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Posts tagged iPhone
How to Get Stuff Done: A Quick Guide
Apr 3rd
Have you ever felt like your to do list is completely out of control and you’re just not getting anywhere? You have jobs piling up and you just don’t know where to start?
You’re not alone. Many of us spend a large proportion of our time chasing our tails as we strive to get too many things done too quickly. The thing is – there are a couple of very simple things that we can do to make all the difference when it comes to ‘getting stuff done’.
Setting yourself up for failure
Have you ever considered that there may be a very good reason why you’re not completing some of those tasks on your to-do list? That’s right – often we will set ourselves tasks that we don’t really believe in and that have little value to us and then we wonder why we never end up getting those things done!
One of the easiest ways to make your to-do list more manageable is to run a full blown assessment. Does every item deserve to be on the list? Or can you cross a few items off knowing that, in the grand scheme of things it won’t really impact your life that much.
Another mistake people make is prioritizing other peoples most important tasks. Make sure you ask yourself who’s task it is on your list – is it really important to YOU or has someone close to you made you feel like it should be important – when in reality it’s not. Never feel like what’s important to others should also by default be important to you!
Focus on value and outcome
Consider the value of the tasks on your list before you commit to them. If we focus on the task its-self it’s very difficult to motivate ourselves – however if we focus on the outcome or the result of the task – it’s much easier to get excited and power through, knowing it will all be worthwhile in the end.
Banish any fear you may have around the tasks – is something stopping you from making a start? Often fear of failure will stop us from attempting things so it’s a good idea to adjust your attitude towards this. Understand that failure is a prerequisite for success – as Henry Ford said:
“Failure is the ability to begin again, only this time more wisely.”
Get comfortable with the notion of failure – knowing that it only assists us on the path to success. Think back to the most successful innovators of our time such as Thomas Edison – if he had allowed a fear of failure to stop him from progressing imagine the consequences. We would be living in darkness! Edison conversely was quoted as saying:
“I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
How to Get Stuff Done
- If you find yourself procrastinating – check in to determine if you really want to achieve the tasks
- Identify the true ‘value’ of the task – how committed are you? Is it really worth it? What will you get by completing it?
- Check that the task is yours and no-one elses! If you’re trying to do it for someone else then you should re-evaluate if it’s worthwhile
- Focus on the outcome, not the task its-self. If you’re truly passionate about the task then the result should inspire & motivate you to forge ahead and get it done
- Overcome your fear of failure. Adjust your attitude and know that failure is a prerequisite for success
(Photo credit: Mug with Memo Notes Stuck to It via Shutterstock)
How to Write a Formal Letter
Apr 3rd
Most everyday writing is casual. Tweets, Facebook updates, holiday cards, friendly emails — these have their own simple etiquette, and we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about them before we lick that stamp or hit send.
Sometimes, though, the occasion calls for something more formal. Whether it’s a letter to your political representative about an important issue, a cover letter to a potential boss, or a business proposal letter, these require a bit more care if you’re going to be taken seriously. As a lawyer, I write many formal letters each week, and there is an art to doing it well. Here are a few points to keep in mind when you’re writing your own formal letter, whether it will go through the mail or via cyberspace.
1. Understand your purpose.
Why are you writing? What do you want the reader to do after reading your letter? Do you want to change her mind or convince him to take a specific action? Are you seeking forgiveness? Do you mean to complain about bad service or a faulty product? Are you trying to get hired? What’s the “ask”?
Once you know this, you can — and should — cut everything out that doesn’t serve that purpose.
2. Identify your audience.
Knowing your audience helps you choose your language and target your ideas more precisely. I write differently in a letter to another lawyer than I do when the addressee is a non-lawyer executive or even an elderly “pro bono” client. In a letter to the editor, your real audience is the publication’s readers—who are they? (Keep in mind that most newspapers are written at an 8th or 9th grade reading level.) Don’t use jargon that your reader won’t understand.
3. Keep it short.
Most of us endure a constant flood of written communications, and we have a limited amount of time to spend reading it. You therefore have a better chance of being read if you keep your letter to one page. A multi-page letter with long paragraphs and complex sentences looks overwhelming. The busy reader will be tempted to set it aside for when she has more time—and she might never get around to picking it up again. Use short paragraphs, short sentences, short words.
