Business
The Secret of Accomplishing Goals
What works is really very simple in accomplishing goals. The secret of making worthwhile goals is not a secret at all. It took me by surprise that just a few moments of repeating habits is all it takes to accomplish a big task. The answer comes from scripture! It is the simplicity that comes through the many AA programs. We must focus on small steps and do them everyday. One day at a time has been my mantra since 1980 when my parents were both very ill. I learned to plan each day as it arrived and with the circumstances that were presented to me. It helps us get through tough times when we don’t think in “long stretches.”
Many coaches will tell us to use the word SMART to help us in accomplishing what we set out to do. S is to be specific with our resolutions and intentions. M stands for something measurable. For example if you want to lose weight and watch your sugar levels, you might decide to lose 10 pounds by walking 2 miles a day, and stay off sugar. You can measure your success in terms of energy, inches lost, and seeing your sugar levels drop. M stands for a goal that holds meaning. What meaning is behind your goal. Is it for confidence, for health or to learn? A stands for something to achieve. What do you want to achieve? Is is to learn to drive a car? Do you want to earn more money? R is for realistic. If you work a night job, it may not be realistic to pay for a health club membership. Or it may mean finding one that is open 24 hours to accommodate your needs? All programs tell us to write things down. Make them visible for yourself. We are told not to hide the goals, but to review them daily. Write down the why’s behind each one. T is for time. Make what you do timely. Put your written goals near the computer you use each day. Make a screen shot of them for your phone. Post them in your daily appointment book. Make them visible to yourself!
Just this week I listened to Brendon Burchard and he says to divide our goals into themes. Productivity, Physiology, Psychology and Persuasive were the 4 themes. He had us focus on the specific areas were we wanted to be productive. Maybe it is to find a new job. Maybe we want to meet more people. He discussed setting health goals and ways to attain them in physiology. What do I want my body to look like or feel like in the next 3 months. Do I want to improve my diet or eat on a better schedule? In psychology, he addressed doing things with intention. Perhaps you want to continue learning. If that is the case, will you take a class? Or are you committing to reading a new book every week? Is that possible? Maybe you have little time to read and decide to find 15 minutes every evening to begin a new reading habit? In the area of Persuasiveness, he reminded us to ask others for what they need and to learn what we need.
Over the years I have followed many strategies for attaining Goals. Some worked well and others not so well. So here is what I came up with after studying Michael Hyatt, Success Magazine, Brendon Burchard, Mel Robbins, and trying them all. I found my own system. You can find yours too. Pick and choose what works well for you.
Linda’s own mix and match system includes:
#1. Create your own guidelines by writing them down. Decide on time slots in your regular schedule to add in or replace habits. Try things, change them for success, and don’t be afraid to rework what you do.
#2. Decide 3-4 areas to focus to work on for the year and decide to break down the year into quarters. Each quarter naturally creates a space and time frame to work on each. Just 2 or 3 goals may make it possible to really attain them. Fewer things accomplished well is excellent.
#3. Create a support system that will make each goal doable and fun. ei. I plan to walk to work this Spring in order to get exercise. It’s easy and doable. The weather will be on my side. It will be fun! Once I begin I can carry it through the rest of the year with ease.
#4. Write down the why for each goal. ei. I want to put aside “x” number of dollars every week to buy a bike by June 1st. I want to be more efficient so that I have more time to walk. KNOW YOUR WHY!
#5. Dump all your doubts and talk with someone about how to do this. If people used counselors for nothing more than being successful in accomplishment their goals, they would be so happy!
#6. Make it simple and doable by preparing. Plan each day and review your plans the night before. Gather what you will need ahead of time. ei. Packing you gym clothes into the car. Preparing your lunch. Making a list of the people you need to call the next day. Prepare.
This takes me to the summary of making goals work. Whatever you decide to do or whatever habits you are trying to break and replace, take one step each day. If you are quitting the habit of drinking wine, then decide each day to avoid wine. If you are convinced you need exercise, get up and select what you will do that day. ei. I will walk around the mall 6 times, or I will go to the YMCA for a swim today. Make it simple and doable. Make yourself accountable to a friend. Be competitive with yourself.
Good luck. Take the one step that will put you on the escalator of success! (Linda’s Own)
Let the Calendar Work for YOU!
A calendar is designed as a way for us to keep order in our lives. Without the daily numbering system and the change in the days into weeks and weeks into months, we’d have no way to track ourselves. I thought about that this morning as I was making out a check to pay a bill. Once again the filing system is set up for the monthly bills. It is a way of tracking what we spend and when we spend money.
