Mindset
How Can Productivity Be Increased?
Do More in Less Time – And Have More Time for Yourself
Getting things done brings such a great feeling of accomplishment, but it can also be overwhelming if the task seems insurmountable. Sometimes, the days just don’t seem long enough to do everything we want to do. When that happens, worry can set in, but it doesn’t have to!
You can do more than you ever thought was possible, and in less time too, giving yourself time to relax and really enjoy life!
It all begins with a solid foundation of time management and scheduling. It’s okay if you’re not a good time manager right now, you can learn to be. It just takes a little bit of practice and you’ll soon be getting more and more done.
When you see how much you’re accomplishing, you’ll work even harder during your busy times, and enjoy those down times more thoroughly.
These scheduling strategies will help you become an expert manager of your time:
Schedule Your Life For Maximum Benefit
You can avoid procrastination and the big stressed-out rush to meet a deadline by scheduling each day and using just a bit of self-discipline to stick to your schedule.
- It helps to break things down into smaller tasks. For example, do you have a big presentation coming up at work in two weeks? Don’t try to do it the night before it’s due. Start now. Working for just a half hour each day can help you get that presentation done with plenty of time to spare.
- It removes wasteful practices from your day. By scheduling your day according to your priorities, you can better utilize the time that you might otherwise have wasted doing unproductive things, like watching television or waiting for the next item on your to-do list to come to you.
Disallow Doubts From Getting In Your Way
That little voice in the back of your mind that tells you, “It’s too much work,” or “It’s not going to happen,” doesn’t know what it’s talking about!
- You can do anything you set your mind to. Keep that thought in mind as you go through your day. The more you think it – or even say it out loud – the more you’ll internalize and believe it.
- Remember your capabilites. When you remind yourself how much you’re capable of doing, you’ll work harder so you can reap the rewards of being done with work.
- No matter how you reward yourself, make it a point to do so regularly. Finished that presentation? Take the evening off and watch your favorite movie! Whatever reward works for you is a good one – as long as the work’s done first.
Recognize When You’re Getting Stressed
Sometimes, in an effort to get more done, you’ll find that you aren’t getting the time for yourself that you’d hoped for. When this happens, stop and reassess your schedule.
- Are you following your agenda? Are you productive during your scheduled working times? Are you meeting your goals? Where can you make changes for better success?
- Do you concentrate and get your work done during your working hours? If not, you may find that you still have to work when you should be relaxing. This is a vicious circle that leaves you feeling stressed, while getting nowhere.
Eliminate Stressors And Build In Stress Relief
Think about the following as you go about your workday:
- By focusing during working hours, you’ll complete each task much sooner. Get your drudgery tasks out of the way as quickly as possible to make more time for more enjoyable tasks.
- Work time is for work only – so avoid distractions. Ringing phones and other issues can stop you from accomplishing your work. Forward calls to your voice mail and establish “do not disturb” times. You’ll be amazed at how much work you can get done without distractions!
- If you complete your tasks early, keep working until your schedule says it’s time to stop. Perhaps you can tackle some work for the next day to get ahead. Being a little ahead gives you the flexibility to take care of inevitable emergencies without falling behind in productivity.
- Recognize when you need a break. People are not machines so your schedule should reflect that. Realistic break times should be part of even the busiest schedule.
By planning your time wisely, you’ll accomplish more and be able to reap the many benefits of true relaxation when you’re done. It’s well worth the effort!
Dealing With Rejection
We learn at an early age that we don’t get everything we want. In other words, we have had to deal with rejection since then.
This may make you think that people accept rejection easily. However in reality the exact opposite is usually true.
People start to develop an invisible shield against rejection. They may show anger or resentment to the people who are serving up the rejection.
But, in many cases, it can show who is resilient and who is likely to continue until they get what they want.
No one likes to hear negative comments about themselves. People take it personally.
However, knowing the reason for rejection can help change your direction. You can correct the aspects that made people reject you in the first place.