4. Use simple language.
It’s the writer’s job to be understood. Even if your audience is highly educated, you should avoid big words and long, complex sentences. People aren’t stupid; they’re busy. Make our job easier, and we’re more likely to give your letter the attention it deserves. Formal writing does not require the use of big words. Don’t try to sound sophisticated; try to be clear. Use “ask” instead of “request.” Say “buy” instead of “purchase.” Instead of “enclosed herewith please find,” just say, “I’ve enclosed” or “Here is. . . .”
5. Lead with the most important point.
As journalists say, don’t bury your lead. Find a way to open with the idea or information that you most want your reader to focus or act on. The first paragraph might be the only one he reads, so don’t hide the “ask” in the last paragraph.
6. Follow the rules.
There are rules for formatting a business letter. You ignore them at your peril.
7. Proofread. Then proofread again.
No matter how grammatically gifted you are, errors and typos can creep in. When you think you’ve finished writing, read your piece slowly and attentively, watching for those typos. Don’t trust spellcheck. If possible, print a hard copy of your letter and read it—out loud—with a pen in hand, marking those typos, awkward sentences, confusing lines. If it’s really important, have somebody else read it and let you know if you’ve missed something.
8. Let it cool before sending.
Especially if you are writing to persuade or complain, you probably are motivated by some pretty strong feelings. Absolutely write your first draft in the white-hot heat of passion. Express your feelings. Get it all on paper. But then . . . before you print and sign, or hit send, walk away for awhile. Go do something else. Let that heat of passion cool. Then come back and re-read what you’ve written. Is it fair? Is it smart? Is it true? Is it kind? Would you regret having it read on television, in front of your boss and your grandmother? Make the changes that seem appropriate after your emotions have settled.
Then, and only then, hit send.
What have I missed? What is your stickiest communication challenge? Your questions and suggestions are invited.
(Photo credit: Signature via Shutterstock)
Laura McClellan is a lawyer, a writer, a productivity fanatic, and a tech geek. Married for 30+ years to her high school sweetheart, with whom she's raised five amazing kids, she's passionate about encouraging women in their individual journeys as people, wives, mothers, citizens. While she prepares to launch her new website, Laura blogs at I Was Just Thinking . . . and Real Estate Law Blog and is working on her first novel. Connect with Laura on Twitter as @LauraMcMom.
How to Go From Fear to Freedom, One Step at a Time
Apr 3rd
Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility, to give something back. ~ Anthony Robbins
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Tess Marshall of The Bold Life.
Every path to success has been littered with doubt, fear, and uncertainty, as well as persistence, calculated risks and repeated action.
The difference between someone who fails and someone who succeeds is the courage to act, repeatedly.
When I was 22 years old, I was mom to four daughters under the age of four. My third pregnancy was twins. Taking care of them was utter madness at such a young age.
I lived in a constant state of exhaustion. I lost weight, I had dark circles under my eyes, and I had suicidal thoughts.
The impulse I fought, was to run, to leave and never look back. My biggest fear at the time was, “I’m not capable.”
In my state of exhaustion, while crying myself to sleep at night, I would ask my husband again and again, “What am I going to do. How am I suppose to keep going?”
He never faltered, his answer was always the same, “You’re going to get out of bed tomorrow morning and put one foot in front of the other. You’re going to do it one step at a time. That’s how you’re going to do it.”
For 22 years that’s exactly what I did.
I made the decision to follow his advice. I was young, strong, and determined. I would focus only on the step in front of me and I would not fail.
It was the most difficult job I ever had.
Leo coined the word, “Joyfear” last year during an exercise at The World Domination Summit and wrote it on his arm.
He defines Joyfear as the mixture of two powerful emotions, joy and fear.
Leo goes on to say, “It turns out every single defining moment in my life has been filled with Joyfear, with a mixture of intense joy and intense fear into one ball of powerful emotions that both lift me up and make me see things clearly when I hadn’t before.”
When I read that I remember thinking, “I know exactly what he is talking about.”
I know now, that the emotion that propelled me forward, as a young parent was Joyfear. Today the girls are 39, 37, 35 and 35 years old.
