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EPISODE 63 – Efficiency Improves Performance

January 19, 2017 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

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businessman showing Stop doing what doesn't work words Pro athletes are always looking for ways to improve their performance. Improving performance isn’t only for the pro athlete. It is for the business owner, entrepreneur, and executive of an organization. We are all looking for ways to fine-tune the systems we use to execute what we need to accomplish to reach our goals.

Even though were all given the same amount of time, it appears that some people are able to master their time better than others. So I wanted to share some tips, tricks, and resources that I have used and learned to help streamline some of my process that may be beneficial to you.

Time Blocking

When it comes to time, consider blocking off preparation and planning time. Block off 15 min. at the beginning of the day and 15 min. at the end of your day so that they bookend your schedule. Block off time for exercise. I want you to consider the compound effect. You could work out 1 to 2 times a week for 60 min. sessions or you could work out 3 to 5 times per week in 30-40 minute increments. Your body and your mindset become more conditioned when you have shorter more frequent intervals of fitness.

Block off date night, time with family and friends, and even individually with your children. It’s not always about the quantity of time is much as it is the quality of time that we spend. You need to be committed and dedicated to the time that you block off especially when it comes to your own self-care and commitment to your family. If something comes up on the schedule, it is only by mutual agreement to shift to another time otherwise, you should stick to that commitment as closely as possible. The commitment to yourself and others should be just as important as the commitment you put in at work or in your business.

Use a Kitchen Timer

A great method to work with intensity is turned on a kitchen timer for 20 to 30 min. and focus on filing or whatever the activity is that you want to for that time. You will be surprised how much you can actually get done when you’re not distracted and your focus on what you need to do. You can also use the timer to ensure that you take breaks away from your project or computer work to prevent eye strain. You cannot sustain your pace for too long and be effective. Ensure that you are taking a break every 90 min. to get up and walk around or grab a glass of water.

Silence or Turn Off Your Phone

Turn off your phone during the dedicated time that you are working or set it to vibrate. We get so used to checking our phone to see if someone has texted or e-mailed us. It is also easy to get caught up in social media when it’s on your phone looking for that instant gratification and dopamine hit of seeing who likes a post that we posted or makes a comment.

Managing Email

E-mail can be a major time waster. First of all turn off the notifications, they are huge distractions. To become more efficient with e-mail, check it only at certain times of the day. I like to refer to e-mail as O.P.A., not the Greek phrase that you hear but other People’s agendas. Have you ever noticed that e-mails are often requests from other people wanting something from you? What you need to focus on is what you need from others. Motivational speaker Brendan Bouchard has an excellent productivity tool that I highly recommend. It helps you to focus on your projects, priorities, and people. Click on the link in the show notes so you can access it too.

Delegation – Are you able to do this?

Delegation should not be underestimated. You can’t be all things to all people. You need to be focused on what you do best and allow others to do what they do best. Delegate tasks to others to lighten your workload see you can focus on what you do best.

Meetings – Right People Right Time

Meetings can be a great time to connect with others and get things done. There are some meetings that are simply a waste of time. It is important to check out the agenda in advance and see if it’s necessary to meet in person. Some of the information required can be shared through an e-mail or phone call rather than gathering for an hour meeting.

Get Your Body Movin’

Take the opportunity to get some form of exercise in the midst of your day. Not only does it break up the day, you may be able to flush out some of the thoughts and ideas you have circulating in your head. You can go for a walk at lunch, maybe do yoga from an app, or hit the gym to lift some weights.

Declutter

Keeping the clutter clear can be a challenge. At the end of your day clean off your desk to ensure that you have an orderly workspace to come to and always check to make sure you have enough supplies on hand. Ensure that you have a filing system that works well and you can find things quickly. So much time is wasted looking for things. When things are in their place, it is easy to find -have a place for everything. When it comes to the home front, you may hire a cleaning person or a housekeeper to help maintain your home. There are many professional organizers out there to help keep you on track. Many organizers have different challenges and schedules to help keep you on task. You may want to check out the Fly Lady or Peter Walsh. You can click on the links in the show notes.

