Archive for personal growth
Review of The Myth of Multitasking
Posted by: | Comments
Are you a multitasker? I am and I used to be really proud that I could juggle multiple projects at once but after reading Dave Crenshaw’s The Myth of Multitasking I am ready to turn in my Queen of Multitasking crown.
The first sign of multitasking is a desk with piles of paper on it. I like to call it organized chaos. I’m guessing that you know exactly what my desk looks like.
Multitasking is not efficient. In fact, a recent study conducted by the Department of Information and Computer Science at the University of California Irvine campus concluded that an employee can only devote 11 minutes to a task before they are interrupted. Once you are interrupted you are more likely to continue to be interrupted and more often than not the task will go unfinished until another day.Clearly, multitasking is not cost effective.
You might think that you are multitasking if you are checking your e-mail and answering a quick question from someone. Actually, what you are doing is called switchtasking. You are not actually doing two things at one time but rather you are switching back and forth between two tasks. The process happens so fast that you are not even aware that you are dong it.
Multitaksing should not be confused with background tasking. When you are walking and listening to music you are background tasking. You are performing two or more tasks but only one of those tasks requires mental effort.
When you multitask while talking to someone, you are not completely listening to the other person. If you are not completely listening you are not making the other person feel important.
What steps can you take to stop multitasking?
-
Recognize that multitasking is a lie
-
Understand the difference between backgrund tasking and switchtasking
-
Become aware of the truth about how you have been using your time on a weekly basis
-
Create a new and realistic budget for how you will use yout time on a weekly basis
The Myth of Multitasking: How “Doing It All” Gets Nothing Done
Review of The Power of Apology: Healing Steps to Transforming All Your Relationships
Posted by: | CommentsForgiveness has become a vital theme in today’s world, yet the true makings of a real apology are not well-known. Beverly Engel, a psychotherapist, takes a new look at apologies and their healing power. The exchanges of apologies are “crucial to our mental and physical health and well-being”, Engel says. Engel gives insightful information on making apologies truly meaningful and heartfelt apologies and able to open new paths to deep spiritual forgiveness. According to Engel apologies should include:
-
Regret
-
Responsibility
-
Remedy
She also discusses areas in which an apology just simply will not do and times when overapologizing can end up doing more harm than good especially when one’s self-esteem is involved. There is even advice on dealing with apologies in regards to issues in the workplace. Mrs. Engel sheds much light on the sensitive, yet powerful issue of forgiveness. Finally, the words “I’m sorry” can be said and we can know its true meaning.
The Power of Apology: Healing Steps to Transform All Your Relationships
Review of The Definitive Book of Body Language
Posted by: | Comments
Have you ever wondered how to decipher nonverbal communication, how to read other people’s thoughts and emotions through their gestures, or how to insure that you own gestures are sending the right message? Allan and Barbara Pease answer these questions and show you how to pick up on both the conscious and the unconscious signals that people send.
Head Gestures
A head nod is a gesture used to signify ‘yes” as in agreement. There is power in a head nod. If you are speaking and your listener nods his head that gesture indicates that the listener is interested in what you are saying.
A head shake is the opposite of a head nod. This gesture signifies no. A person who is agreeing with you but is shaking his head is obviously not telling the truth.
Hand Gestures
The palms of the hand offer a powerful body signal. The palm up position is a non threatening gesture while the palm down position is a gesture of authority.
Smiles and Laughter
How can you tell if a smile is genuine? Genuine smiles are produced by the unconscious brain causing your mouth muscles to move, your cheeks to rise, your eyes to crease and your eyebrows to dip. Laughing and smiling are universally accepted gestures of happiness and smiling seems to be contagious.
Arm Signals
When you fold your arms across your chest you are creating a barrier and it is a universal gesture which has a negative meaning. A person who exhibits this gesture and also has clenched fists is exhibiting hostility.
What does your body language say about you?
Review of Queen of Your Own Life
Posted by: | Comments
Queen of Your Own Life is one of the best books I have read – this week! Written by Kathy Kinney (Mimi from The Drew Carey Show) and her best friend Cindy Ratzlaff, the book is inspiration, motivational . . . and humorous!
If you want to learn how to value yourself as a woman, you need to learn how to:
-
Claim your beauty and feel your power
-
Clean your mental closet and find your queen voice
-
Admire yourself for who you’ve become
-
Build deep, fulfilling friendships with other women
-
Establish firm boundaries that will strengthen all your relationships
-
Learn the simple trick to finally being happy
-
Place the crown firmly on your head
Act as if you are beautiful – because you are. Create an affirmation and say it often. When YOU feel good about yourself people will notice. You are perfect just the way you are.