When I was at Loyola’s School of Ministry in New Orleans, I remember being encouraged to let the process of taking things in order work for me. I was younger and wanted things done quickly. I am not sure I have changed completely, but I do understand the wisdom in order and time. We were to read, follow a syllabus, and do the lessons on a schedule according to the academic calendar provided. By the end of the term, ideas and concepts fell into place. We were being taught not only content, but a way of learning that would be of value forever.
January starts us off!
Ever since that time, those words “let the process work for you” have helped me through daily events. Stop, look, and proceed with caution. When I see a long term goal or a far away date, I reflect on the advantage of using the process set in place work for me, not against me. Applying this principle has been a big help. I will mark my calendar clearly so I can track how I am advancing.
Sometimes cutting time or skipping steps toward what we see as an advantage isn’t good. It is good to make the most of minor moments and build on them. Learning to read instructions is also a process that may protect us from harm. We are taught to read for a reason. Whether it is a warning on a gasoline pump or instructions for using a lawnmower, directions keep us safe.
Directions help us fill out our tax papers and pay our bills. Steps on assembling a chair insure it will withstand a heavy person or a child jumping on it. Reading and processing goes beyond directions and calendars, but the time and the strategies of monitoring our progress forward is noteworthy. It is important that we do not ignore the smallest of details, for they may insure safety and be teaching us some skill we’ll need in the future.
Skills that we practice daily help us to learn them. We gain confidence and can aid other people when we know our crafts and professions well. We need to buoy up our vocabularies, engage with other people verbally everyday, and write meaningful notes to each other. Start the month of January off to a good practice of reading, writing, and tracking your progress. Note the smallest steps toward staying well. Mark off the money you have saved with coupons or cutting back. Note your time in prayer. Use the calendar as a guide and friend in pursuing your New Year Goals. Have a great New Year 2018.
Remember that “one step may put you on the escalator of success!”
List Making is NOT Overrated!
List Making is NOT Overrated!
So do you make lists? Why or why not? How do you track appointments, diet, work, and get things done? Is your phone a help or hindrance?
Many of my friends and colleagues have gone back to using a pad of paper and an appointment book. The act of writing things down helps our memory to stay sharp. Put the visual aspect of looking at our goals, appointments, and plans is necessary to stay on top of things.
Lovely Garland in our Downtown Area
Running a business, caring for the home, or driving a car all require focus and timely chores. We have calls to make, files to put away, and end of year projects at the office. At home there is cleaning, laundry, beds to be made for guests, and foods to prepare. Driving a car means keeping it in good shape and making sure it is filled with gas. If you have pets and of course, I do have Rosy, we are responsible for feedings and caring for them. Today she has an appointment for a nail trim.
List making is one of the best things I do for myself. It keeps me on task and removes clutter from my mind. I live by Mel Robbin’s 5 Second Rule of 5,4,3,2,1-JUST DO IT for many things. For those items that take more time and thought, I make a list. Currently I have a list of things to remember for the Holiday Preparation. The sequence of things I have to defrost, bake, or make according to each day.
As we enter into the week of Christmas and Holiday Events, may your lists serve you well. Enjoy each day as fully as you can and may you find peace!
Merriment is Spreading
By mid January, Merriment will have slowed down. We will all be in a different mind frame and looking ahead to more work, travel, or exercises. Are you ready for that change? Meantime, gaiety and fun is all around and I am taking it in. I love the colors, the music, the tinsel, and the smell of freshly cut evergreen boughs around!
I have yet to go into a floral shop to smell the life giving earthy fragrances given off my flowers and plants of all kinds. It is a gift to myself that I do around this time of the year. For the most part, the gifts are purchased, made, or in some cases mailed out to family and friends. The focus in the next week will be to do baking and preparing the house for company. There is the usual cleaning, pulling out the serving trays, and phone calls to friends who are unable to get out.
Advent has been preparing us the the arrival of Jesus. We have a tradition of having a Black Forest Cake with Whipped Creme for His Birthday Cake. It began when our children were young and continues to be a favorite. Like so many of the things we do, traditions bind us together and stretch from one generation to another. Along the way new ideas and practices grow. Sometimes they just happen and other times, they develop with intentionality.
Take this concept of tradition into your business or job. What are you doing to make your work fruitful and joy filled? Are you able to laugh and engage with other people? Are you happy with the disposition you sew? I have been thinking of the many options we turn away from when they could be so profitable to myself and others. How about you? What have you wanted to gift yourself? Is it time away from the hustle and bustle? Is it a mid day break with a walk around the outside of your work place?