What fear is holding you back? Where do you feel incapable? What daunting task can you complete, one step at a time?
Read on for action steps that will propel you forward.
- Make the decision to succeed. Once you decide on success you rarely allow doubt to enter your mind. Your persistence, dedication, and resilience are strengthened. You free yourself to do the uncommon and the impossible.
- Take risks. Chase your fear. Do what scares you. Make the dreaded phone call. Ask for what you want. When you experience rejection, ask someone else. Be bold and brave. Defy the odds.
- Be prepared. Anticipate your own needs. Unemployment is the world’s fastest-rising worry, according to a BBC World Service survey. Don’t live in fear, create solutions in advance. Know how you will get out, over, around, and through what could go wrong.
- Let go of urgency and fear. Learn to relax and go with the flow. Our anxiety and stress are caused by living in the pain of the past or the fear of the future. Life happens in the present moment.
- Focus on the benefits of your success. Become focused on what you will gain. Is your benefit financial freedom, travel, saving the lives of others, or leaving a legacy you can be proud of? When the going gets tough, focus on your “why.”
- Calm your body. Find a quiet place and bring your attention inward, notice where your fear resides in your body. Notice if you have a tense forehead, shallow breathing, or aching shoulders. Relax the area of your body that’s being affected. Learn to calm and center yourself.
- Create your own fan base. I believe that most people have good hearts. They want to see you succeed. Believe people are cheering for you. When you are scared out of your mind, imagine everyone you know in one place rooting wildly for you.
- Participate in life. Turn off your television, electronics, and the negative media. Take a guitar lesson, a skydiving lesson or yoga lesson. Swim in the ocean, hike in the mountains, or go for a morning walk or run.
- You are enough. Accept who you are and where you are today. When you compare yourself to others you create your own suffering. My friends were in college when I was changing diapers. I was too busy to care. What others think of you is none of your business.
Hugh Macleod, from Gaping Void, has advice for our economic times: “Learn how to work hard, work long hours, find something you love, and then excel at it. Above all else, learn how to create, learn how to invent. That’s your only hope, really.”
I agree with Hugh, however — unless you can learn how to move through your fear, you’ll continue to hold yourself back. You’ll never learn to risk, to excel, to create, to invent or to experience Joyfear.
Tess Marshall is the founder of The Bold Life, where she inspires people to live a fearless life. If you are tired of being stuck in fear and want to step into your greatness, click here to learn more about Take Your Fear and Shove It.
Become a Better Person by Keeping a Journal
Apr 3rd
Life comes and goes quickly. One day you are young, vibrant, and “taking charge” and then all of the sudden your are waking up, going through the motions and putting your time in. As your life passes you by, your experiences are some of the most important things you have to show for it.
Rather than let your life pass as a stream of experiences that you won’t remember later or never stop to process their meaning, keep a journal to become a better person.
Journal now to remember later
Because your life moves so fast, it’s important to keep a record of it as it passes. There are so many little things that happen to us every day that shape us as a person. Accounting for these experiences as they happen can show us how we came to important decisions later in life.
Not only that, but journaling now can help us produce something that we can share with loved ones later in life or can use to reflect on when we need to make large life changing decisions.
Ever since I have been keeping a journal, there have been times when I have had to make a decision or have been presented with a problem and realized that I have written about the situation before. It’s great to go back and read things that I have written in the past to help my present self.
Journal to process feelings
Another great practice of journaling is to process your emotions and to help you move on with your life. For instance, if you have someone close that hurt you or even someone that passed away and you never got the chance to tell them the things that you wanted to tell them, writing “a letter” to them to express yourself can be a very healthy thing to do.
For instance, there were things that I didn’t get to say to my father before he died. Instead of keeping the range of feelings and emotions inside, it was suggested to me to write a letter to him and read it “to him”. This has been one of the most important things that I have done to process those emotions.
You don’t have to keep your writings either. Some people write for the sake of getting their feelings out of their head and on paper only to burn them or destroy them.
Journal your successes
Another great thing to add to a journal is all of your successes. When you hit any lows in your life, it’s nice to go back and see that you aren’t a total failure and that you do have something to offer humanity. We can be really hard on ourselves, especially if we fail at something, aren’t received by people as we think that we should be, or don’t meet our own expectations.