What’s for Supper?

I don’t know about you but often when I’m grabbing a lunch together I start thinking about what’s for supper. Meal prep doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Plan out your meals for the week and buy your groceries to match up with those meals. You may learn that you actually save money by doing so. I’ve found crockpots, freezer meals, and prepared snacks to save me a lot of time and temptations. Stir-fries are always quick for those busy days. Keep away from screen time while eating and focus your discussion at the table about learning about everyone else’s day.

Out Running Errands?

Organize your errands together. Instead of running from one part of town to another, make an attempt to organize your errands in geographical location.

Meet Your Deadlines

Set self-imposed deadlines to help get things done. Organize your resources so you can leverage or utilize them more effectively. When you have a deadline, you focus on getting things done in a timely manner. Your commitment and dedication show through in your word. Do what you say you’re going to do. If the timeline seems off, let people know respect and honour their time too. Set a new time that will allow you to meet with integrity and demonstrate your commitment to follow through. The more efficient you are, the more productive you will be. Watch your performance skyrocket!

We would love to have you subscribed to the Success Secrets newsletter on my website at www.debrakasowski.com where you’re going to get us free MP3 download 10 Surefire Strategies to Power Up Your Productivity and Performance. I would love to hear about this podcast has impacted your life. E-mail me at Debra@DebraKasowski.com. Thank you for listening to The Millionaire Woman Show where we talk about leadership, business, and human potential to help you live rich from the inside out. Subscribe to The Millionaire Woman Show. Share it with Your Friends. Give us a 5-star rating!

DEBRA KASOWSKI, BScN CEC is an award-winning best-selling author, transformational speaker, blogger, and Certified Executive Coach. She has a heart of a teacher and is certified in Appreciative Inquiry and Emotional Intelligence. Her writing has been published in a variety of print and online magazines. Debra Kasowski International helps executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations boost their productivity, performance, and profits. It all starts with people and passion. Sign up the Success Secrets Newsletter and get your free mp3 download today! www.debrakasowski.com

Time: 09:52 minutes

Episode 62 – Fueling the Entreprenuerial Fire Within with John Lee Dumas

January 17, 2017 by Debra Kasowski 2 Comments

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Meet Our Guest:

John Lee Dumas is the host of EOFire, where he interviews today’s most successful Entrepreneurs 7-days a week. JLD has grown EOFire into a multi-million dollar a year business with over 1500 interviews and 1.5 million monthly listens. His latest project is The Mastery Journal: Master productivity, discipline and focus in 100 days. Learn more at TheMasteryJournal.com!

Episode 61 – Master Your Time Minimize Your Stress

January 12, 2017 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

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“Time is the most valuable coin in your life. You and you alone will determine how that coin will be spent. Be careful that you do not let other people spend it for you.”
― Carl Sandburg

Do you waste time? We all talk about how we wish we had more time yet we all are given the same amount of time. It is about how we allot that time to what’s important to us. People like Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Junior, Michael Jordan, and Albert Einstein all had the same amount of time as you do. It is all about how you chose to use that time to be of service or to better yourselves.

When we think about time, we often think about multitasking how to get more packed into the time that we have. The truth is – multitasking is a myth. Think about it when you read and listen to music you are only concentrating on reading or listening to music. You cannot be focused on both the same time. The same holds true for sitting in a business meeting and texting someone. You are actually switching the gears and shifting from one activity to in the next with your attention and focus. This is why we see a huge emergence on the topic of mindfulness. If you want to master your time, you need to be present in the moment and focus on what you’re doing. It’s about really thinking about what you’re doing and how you’re feeling before you act and determining what are the outcomes you want to achieve.

Time escapes no one. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives are confronted with managing their time more effectively and more efficiently all time. They need to be organized and have to have systems in place to be efficient. They have constant demands on their time and resources. You are asked to do more with less on a regular basis. If you work from home, you don’t have anyone to hold you accountable and therefore you may stay hidden behind the computer and waste your time more than you think.