I welcome your thoughts as I begin preparing the schedule for upcoming workshops. If you have ideas for one day workshops, please let me know. I hope you’ll be checking to our website here for them. They will be so worthwhile!
Let the many minor moments bless you with revelations and enjoyment.
Planning Ahead is Really Worth the Effort
Planning Ahead is Really Worth the Effort. Some of these things I have learned firsthand and want to offer them to you.
- Succession Planning is a must for businesses. A sudden death leaves a business in shambles under the best of circumstances and can leave everyone it serves in a state of need without help.
- Disability Insurance. An accident incapacitates the breadwinner in a family. Where does the money come from as things begin to stabilize? It can be months if not years until things go back to “normal.” Small disability insurance policies are a blessing. I can attest to this firsthand.
- Getting things done in advance. The power goes out and the ability to print out a much needed assignment or transaction is due with the hour. Now what? Just in the recent week a large store had their credit card system go down and the whole store was in jeopardy of much needed sales. Planning ahead is wise and backups are necessary.
- A simple backup is a lifesaver or business saver! Although everyone is saving things virtually, have things on backup systems or printed out is a good plan.
- Alternative speakers or plans can become a placeholder. Collaborating with others becomes a blessing when suddenly an airline cancellation postpones a speaker. Having a variety of acquaintances with skills around us is often a blessing. And sometimes it is a glitch that lets another person come forward to be known.
- Clean as you go. What I mean by this is that when you replace an article, a file, or a list at the office, discard the old one so that it isn’t mistaken for the up-to-date copy. You’ll save time and mistakes won’t happen as frequently. Shred old documents and tidy up before you leave the office or work space.
Have a great weekend. See you next week. Let the minor moments in your life lead you up the escalator of success.
Keep things ROCK SOLID by planning ahead!
Are You Present and Focusing?
Are you present and focusing on an agenda? Your child is calling you to come play with them. Are you able to shut down and focus on the short playtime? I always found it hard to stop doing one thing and focus on another, but I am learning that it is not only healthy, but also so fulfilling to do one thing at a time.
I literally just shut down a CD I was listening to and decided to write this blog. I had been writing one every day for over 18 months, but in the past 6 months, my time and attention has gone to establishing care for people over the phone and online. I do well when I can concentrate on one task. I don’t misplace files or forget details. I used to do a dozen things at the same time. This was particularly true at home as a mom, but I also had to do that with children and chores. Multitasking seemed natural.
As the year winds down, I am staying present and focusing on one thing at a time. I have a better retention of what has transpired and feel more accomplished as well. I am going to carry this effort forth into 2018.
Welcome! Rosy is present and focusing that I am not leaving!
How are you focusing these days? Are you feeling scattered? Perhaps you are lonely and not connected? Many of my friends are retired and free to glide through a schedule of their own, and even though I have my own business and can schedule in special events, I am being careful about not committing to too much outside of this office. For many years I used my extra energy in that way, but now it is more intentionally directed.
I watch Rosy and notice that she will run to her kitchen pillow when I walk in with groceries. Our dog Lord used to do that too. He’d perch himself at the top of the staircase and have a view of the whole family room and french doors. I think dogs know when to separate themselves when things get too crazy. They aren’t in the way and still they have control.
When we are with other people, we want them to be focused on what we are saying. We have all had the experience where we are talking and the other person either blanks out or answers inappropriately. It is all too obvious that they are not present nor focusing on our interaction.
As we flow into the Advent Season and all the merriment around us, do take the time to be cordial and present. Worry less about the gifts and the peripheral decorations. Focus on the people you are talking with and listen. You’ll feel contentment and pride.
Look forward to our Podcast later this week when Kate Halma joins me on using “Domestic Arts”. It should be a down-to-earth look at some wholesome, old-fashioned, and needed skills. We don’t want to lose them!
Here at Mini Miracles from Minor Moments we try to link people to their destinations. We are an affiliate for Amazon and hope you find their services as wonderful as we do. Just snap on the following banner.
Overcome Your Self Doubt Beginning Now!
To overcome your self doubt begins now. Taking an active participation and being awareness that doubt is affecting our lives is the first step in making a change. As we go through life, we accumulate something that will help remove the act of over questioning ourselves. It is called Portable Equity. It is that skill set that goes into our toolbox and aids us whenever we are trying something new. It can be a job, a change in schools, a moment traveling in a new city, or learning a new craft. Our ability to achieve greater things means setting aside self doubt and believing in ourselves.