Confront negative thoughts head on. Acknowledge that they exist but do not let them consume you. Laugh at them!
Your life experiences and your accomplishments make you the person you are today. Focus on the new talents and skills you’ve developed.
Build nurturing and lasting relationships with women you trust and women who will support you no matter what.
Do you ever find yourself doing something that you really did not want to do? I have and it’s because I have not clearly defined my boundaries. Setting boundaries is a skill Setting boundaries is a skill. Recognize your limits and very very clear about what you can and cannot do. (Can you tell that this is my greatest challenge?)
Happiness is an acquired skill. Choose to be happy.
Put your crown on. Celebrate. Claim the happiness you deserve.
I loved the quotes interspersed throughout the book. They were so inspirational.
Review of No Excuses!
Posted by: | CommentsDo you ever feel like success has eluded you? Do you sometimes envy the success of those around you? Brian Tracy is here to tell you that they are No Excuses. Success can be yours if you apply the power of self-discipline.
Tracy offers 21 ways to achieve lasting happiness and success in the 3 major areas of your life:
- Personal success
- Business success
- Overall happiness
Decide what you want in life and go after it. As you progress toward your goal, each step will be its own reward. The more you grow, the confident and fulfilled you become.
Employees who are self-disciplined are able to set priorities and execute tasks quickly. Setting priorities allows you to do important tasks an to become a valuable person in your field.
The ability to achieve your own happiness is the true measure of your success in life. You become truly happy when you are able to practice self-discipline, self-mastery, and self control.
Review of CALM
Posted by: | Comments
If you are a woman, you probably worry. If I could show you a way to move beyond your worried and live a happier, healthier, and more productive life would you be interested?
Denise Marek, “The Worry Management Expert” has come up with a proven four step process designed specifically for women who worry. The process is called CALM and the four steps are:
-
Challenging your assumptions
-
Acting to control the controllable
-
Letting go of the uncontrollable
-
Mastering your mind
Do you find yourself beginning your sentences with “what if” . . . ? Tell the truth now! Have you noticed that these “what if” questions often create worry in you? Instead of worrying about something, get honest and realistic feedback from someone you trust. My son is wise beyond his years and he can always give me a new perspective on an issue that I have a challenge with.
Worry, doubt, and fear often keep us from taking action to control what we can control. You are the only person who can decide what is best for you and whether or not you are willing to take a risk. What would happen if you did take that rick? What would happen if you did not? You don’t have to achieve a perfect result every time. Learn from what happened and adjust your actions the next time.
Is it really possible to let go of worry? It is. Worry is a major source of stress and it can lead to any number of health related issues. Instead of worrying try one of these techniques:
-
Declutter your home, office, or car (that one was meant for me!)
-
Journal your worries
-
Extend kindness to someone
-
Ask for help – as women we are often overextended
-
Listen to music
-
Spend time with your pet - my Bichon Frise, Paddington, is such a comfort when I feel stressed
Take control of your thinking and choose where you focus your attention. Instrad of being a worrier become a warrior. Use nurturing self talk to focus on your strengths. Become conscious of how you talk to yourself and choose calm over worry.
Morek shares many personal stories in this book and they really resonated with me. I think you will also find them motivational and inspirational.
CALM*: A Proven Four-Step Process Designed Specifically for Women Who Worry
Review of Once Upon a Cow
Posted by: | Comments 
Have you ever said “I’d like to lose weight but I just don’t have time to make all those special meals?” I have used that excuse myself – more than once. It’s time to stop making excuses and and start taking responsibility for your actions.
Don’t Expect Every Cow to Moo. When we make excuses we place the blame on other people or situations. My excuse about losing weight will not help me lose weight. I can use this excuse as long as I want to but nothing will ever change.
Every Cow Starts Out a Calf. What is fear? The author says it is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. If we fear something it seems very real to us. I know many people who are absolutely terrified of speaking to a large group. I used to be one of those people. I would get a stress headache and I was physically ill. I finally overcame my fear by taking action and today I probably speak to groups at least once a month.
Cows of a Different Color. Have you ever heard someone say that they hate their job but at least they have a job? Do you think that this is true or do you think that they don’t see any reason to improve their life? Fear can paralyze us and it can affect both our physical and emotional health.
How to Get Rid of Any Cow. False beliefs and excuses are only real in our minds not in our real lives. They are our limiting beliefs and they are not facts. Rise above your circumstances and succeed in spite of them. It’s your choice.