This won’t work with everything. For instance, if a person you are attracted to does not return the favor, it may be difficult or impossible to turn this around.
Then again, there are numerous stories of people who persevered even when they were rejected time and again, and won the love of their lives.
Another instance where you may face rejection is during a job interview. Many candidates will pass this off as incompetence on the part of the interviewer, and there are certainly cases where this is true.
But, you should always try to evaluate the reasons why the interviewer did not choose you. You’d be surprised at how few people even ask for the reasons.
Interviewers won’t typically volunteer this information. Many will feel you don’t care if you don’t ask.
In many cases, rejection is not personal. You may not have the necessary skills when seeking a job, or you may not have enough experience, etc.
In other cases, it may be somewhat personal, but it may be in your best interest to get rejected. For instance, if you don’t have an aggressive personality, do you want to pursue a career that requires one? If you are in sales, you need to have this driving personality to succeed.
Use rejection to your benefit. People who accept rejection and don’t give up are usually the ones who eventually get that acceptance.
Sometimes, the very fact that you are persevering is what turns the tables from rejection to acceptance.
Whose to say that next opportunity is not the one that will accept you? You won’t know unless you continue on your quest.
Another thing to make crystal clear in your mind is that only you allow yourself to feel rejected. The problem is that the fear of rejection is a really powerful one so it can be difficult to not feel rejected when it happens.
Also realise that the person is not usually rejecting you personally, but rather your idea/opinion etc. Reframe it like that in your mind and you can free yourself from the paralysis that fear of rejection can cause.
And the person rejecting you now, may well soon be your most fervent supporter.
Dealing with rejection really is that simple. Changing your state of mind works wonders for many areas in your life and rejection is another one.
You have to remember that you are your own worst critic, so when someone disagrees or rejects you, the mind can blow it up out of all proportion and really go to town on your confidence.
Having gratitude for what you do have in your life can really help and it definitely gives you a sense of perspective.
Take time to think about family, friends, your passions or hobbies, and the things you probably always take for granted e.g. having a roof over your head or food in your belly.
Another way to deal with rejection is to use it as a learning opportunity. If you have had a business idea rejected or been turned down for a job, take some time to analyse what may have caused you to fail at this particular endeavour.
The key here is to be objective and, more importantly, to be really honest to increase the chances of success and reduce the risk of rejection in the future.
By doing this, you can actually rebuild your self-esteem and come out even stronger than before.
Dealing with rejection can be tough but it builds perseverance and character and it doesn’t last forever and you will be a much stronger person when you overcome it.
Life is full of challenges; relish them and grow into the person you want to become and overcome any obstacles that bar your way, including rejection.
And remember…
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone Psalm 118:22
You’ve got this… 💪
How To Find Inner Peace And Calm In Times Of Chaos
During these turbulent times it is very easy to live in a state of constant worriment! At the time of writing, everyone is pretty much in a global lock-down which also causes a lot of feelings of isolation too.
But there is always hope, and it is even more important to find things to be glad about on a daily basis.
Here is a post about the science of gratitude.
And if you want to go deeper, take a look at the Grateful Mind training here.
Even the Bible recognised this basic human need thousands of years ago:
Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
However, when the news is filled with negative emotion and our surroundings are chaotic, it can seem overwhelming and stressful to be trapped in the house, full of uncertainty.
Yet it is important to realize that peace and tranquility come from within and can be found even in the most challenging times. Making an effort to find this inner peace is one of the most important things you can do during these times.
So, how do you find inner peace in these time?
Well, here are 5 things that you can start using today to combat stress and achieve inner peace. There are many more, but these are as good a place to start as any.
1: Meditation & Yoga
Meditation is great way to calm the mind and focus on your breathing in order to stay present in the moment. Yoga and meditation practices allow you to feel balanced from within and allows you to reflect on outside surroundings rather than consuming them.