In other posts I have noted that Portable Equity is something we have already achieved. It is a learned skill set like being detail oriented, a self starter, or being well organized. We may have excelled in a subject like accounting back in college and yet never implemented those skills. The accounting knowledge is still portable and can be used when it comes up with being on a Board of Directors for a not for profit group. It can be used in setting up a new business; the skill is not wasted. Portable equity removes self doubt, because usually we have felt and come to believe in ourselves.
So where does self doubt come from? Is it a message you have placed in your subconscious? Has the doubt been affirmed by someone you admire and now it is something you have come to believe? Are you questioning how to proceed or when to act on an important issue? Have you given up trying new things for fear of failing and moving forward?
Strut forward with Confidence! Photo by Linda Gullo
Doubt can keep us from advancing when you need to move forward. Working with someone who is skilled can help one to a new level otherwise, a person may do nothing at all. For me, I learned awhile ago that I did not know who to trust. I didn’t know who to ask for certain needs I had. I began to just ask anyone and voila eventually you get an answer. So here are a few tips to proceed.
- Ask for help. Psychotherapists and teachers are great resources.
- Listen to experts in the area of learning you want to master.
- Don’t beat yourself up for doubt, just march forward. Mel Robbins would say, “5,4,3,2,1 go”
- List all the areas of competence you already have achieved.
- Work along side someone you admire. Do it free! In giving away, we receive.
- Be your own cheer leader and marvel at your own accomplishments.
Our own negative self talk can be the very thing you need to remove the self doubt that has held you back. BE well, listen to your own healthy values, and meet with continued success. Just on step can put you on the escalator of success.
Check out www.delightinliving.com for groups. You’ll be glad you did.
Can You Ditch the Hamster Wheel?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments as Kate Halma and Linda Gullo discuss the essence of being productive. Can you ditch the hamster wheel syndrome? It’s a lively and fun discussion that helps the small business owner and individual move on to the next level. Join Us! Sign up for up and coming information on Mini Miracles from Minor Moments.
A Few Books to help you BE productive & “Ditch the Hamster Wheel”
PRODUCTIVITY isn’t about how much you get done, but what you’re doing and why! It is about following through with our agendas and trying to grow as an individual. It doesn’t have to be hard.
Here are a few clues that Linda and Kate share:
1- Create a worthwhile focus and follow through with your goals.
2- Ditch the hamster wheel; get off of it and be productive.
3- Start managing time. Shut of the phones, the emails, and the extra things that interfere with us
4- Stop multitasking- everything will get done better.
5- Keep things orderly to keep you on task.
6- Start developing systems that will provide for us to be consistent and regimented in daily tasks. Michael Hyatt suggests designing a morning and evening ritual that sets you up to win.
Systems (sweet systems)
7- Get rid of the Office Monster! You’ll have the opportunity to hear about a Webinar on him!
8- Put a DO NOT DISTURB sign on your door.
Turn off your cell phone.
Unplug you office phone.
Shut down your email and social media apps to focus better.
Increase your ability to focus on things things are important to accomplish.
Suggested readings and websites:
YOUR ONE WORD by Evan Carmichael
5 SECOND RULE by Mel Robbins
www.leadershipmanagement.com
In two weeks, join us for Continual Learning! The ladies conclude with:
“Remember just one step can put you on the escalator of success.” and
“No matter how you feel today, get up, dress up, show up, and never give up!”
Until next time, this is Linda and Kate wishing you a super and productive week!
Are You Enjoying Books?
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Music Jingle
Intro: This is Mini Miracles from Minor Moments with Linda Gullo and I welcome you to Podcast #61 on Topic of Reading Books
As a child living in Brookfield, Illinois, our family lived close to the Public Library. I began walking there early on, and that is where my love of books began. I had a special shopping bag my mother had made for me to carry the books in and at home it hung on the doorknob of my bedroom. Ironically, I still have that bag and feel attached to it! I would be there daily; checking out all kinds of books that looked exciting. Some were picture books and others written with words. The best part was all the neat bookmarks that you could have FREE with your books. I think the local schools and groups donated them. Each was so different and I recall having a collection of them. The kids section was in the lower level and sometimes is was damp down there, so we’d be allowed to sit in the sunny upper study room. When I was ten, we moved from there and we didn’t have a library nearby anymore. I felt a loss of friendship and began drawing and looking to our local grade school for books. Thankfully that helped.