There are several strategies that you can use to stay focused and become better organized:

Set regular office hours. I know that part of having your own business is about being able to be flexible and adaptable with your time. You need to create some structure to your working time so that you can use it most effectively. Often when people work from home family members or friends may think that you’re not actually working and available to run errands or grab a cup coffee. Sometimes you can be spontaneous but there will be other times that you will not be because you have commitments and deadlines to meet.
Use your calendar intentionally. If you don’t write things down chances are they’re not getting it done. Block off time for self-care, physical activity, and time with family and friends.
Keep a clock or set a timer nearby. You may want to set the timer on your phone. When you create that sense of urgency, you will stay focused on the amount of time that you have to get things done.
Plan your day the night before. Too many people take this step for granted. If you plan the night before of what you need to do, you don’t have to spend time thinking about it when you’re ready to take on your day you move into action.
Organize your files in groupings or categories. You may want to create files by project or by sales, marketing, finance, or social media as examples. This way when you want to work on that particular topic you can just grab the file. Put some index cards or post-it notes with each file should you need to make notes and it will be readily available.
Turn off pop-up notifications on mobile devices and your desktop. These notifications are very distracting as you want to know who texted you or who sent you a message. Suddenly it feels like there’s something urgent to tend to.
Limit the times you check your e-mail and social media throughout the day. When you stay focused on the certain times you will find that you are more productive throughout the day.
Batch tasks together. If you are preparing content for articles or podcast, block off 2 to 3 hours only for that activity. Block off an additional time for coaching and if you have sales calls that need to be made you may dedicate a certain time of day for doing that.
Use the checklist for repetitive tasks in order to reduce error and stay on track. In Atul Gawande’s book, The Checklist Manifesto, he talks about how the checklist can help minimize error and ensure that all important activities get done. When things get routine, it is easy to become complacent or assume that things are getting done.
Allow buffer time of 5 to 10 min. in between activities. Give yourself some time to finish off the task and cleared your mind and your desk so you can move on to the next activity effectively.
Take breaks every 30 minutes. You may get up for a stretch, a short walk, or a glass of water to give yourself a chance to recharge. Going full tilt all the time is not sustainable and if you don’t allow yourself breaks and time off you can burn yourself out. You will not be effective for anyone.
Dress for success. Although it may be cool to stay in your pajamas all day, dress to impress you. When you dress well you will perform well. Stay on top of your game.
Remember to get enough sleep. You deal with the stressors of the day more effectively if you are well rested.

When it comes to mastering time and minimizing stress, you need to be able to deal with the interruptions of the day. They’re going to happen so you might as well plan for them.

You can put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign when you need to stay focused and get something done in order to meet a deadline.

When someone says, “I just talk to you for a minute.”, and you know you’re busy; let them know what you’re working on, and arrange of mutual time for further discussion.

There will be times when someone asks for that minute and you really need to listen and determine what the impact would be if you held it off. You can choose to be distracted and have your work disrupted or you can choose to be proactive. You might decide to have a certain time of day set aside when people can come to you with their issues.

There may be times when you look need to learn to say “No” and not take on more than you can handle.

The other thing you can do is move to a space where you can do the work totally uninterrupted without distraction. Deadlines are pressing and sometimes you need to have time alone to get what you need to do – done.

The whirlwinds of the world will continue to show up. You need to remember that you are the master of your time and you can minimize the stress that comes with it feels like your time is being stolen. Be proactive rather than reactive with your time. Get up early to seize the day! You have 24 hours what are you going to do with?

Time: 11:38 min

Keywords: time management, timer, organizational strategies, entrepreneur hacks, biz tips, business, professional development, master your time, minimize your stress, how to manage time, dealing with interruptions, time management skills, checklists, planning, time management strategies

Episode 60: Becoming a Business Rockstar with Guest Nicole Holland

January 10, 2017 by Debra Kasowski 2 Comments

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Meet Our Guest:

Nicole Holland helps busy CEOs increase their visibility exponentially to create greater impact, influence, and income. Proud to have been named in the Huffington Post as one of “50 MUST-FOLLOW WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN 2017”, Nicole inspires entrepreneurs all around the world through her popular podcast, The Business Building Rockstars Show, and her annual online summit, The Business Building Rockstar Summit.