Starting with a guided meditation or a yoga class on YouTube is a great way to start practicing without spending money. They will teach you breathing techniques that can help you calm down when you find yourself stressing out and you will notice that you are not as anxious and overwhelmed.
Alternatively, use an app like Headspace to practice meditation and mindfulness.
Meditation allows you to slow down and start appreciating what you have in your life; friends, family, roof over your head etc. and allows you to put things into perspective.
Yoga is a little like meditation in motion and so is also great for physical as well as mental wellbeing.
They may not be for everyone but could be worth a try if you are feeling stressed and isolated.
Develop A Routine
It may sound a little boring, but developing a routine, even when stuck at home, is a crucial way to find structure in your life when there are challenges put in front of you.
Waking up at the same time, making time to workout each morning, and reading before bed are a few examples of tasks you can incorporate into your daily routine to keep you feeling calm.
Many of the most productive and successful people, do the same thing every day, including the weekends; no Saturday morning lie-ins for them, so doesn’t that indicate how powerful routine can be?
If you have children and are homeschooling, then having a routine is incredibly important for them too, and will allow you to get them into study mode when required.
Of course, you can also add a little spontaneity too, but the general day should be well-structured so you know what to expect.
Get Outside
Even though we may not have the ability to go shopping or be in public to get out of the house, we can always take our dogs for a walk or go on a hike in nature to relax and get rid of the feeling of being trapped in the house.
Nature is a great stress reliever that will help you feel gratitude and inner peace throughout these tough times.
Taking a 30-60 minute walk each day is a great way to stay active and get a breath of fresh air to reduce your stress and anxiety levels.
Even getting outside into your garden (if you have one) can boost your mood; you don’t even have to do any gardening (although this will have physical benefits too), just sitting in the sun and listening to the birds singing can instantly make you feel better.
When you are constantly surrounding by technology filled with news that may seem concerning, your stress levels are likely to rise, and you will feel worried. When you step away and let go of this attachment, you will instantly feel calmer.
Beware The News
When chaos is going on around the world and there is stress in the air, the news is the main source that people base their opinions on and process information from.
However, the news is very quick to only announce negative news and alarming stories, which can make the brain feel overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed. The UK tabloid press is particularly good at this.
The problem with consuming too much news, is that you get a very skewed vision of the world that is NOT reality, and this can have a major impact on how you feel.
It is important to stay up to date with current events, but it is also important to not let it consume you.
Many of these things are out of your control and after you take all of the precautionary measures that you can, it is important to step away from the news in order to relax the mind.
Read A Book
Reading a book is great way to clear your mind and distract yourself from your surroundings when they seem overwhelming or negative.
It is a great way to restore your emotions and reduce stress without staring at a screen or scrolling through social media.
When you read a book, you are improving your brain function, and this has proven to improve mental wellbeing.
Whether it be an educational book, self-help book, or fiction, you will find that you are able to learn a lot and grow both professionally and personally in an enjoyable way.
And why not pick up a Bible if you are feeling really low. The pages of the Bible are filled with hope which we all need in these uncertain times, so perhaps now is the time to delve into the Word. You never know, it could be the beginning of an incredible journey of self-discovery for you.
OK, there are 5 things that you can do to combat stress and achieve some inner peace.
Why not try one (or all of them) and see which works for you, and if you have any that you want to add, let me know.
Stay safe and be strong…
Self-Discipline: 7 Benefits Of Being Disciplined
Every day we have choices to make. Wake up early and go to the gym, or get an extra hour of sleep? Pack a healthy lunch to take to work, or buy something when lunchtime rolls around? Throw a little extra money in your savings account, or buy that new gadget or pair of shoes you’ve been eyeballing all month?
Deep down inside, we know which actions will yield the best results. Yet many of us struggle with making the best decisions – and fail to reach our full potential as a result. How do we overcome these challenges? Self-discipline is the answer.
Why Is Self-Discipline Important?