Having a detailed account of our successes helps us get out of negative ruts and helps us to move forward in our lives.
Journal to understand your failures
Journaling your failures is just as important as journaling your successes.
First, we can learn from our failures. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. Writing down your failures and learning from them keeps us from going crazy and making the same mistakes over and over.
Second, understanding that you are faliable is an important thing. We all can’t be amazing and awesome every second of every day. Understanding that you can and will fail keeps you level-headed and realistic. It also gives your permission to makes mistakes every once in a while without being extremely hard on yourself.
How to keep a journal
Now that you know the benefits of keeping a journal, how do you go about it? Here are several ways to keep a journal:
- At the bare minimum write once a week. I prefer to write at least once a day, sometimes several smaller entries during the day, but if you are writing once a week, every week, you are way ahead of the game. You can use software like Day One, a plain text file, or even a pen and piece of paper (you ol’ hipster, you).
- If you don’t want to write, you can record audio or video as your journal. The cost of storage is getting cheaper and cheaper, so keeping your life’s story in audio or visual form is now more doable than ever. Also, there is something special about saying your thoughts out loud. I know that it may seem crazy to “talk to yourself”, but before you throw it out, at least give it a try, especially if you don’t like sitting down and grinding out text.
- Keep your journal private. Some people don’t mind to have their thoughts read aloud, but the truth of the matter is that the more private your journal is, the more that you will trust it to write the important things that you need to write. It’s OK to have feelings and observations that know one else knows.
(Photo credit: Black Moleskine notebook via Shutterstock)
10 Reasons Wunderlist Is My Todo List (And Should Be Yours Too…)
Apr 3rd
There are many options out there for todo lists.
In fact, there are too many to name here.
Some are free. A few are very expensive.
Many of them are too complex. In fact, some make life more complicated.
My todo list app of choice is Wunderlist.
Here’s why…
Productivity That Gets Work Done
It amazes me when people use todo apps that frustrate them.
Ones that add complexity and extra work to their life. Isn’t that a little ironic of a todo app?
Other people dislike their apps so much that they give them the cold shoulder and stop using them after a short time.
That isn’t very productive, either.
I always advise, “Choose Tools You’ll Use.”
In this case, I use Wunderlist everyday.
Do you use your todo app everyday?
10 Reason Why I Use Wunderlist
Here are the 10 top reasons that I use Wunderlist as my todo app:
- Everywhere – If your todo list is not accessible you won’t use it. No matter where I turn, my Wunderlist is there. I can access it on the Web, on Mac OS X, on all my mobile devices (see below), on Linux, and even Windows.
- Simple – Ever use a todo app that looks like the control panel to the Space Shuttle? So many options, buttons, and fields that it is a burden to use? Wunderlist presents a simple interface. In fact, some may find it too simple. Yet, behind that simple appearance is quite a bit of power. Most of the options stay out-of-the-way until you need them. (BTW, do you really need to set the “context” for each todo and the “color” of each task?)
- Push Reminders – On my iPhone, I can set reminders for tasks that I want to recall at specific times. They can be either email notifications or push notifications. I prefer the push notifications because they appear in my iPhone’s notification center.
- Share – Want to share a list with someone else? Wunderlist can do that in one click. You can share via email and let a family member or friend edit the list too. You can also share lists via email or via the CloudApp.
- Sync – Wunderlist syncs magically via the cloud. There is no effort required to keep your lists in sync across all your platforms and devices. More apps are finally getting sync, but Wunderlist has had this right from the start.
- Priorities – Wunderlist has a simple priority system. You won’t find A, B, C’s or 1, 2, 3′s, but rather a simple Star system. When you “star” an item, it shows up in your Starred list (as well as its original list). I use this “hit list” prioritization to make my Today List of my highest priority tasks that must be done today.
- Multiple Lists – Wunderlist allows you to have as many lists are you would like. For those that like to sub-sort tasks into many different buckets, you can do this. I tend to minimize the number of lists of I have. However, I can quickly create a list if I have need to capture something. Of course, all these lists are tied together by the “Starred Priority.”
