See It As It Is

Running Water

Photo Courtesy of Carnie Lewis

One of the important lessons I learned from Tony Robbins was to see things as they are but not worse than they are.  We tend to take inconveniences and problems and blow them out of proportion to make them larger than life.  Some do this to get attention and have significance while others do it to give themselves certainty that they can be a topic of conversation.

Whenever you are affected by any kind of difficult situation ask yourself:

* How bad is it really?

* What is the worst possible outcome that can occur with this situation?

* If that outcome happens, what am I going to do about it?

When you speak to others about your situation keep these things in mind.  Tell them how it really is – not what you imagine it is going to be or the story you have told yourself about it.  It will lower your stress/anxiety and give you a plan of action should the worst possible outcome actually happen.

Carry and Capture

Moleskine Notebook

Photo Courtesy of Alexandre Dulaunoy

Carry a notebook always.

I hope that was plain enough. Why you ask? In order to capture your thoughts and memories in a moment. How many times have you been sitting somewhere and an incredibly awesome idea hits you? You promise yourself that you are going to remember it. Two days later you have this nagging feeling like there was something important that you should have remembered and you just can’t figure out what it is.

I have either small blank cards, my pocket notebook, or my phone with me.  Even at night there are a few notebooks and a pen sitting on the table beside me.  There is always something around me that allows me to capture what I am thinking when an idea strikes.  Many of the blogs that I write come from these moments.  I’ll be driving down the road and a title will hit me.  As soon as I stop I hit the record button on my Evernote app and do a voice recording.  It syncs and when I sit down to do my writing I can listen to the recording easily.

If I am writing in my notebook I do a regular checks of it to see what I need to take care of.  I use a hard covered Moleskine pocket notebook.  They are very durable and don’t bend easily.

Regardless of the method you use make sure you have something on you where you can capture your thoughts at the moment.  When inspiration strikes you will be ready.  Maybe it is that million dollar idea or that book you want to write that all comes in that moment when you are not expecting it.  Always expect it.

Back For Another Year!

100 Days To Christmas 2013I know it is odd to be talking about Christmas and the holidays in August (or maybe it isn’t if you check your stores). However, the earlier you start and the better you plan the less stressful and budget busting the season can be.

Last year I wrote a review for “100 Days to Christmas 2012” by Jennifer Tankersley which you can find here.  Well, the 2013 edition is being released today which you can find here.

The last couple years I have talked about the importance of setting up the Christmas budget and planning ahead.  This book allows you to do that a little each day from September 16 until December 25.  It takes a lot of the stress and guesswork out of holiday planning and provides you plenty of time to enjoy the season with family without worrying about the odds and ends of what you need to get done

The book is an instant download and along with the book you get 28 interactive lists (3 additional over last year) and 60 days free on ListPlanIt – Jennifer’s main site with all kinds of organizational goodies.

How much do I believe this book can help you?  Well, I am giving it away!  All you need to do is follow the instructions below and you’ll be entered.  You have until Sunday to enter and winners will be contacted by e-mail.

Form removed.  Giveaway has ended.  Congratulations to Michael D. and Emily C. for receiving a free copy of the book!