If you want to be successful and reach your goals, self-discipline is the most crucial skill to master.
Frequently, the best choices aren’t the fastest, easiest, or most pleasant. So you must exercise a high level of control over your emotions and behavior.
Improving your ability to do what is best for you regardless of initial desire is the only way to make consistent progress in life.
As such, if self-discipline is your foundational skill, you grow more effective in everything you do.
7 Benefits Of Self-Discipline
When you develop a stronger sense of self-control, you can expect multiple improvements across many areas of your life. Here are ten benefits of self-discipline.
1- Better Physical Health
First, improving your self-discipline leads to improved physical health.
Exercising control over the quality and quantity of food you consume, establishing a regular fitness routine, and drinking enough water help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your chances of illness and disease, and increase your chances of longevity and vitality later in life.
This does require a lot of self-discipline for some people, but the benefits will enhance pretty much all areas of your life.
2- Better Academic And/Or Career Success
Next, self-discipline can help you to make choices that could potentially lead to higher academic and career success.
Sometimes you must choose between studying longer hours and spending time out with friends, or staying late after work to complete a project and heading home to relax.
Self-discipline helps you see the value of delayed gratification, which pays off down the line.
This is especially important in the modern world as the vast majority of people want it now and are not prepared to wait.
3- Better Relationships
Third, self-discipline improves your relationships because you become a person who follows through on your commitments.
People in your life learn they can trust you to do what you say you will, and they view you more favorably.
Having self-control and doing what you say makes you a more reliable partner, friend and worker, so all types of relationships will benefit from becoming a more disciplined person.
4- Better Control Of Your Finances
Next, gaining better control over your finances is another direct benefit of self-discipline.
While it’s more fun to spend money than it is to save, the disciplined individual sees the long-term benefit of putting money away for a rainy day. This is also linked to the benefits of delayed gratification mentioned above.
That’s not to say you pinch pennies and sacrifice quality of life.
Self-discipline isn’t supposed to make you miserable. Instead, it’s about weighing the pros and cons and making decisions that bring you closer to your goals.
Examples of financial self-discipline that don’t require total restriction include regularly putting a certain percentage of each paycheck into your savings account or sticking to a budget that allocates a certain amount of money each month for discretionary spending.
This way, you still get to enjoy the present, though, not at the expense of your future and you will have the opportunity to splurge out occasionally.
5- Fewer Regrets
Another benefit of growing more self-disciplined is that you’ll have fewer regrets because you make better choices in the first place.
You’ll eliminate such problems as saying the wrong thing at the wrong time because you’re disciplined enough to think before speaking.
This is especially important nowadays, as you have to be so careful what you say in case you upset or offend someone, and social media makes this even more difficult to manage; always think before you speak or post something online!
You’ll avoid jumping to conclusions, give yourself time to gather information before making decisions, and make choices based on facts rather than emotion or opinion.
6- Improved Time Management And Productivity
With an ever-growing list of things vying for our attention, it seems that time is often in short supply.
One of the best benefits of self-discipline is improved management of your time.
For example, social media can be the ultimate time-killer if you don’t exercise self-control. While it can be useful at times, you can easily fall into the trap of mindlessly scrolling through news feeds when you could be completing other tasks.
By practicing self-discipline, you will become a lot more productive and this is really important for people who work for themselves at home.
Have strict times when you are working, have a space which you use solely for work purposes and stick to it and your productivity will soar.
7- Staying The Distance
Finally, self-discipline helps you complete tasks and projects that you start, even when you lose steam or desire.
Motivation is always high at the beginning of a new goal.
Whether it’s a new diet plan, a new business idea, or even new relationships to a certain degree, when things are fresh, there is nothing but excitement and stimulation ahead.
Yet over time, motivation fades, challenges arise, reality sets in, and its tempting to go back to something more familiar or move on to the next shiny object.