Episode 59: Painful Truths Why People Fail to Meet Their Goals

January 5, 2017 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

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“Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.” – Tom Landry

Goal setting can occur at any time of the year. People seem to think that New Year’s resolutions or goals are only set when the clock strikes midnight; however, the resolutions are things that you’re wishing to happen there are no definite measurements or time frame in which you wish to achieve it. There’s no game plan. It is simply an announcement of something you wish to resolve.

Interested versus committed. Some people steer away from setting goals for the fear of truly making a commitment. One of the number one reasons that people fail to meet their goals is that they are more interested in having it happen and actually truly committed to making it happen. Commitment takes discipline, hard work, and even some sacrifice along the way. If you really want to achieve something you must maintain focus on the right things.

Focus on the wrong things. When people set goals, there are times when they set goals that they’re trying to avoid something they end up focusing on what they don’t want. As the saying goes you get more of what you focus on. If you continually put your time, attention, and focus on avoiding what you don’t want, for some reason it always seems to be there. Your focus needs to be on what you want to achieve.

Don’t know what you want. Another reason people fail to meet their goal is that they lack clarity. They have never stopped and really thought about or reflect on what they truly want in their life. They didn’t think about where their career would take them were what type of legacy that they would like to leave. If you don’t know where you’re going you can end up anywhere. If you’re frustrated you need to change what you’re doing.

No action plan. Imagine getting into your car. You’re sitting behind the steering wheel you turn on the ignition. You have no idea where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. There are many people out in the world wandering with no real sense of direction and no plan. You can’t get to where you want to go if you don’t have a plan to get there. I’m not saying focus on the how initially. That’s where the clarity came in. You need to know where you want to go and as you focus on what that is. You will become a creative thinker and figure out the “how”. What will it take for you to get to where you want to be? What knowledge skills and ability you have to gain and learn? Who do you need to speak to get more information?

Cannot make a decision. Making decisions is a big part of a person success. Indecisiveness can lead to missing opportunities. Opportunities don’t wait in the wings for when you decide the time is right. People who are ready to take action will seize the opportunity. You need to be prepared to be ready. Way out the facts and trust yourself and your judgment – make a decision.

No emotional connection to the goal. I’ve seen many people set goals that have no meaning to them. Some are chasing it for material wealth and others realize they have no emotional connection to the goal that they had set. The issue is often that someone else set the goal for them. The end up self-sabotaging every action is not truly what they want and are not being true to themselves. You may have faced that internal struggle of doing things that you no longer feel that are important to you or you lack the emotional connection.

Setbacks lead to paralysis. Another painful truth about why people fail to meet their goals are that when a setback occurs they shift into an “all or nothing” thinking. They are devastated by any failure. They fail to see the lesson and self-correct quickly and move forward. These people lose motivation quickly and often give up. They need to rally and put strategies in place that when a setback occurs that they can prepare for the greatest comeback. They need to take the lessons they’ve learned with them.

Playing it safe. When you avoid taking risks you miss out on opportunities of growth and challenge. I’m not saying put all that eggs in one basket. Do your due diligence it is important. Too many people fail to take a risk because they haven’t assessed and analyzed any of the information available to them they simply just brush it off. Sometimes it takes only one action that can propel you so much farther than you ever have before if you’d only stop and take the time to learn what you need to learn and make a decisive decision.

Comparing yourself to others is a trap! The other painful truth is that comparison trap. We often catch ourselves comparing ourselves to others thinking that there is so much farther ahead – where they have the skill or something that you would like to have. Everyone in life faces challenges you are not unique in that aspect. They might not display it to the world especially through social media which is always everybody’s greatest day. Focus on your own strengths and what you have to offer. You can learn from others but don’t compare where you’re at to or someone else’s is you don’t know the other person struggle.

There is no magic wand or silver bullet to success! You need to stay driven and committed to your goals. You need to be clear on what it is you truly want, make a decision, and a plan to make it become your reality. It is time to end the frustration and disappointment of not meeting your own expectations.

Time: 11:20 min