This book is a really quick read but it is packed with wisdom and humor.
Once Upon a Cow: Eliminating Excuses and Settling for Nothing but Success
Review of Be Yourself
Posted by: | CommentsBe Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken: Transform Your Life with the Power of Authenticity
What does the phrase “be yourself” mean? Simply stated it implies that you are real. It means that you are authentic, genuine, and honest.
Mike Robbins, authorof Be Yourself offers five principles you need to master if you intend to “be yourself” and be authentic.
-
Know yourself
-
Transform your fear
-
Express yourself
-
Be bold
-
Celebrate who you are
Do you really know who you are? You could probably tell someone about yourself but could you tell them who you are? Get to know yourself better by paying attention to what you say and do and how you interact with others. Assess your strengts and your weaknesses and ask for positive feedback.
Confront your fears. We have all experienced some form of disappointment, rejection or failure in our lives. Embrace your fear. By knowing your fear the easier it will be to move through it.
Self expression does not always come easily. If you are honest you become vulnerable. Speaking the truth allows you to become healthier and more productive.
There is no training for “being bold.” We must each learn how to push the limits of appropriateness in a manner that is unique to us. Being bold means that you are true to yourself, you live your life with passion, you can step out, you can learn from others, and you can pick yourself up if you have fallen down.
Recognize yourself for the kind, compassionate, and accepting person that you are. Make peace with yourself and appreciate yourself for who you are.
Remember to be yourself because everyone is already taken!
Review of Life! by Design
Posted by: | Comments
Are you one of the 123 million people in this world who is dissatisfied in your life? Do you run day-to-day on autopilot? Have you settled for “good enough”? Are risks just too risky? Are you living in a coma and don’t even know it? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are living by default and not By Design! Tom Ferry, a business coach and life-strategist, will help you discover a passion for life that extends beyond your career and material success—a passion that involves your identity, your self-worth, your relationships, and your health. It is time to emerge from your coma, embrace renewed vitality, and approach life By Design!
In this dynamic hands-on guide, motivational leader Tom Ferry reveals the secrets to achievement at work and at home, and how to create a greater balance between the two. This book will help you conquer the four addictions that are holding you back from living up to your greatest potential: addiction to the opinions of others, addiction to drama, addiction to the past, and addiction to worry. By becoming aware of these addictions, you will be better equipped to respond to uncertain times and to the challenges that crop up in your daily life.
Tom Ferry’s unique six-step approach to living By Design will help you emerge from complacency into action and accomplishment.
Step 1: Explore the Core Seven life assessments—your career, your intimate relationships, your finances, your physical body, your spirituality, your attitude about the world, and your intellectual self—and pinpoint the areas in which you want to improve.
Step 2: Make the conscious,deliberate choice to change your life and find fulfillment, no matter the obstacles.
Step 3: Create your Life! By Design by declaring what you want for yourself, defining your goals, and devising a concrete plan to make it happen.
Step 4: Identify the actions you can take to ensure that you thrive in all areas of your life.
Step 5: Visualize your life as you want it to be. This simple but profound exercise is a proven technique that will lock in your vision and will lead you toward achieving your goals.
Step 6: Create accountability and structure to break old habits and gain the discipline required to live life to your fullest potential.
It’s time to draw the line between the past and the present as you face your fears, and go for everything you really want. The results will astound you.
Review of Sleep: It Does A Family Good
Posted by: | CommentsAre you getting a good night’s sleep? Is sleep even on your to-do list? If you are having trouble fitting sleep into your busy schedule then you must read Sleep: It Does a Family Good by Dr. Archibald D. Hart. Hart, a clinical psychologist with over 28 years of experience in sleep research, offers hope for people who are desperate for a good night’s sleep. The book is divided into three key parts:
-
Why do we sleep and how do we sleep? What happens when we don’t get enough sleep?
-
How to diagnose sleep patterns/habits
-
Ways to improve sleep habits
Sleep is a fundamental need and it is essential for survival. Lack of sleep is a common can cause serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.
What is disturbing your sleep? Is it stress, anxiety, too much caffeine, or depression? Evaluate your sleep habits by using the assessment tools ineginning on page 79.
Two simple ways that you can improve the quality of your sleep are going to bed at the same time every night and “winding down” about an hour before you go to bedo to bed. You could even listen to a relaxing CD as you de-stress from the activities of the day.
Live well and sleep!
Sleep, It Does a Family Good: How Busy Families Can Overcome Sleep Deprivation
