCENTRATION - Here are a couple of ways you can get more done in less time:
“Be a Task-Master”-Determine a specific time of day e.g. Saturday from 9am to 11 am. Create a list of miscellaneous, need-to be done tasks and go to it! You’d be amazed how many things can be accomplished with this concentrated effort. Cleaned closets, potted flowers, bills paid… here we go!
“Take 10” - this involves designating the 1st ten minutes at the top of every work hour to be the time for you to focus intensely on whatever project is at hand. The “blitz” produces some incredible results. We accomplish so much during this focused time. Installing this strategy can free you to pursue your hearts content. (Lounging on the porch in a rocking chair, anyone?)
SRATEGIC FOCUS -so many of us have so many projects going on at the same time, we find ourselves distracted and overwhelmed. The result of being in a constant state of “overwhelm” is that being overwhelmed keeps us from being our best and doing our best. The solution? Employ this nifty strategy called the “strategic focus.” Conjure up the image of a plate spinner. How is he able to accomplish his feat? He concentrates completely on the spinning plate until it is up, stable, and strongly in motion. He then “scatters” his focus to the next plate, gets it up and moving, and so on and so forth. He focuses, intently, and then shifts his attention to the next plate. I have recently been applying this principle to my own life. Some of the plates spinning in my life this month included launching a new business web site, planning a memorable summer for our family, and entering a new business partnership. Using strategic focusing will give you great results. Try it for yourself!
Coaching Challenge:
What are the plates spinning in your life? Pick your top 3. Apply the Scatter-Focus technique. Devote your energy COMPLETELY on each one at a time. Marvel and celebrate your results!
What is your definition of the “Perfect Summer”? As the popular Life Strategist, Dr. Phil says… You’ve got to name it, to claim it. Create your ideal summer by defining and planning for it today! I would love to hear about your summer dreams come true.
Blitz your way to success. Become a master of focus, how would life be for you if you completed rather than added more projects?
Success Coach and Speaker, Diana Long, is the Founder of the Life Design Institute. Diana can help you transform your dreams into reality and give you the shortcuts to success with her variety of life-changing programs and products.
Learn more about Diana and receive your FREE Report,” 3 Huge Mistakes People Like You Make to Sabotoge Their Success & How You Can Completely Avoid Them!” and Free subscription to The Award Winning Newsletter, Life & Work Design Secrets, please visit
www.DianaLong.com.