- Notes – Need to add more detail or important info to a todo? You can add a note to any todo. I will sometimes “paste” supporting information or even a URL into the notes field.
- Mobile – It doesn’t matter what mobile device you are on, Wunderlist presents a great user experience. Unlike apps that are limited to one mobile device, Wunderlist is available on: iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Android, and even Windows Phone. Not that you would ever need all of those.
- Quick - I like to be able to capture ideas and tasks quickly. Otherwise, they can be lost. With Wunderlist, I can open the app, type a todo and hit return. Done. There is no setting of 17 fields just to record a todo. (See #2) I don’t even have to go to the app. I can email myself a todo at me@wunderlist.com and the task is added to my inbox.
Wunderful Productivity
If you are not using Wunderlist, I recommend you give it a try. (I didn’t even mention that it is FREE?!)
If your todo list is too complicated or not getting the job done, it might just be the solution you need.
Wunderlist works for me. It gets the job done, period.
It is one of my best friends and always has my back.
Does your todo list have yours?
Question: What is your todo list app of choice? Why do you use it?
Why Entrepreneurial Thinking Is For Everyone Now
Apr 2nd
Entrepreneurs make their own luck, and so should we, according to the new, break-out bestseller The Start Up of You.
Why Entrepreneurial Thinking Is For Everyone Now
Apr 2nd
Entrepreneurs make their own luck, and so should we, according to the new, break-out bestseller The Start Up of You.
7 Things You Should Add to Your Stop Doing List…Right Now!
Apr 2nd
You probably make lists of things to do and follow them through. But what about the things you should stop doing? Successful people do not do the following things but chances are you still do. Make a decision to add these to your “stop doing list” these from today going forward:
- Making Excuses. Successful people do not blame others or make excuses or complain about their bad luck. They take full responsibility for their lives. They know that success and failure lie in their hands. So stop being a victim, stop whining and stop making excuses.
- Drifting. Winners have a plan. They have a direction and a purpose. They do not drift through life hoping for the best. They set goals and then set about achieving them. If you approach each day in a happy go lucky way then stop. Stop drifting and start planning. Develop a vision of a successful you. List what you have to do to get there. Plan your work then work your plan.
- Sitting in Front of a Computer All Day (or worse still…a TV). Sure there are some important things you can do sitting at your screen but do not spend all day there. Get out and meet people, network, learn. Do things with the people you want to lead or help or do business with.
- Putting Things Off. Procrastination is the enemy of success. Decide on your objective, list out the tasks you have to complete, prioritise them and then get on with the top ones. We all suffer the temptation to put off the jobs we fear or dislike. Bite the bullet. Eat the frog. Do the job.
- Just the Easy Stuff. Which tasks do you spend most time on? The important, the urgent, the easy or the routine? If you spend most of your time on easy or less important tasks then stop. You should focus first on the most important jobs, the ones that will move you towards your strategic objective. You should delegate or ignore the low value activities.
- Sitting in Ineffective Meetings. Do you waste time at work in low-value meetings? Most office workers do. Every meeting should have a clear purpose, an agenda and a skilled chairperson who keeps the meting focussed on delivering its objectives. Do not go to poor meetings – just ask for a summary of agreed actions.
- Limiting your Ambition. Successful people have enormous self-belief, drive and ambition. They hold themselves to high standards. Are you holding yourself back? Have you lost some of your self-belief and confidence? Start afresh. Set yourself ambitious goals. Remind yourself of your skills and achievements. Motivate yourself every day.
If you can eliminate the low value activities and the negative things you do then you will free yourself to succeed. Stop doing the things that you know are wasting your time and start building your success.
(Photo credit: Stop via Shutterstock)
Paul Sloane is an author and speaker on leadership, innovation and lateral thinking. His most recent book is The Innovative Leader. He helps organizations improve innovation, creativity and leadership. He is the founder of Destination Innovation. He has written 15 books of lateral thinking puzzles and hosts the lateral puzzles forum. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/PaulSloane.
The Productivity Strategy for Writing I Guarantee You WON’T Try
Apr 2nd
With a bold headline like that, you might think it would be easy to “cop out” and give you a ridiculous strategy that would be stupid to try. Instead, I’m going to give you a strategy will do three things to your writing:
- It will make it part of the top 1% of the best writing online
- It will make people sit up and listen to you
- It will generate more action than any other writing you’ve done
What’s this fancy new secret, you ask?