Books are the friends that don’t talk back to us. They empower us to do the things that come naturally and help us engage with people who are able to express themselves in writing.
What encouraged me to talk about books today was the frequent rains and flooding that are taking over certain areas. I do hope people have plenty to read during these times of stress and when they are locked into their areas by rising waters.
As for me, I don’t feel locked in when books are available. My money has always been spent on books. I no longer go to the library since I am out the boundaries for our local one, but as I write this there are 3 different books that I want to share with you and the impact they have on me.
The first one is by Mel Robbins, who I recently rediscovered. Her first book that has been on my shelf is Stop Saying You’re Fine. It was aimed at getting through depression. As a counselor who is concerned with helping people suffering from depression, I bought it back in 2013 to read. It addressed issues that Mel, who is educated as an Attorney, was addressing for herself. She is upfront and authentic in talking about her struggles with feeling insecure, anxious, and unhappy. Here is a marvelous woman with a loving husband and children, who had so much going for herself and still expected more. In the way any one of us who is an achiever could relate to her. She took herself into a different place and helps others to do the same.
So fast forward to now when I have been reading The 5 Second Rule. I am one over 8 million people who are making her rich by reading this book. I love it and keep rereading sections. I am a sales woman for her. She teaches us to not procrastinate and encourages us to become self starters. I feel recharged to say the least. Having read the book and taken her courses has help escalate me to a new horizon.
The next book is by Alexandra Stoddard. I first began reading Daring to be Yourself many years ago and just continued reading her writings. I attended one of her presentation at a Creative Arts series at the Woodstock Opera house and fell in love with her thinking. She believes in values and putting yourself in the center of good things that are transforming. She helped me blossom with interior designing elements when I was younger and still have a love for the beautiful things like flowers, music, color, and life giving resources all around us. Choosing Happiness, which I am currently reading is similar in format with her other books. It is written in blue ink with colorful pink sidebars. Just heavenly to indulge in and enjoy without feeling guilty. It is great summertime reading. I actually read it and stop to pray as I do. It helps to relax me.
Finally the 3rd book that I am digesting is Finding Your One Word. I am reading this slowly as it asks many questions and has one doing introspective work. I am not sure I can boil my personal motto down to one word but I am trying to focus more so who knows. In sharing this with a friend, she tells me that she selects a word to focus on for each year. I am thinking I may do that quarterly. It is by Evan Carmichael and aimed at helping to create a healthy business. This one I will also be working on for awhile to glean out as much insight as possible.
At my daughter’s home, she is reading a book from 1945 about our country to her daughter who is 6 years old. It is a good way to learn some history about the USA. Of course, the child sees this as way back in the day. Pretty funny.
Reading is something to encourage early and although not every one of us likes reading, it is a great companion to many or us.
Signing off until next week. Take just one step, it may put you on the Escalator of Success!
Books Resources: The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
Choosing Happiness by Alexandra Stoddard
The Secret to Success Lies in Just One Word
Do You Have to Wait Until Someone Wakes Up?
Do you have to wait until someone wakes up? Sometimes you have to just wait. Wait for that perfect job offering. Wait for the break in being recognized. Wait to heal after treatments or a broken leg. Wait until you are able to reach the new level and earn that long awaited raise you have wanted so badly. Wait for the next expert can be reached. Wait until there is enough money. Wait for the appointment to get your questions answered. The waiting game isn’t easy, in fact, it is hard but necessary.
I hate to wait. Please wake up.
Whenever I am stressed with waiting, I try to remember Ecclesiastes 3. It says that “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—.” (Taken from the NASB) Of course, the verse is longer and more clarifying, but those words help me to put things into perspective. It also puts my needs in perspective with a greater world of other people and businesses. It calls into mind that we are just one culture and need to be open to time changes.
In a fast moving world, we don’t always let things naturally develop. We want to rush things along. The down side of rushing is not always good. Things are lost and forgotten in the rush. We miss out in important information and resources.
When we are in school, we have to wait until we have met all the criteria to graduate. We keep learning skills;we learn how to deal with other students and the faculty. It is the experience of coming on time and passing tests that make us more conscientious and will to work. It is putting value to our work and to the people we are trying to serve.
When we enter into the job market, there are procedures to follow. Sometimes if we have allowed ourselves to be patient, it all works on our behalf. Today is the beginning of a new week and new vision. Look for the mini miracles that come from the minor moments that you don’t think are important. They really are relevant.