Exercising self-control and choosing to finish what you start, within reason, even when you lose motivation and desire means you not only have the finished project under your belt, but you’ve learned lessons and acquired skills you wouldn’t have had you quit.
Final Thoughts
As the American writer, philosopher and artist, Elbert Hubbard once said, “Self-discipline is the ability to do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.”
Understanding the importance of self-discipline, then taking steps to improve this most critical skill is perhaps the best thing you can do for your personal development and likelihood of lifetime success.
Low Self-Esteem? 6 Tips To Overcome Self-Doubt
Did you know that a whopping 85 percent of people have low self-esteem? This issue affects their personal and professional lives, including their careers, their health, and their salaries. In other words, self-doubt and low self-esteem can keep you from reaching your peak potential.
These personality traits appear to be more common among women. They develop in childhood and either exacerbate or diminish with time.
Is this because of the demands of women to always look a certain way and if they don’t they are not considered the norm? Possibly, but in this modern world of 24/7 connectivity and social media, the pressures on men are also increasing so there may well be an explosion of self-esteem issues among men as well. And, I think we are beginning to see evidence of this already.
If self-doubt plagues you, whether male or female, check out these simple tips to boost your confidence and trust yourself more:
1. Accept Yourself
Self-doubt is part of being human. Embrace it and turn it into a strength. When used correctly, this personality trait can help you make better decisions, instead of rushing things. Think of it as a tool that guides your actions and keeps you from making costly mistakes.
Just make sure you don’t overuse it though because self-doubt can also make you question your sanity and decision-making abilities.
By accepting yourself and who you are, you can really help yourself to overcome low self-esteem and build confidence.
2. Know You’re Not Alone
Even the most successful people have doubts. They often question their actions and wonder what the right thing to do is.
Focus on building your confidence and self-esteem. You might never get rid of doubts, but you can stop them from taking over your life.
Talk to others about how you are feeling, especially those who want to lift you up. I know this may be difficult for the men out there, but it really does help. It isn’t manly or macho to suffer in silence.
Stay away from negative people because they will always try to bring you down and this can have devastating effects on your feeling of self-worth. This can be very difficult if these are close friends or, even worse, family, but it must be done for your own benefit.
3. Get the Facts
Your doubts don’t necessarily reflect the truth. Most times, they mirror your fears and emotional struggles. Think about your achievements and how hard you worked to get where you are today. Be proud of yourself and admire your capabilities.
Whenever you’re in doubt, get the facts straight. Research the problem in question, weigh the pros and cons and ask for a second opinion.
We live in a world where image is everything and the truth can easily become obscured, so take your time to look at the evidence and this will often give you some clarity and peace of mind and can banish self-doubt instantly.
4. Acknowledge Your Strengths
Make a list of things you excel in. Write down your skills and accomplishments. Accept praise from others gracefully and acknowledge your talent.
Celebrate your strengths every single day. Make positive affirmations and remind yourself how much you’ve done so far. Stop thinking of what you could have done better.
This is not the same as being boastful although some people may misinterpret it as such but there is real strength in realising that you have achieved many things in your life and you should be proud of that.
5. Choose Your Friends Wisely
Negative people can drag you down and ruin your self-esteem. Nothing will ever be good enough for them. That’s why it’s so important to surround yourself with positive people who support you and listen to you instead of judging.
This is closely linked to tip number 2 above where you were advised to remove toxic and negative people from your life, and if that is impossible (perhaps they are family members), to at least remove them from your immediate sphere of influence.
6. Define Your Values
Lastly, define your values and the values you live by daily. Once you establish those, you will have a more realistic perspective of the current situation. Focus on the things that drive your actions and are at the core of your beliefs.
Overcoming self-doubt is a lifelong process. Stop questioning your own decisions. Don’t waste time overanalyzing – trust your actions and put your plans in motion.
OK, so there are 6 ways that you can boost your self-esteem. Put them into action and see what difference they can make to your life.