Here it is: write everything at least three times.
I can almost hear the groaning and complaining. You thought I was going to hand you a “magic bullet” of blogging and productivity strategy; one that will immediately–and without an once of real work–shoot your efforts to the moon.
You might wonder how super-producers like Danny Iny can craft such compelling, thorough content, literally churning it out at inhuman speeds. Chances are he’s gotten to that point by practicing: literally writing, rewriting, and rewriting some more.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a magic bullet. However, this strategy does need to be examined just a bit more.
First, let me give you the “three-step” process I’m talking about:
- Write. As in “free-writing.” Unhindered, brainstorming-like, free-flowing thought. No editing allowed.
- Write again. This time around, work on taking out words like “very,” “really,” and many instances of the words “that” and “so.” Chop 10% off of the total word count.
- Write one more time. Think your work’s ready to be sent out the door? Think again. I rewrote my first novel about four times, and that was easy–it was all made-up. If you’re writing a blog post, article, or anything worthy of anyone else’s eyes, give them the benefit of your best work.
You may not like the idea of writing everything thrice (I knew I’d use the word thrice some day in a blog post!), but let me assure you:
Your writing will improve drastically, and quickly.
And that is the secret of this technique: While the initial process is time-intensive, counter-productive, and sometimes downright hard, you’ll notice that the more you implement these steps, the quicker your writing will improve.
Eventually, you won’t need to follow the formula every time. The words will flow, your thoughts will magically orient themselves into an organized stream of outline-worthy notes, and the overall feel of your style and clarity will shine through.
Until then, though, give us all the benefit of working through your copy at least three times before you publish it!
One final strategy.
Lastly, if it’s really bothering you to chop up your content that many times, “trick” yourself into it by using this writing/productivity method:
- Write first in a minimalistic editor, like OmmWriter, or Byword.
- Then, copy/paste the text into a second editor–something like Evernote–that lets you add in links and additional notes.
- Finally, paste the content into a “real” text editor, like Microsoft Word or Pages, for final editing/publishing.
I know most of you won’t try this–that’s why I wrote a headline like that. Many people will continue pushing “Submit” on half-finished content, eventually burning out from a lack of an audience. But to me, that’s good news.
The fewer people there are truly striving for the best writing they can produce, the less competition there is for guys like me!
(Photo credit: Fountain Pen and Notebook via Shutterstock)
Nick Thacker is a writer from Texas, and he's interested in hacking life to make it better. His posts are helpful for writers, bloggers, and pretty much anyone who wants to hack their life! Check him out on his website, www.nickthacker.com.
What Are You Going to Do NEXT Year?
Apr 2nd
Recently, I was talking with a friend, and he was telling me about his goals.
He had lots of big ideas, and things that he wanted to accomplish.
As the conversation progressed, I noticed something strange. All of his statements were in the future. He telling me about what he was going to do next year.
I asked simply, “What about this year?”
He was quick to reply, “Oh, things are too busy this year.”
Always a Year Away
When I ask people about their goals, I often hear about how busy they are right now.
“Things are too busy. Maybe when things settle down. When there is more time.”
Instead, I hear about what they are going to do next year.
Next year…
- I am going to go back to school.
- I am going to get a new job.
- I am going to write that book.
- I am going to exercise more.
(Note: Too much “going” and not enough “doing”)
What about this year?
Don’t Wait
Some of the best work is accomplished in the now.
When there is little time. Or few resources.
So, what is stopping you now? You can start your goals today.
Just do something. Anything.
If you goal is to get in shape… exercise today… if only for a few minutes.
If you want to write your book… start an outline… if even just a few headers.
If you want to find a new career… spend some time examining your options.
But, whatever you do… don’t wait.
Otherwise, you will still be here… next year.
Make It This Year
Next year must be pretty special if everyone is waiting for it.
However, life is always busy. And there is never enough time.
There is not one right time. And sometimes the best work is done under tough circumstances.
Don’t wait. Don’t put off your dreams until next year.
Do them right now. This year.
Question: What are you telling yourself that you will do “next year?”