8-tips-stay-positive-during-difficult

The night becomes too deep and intense just before the sunrise, you have to be patient and soon the sun will be there. Same is the case with difficult times. They are simply transitioning phases of your life. They indicate that something far greater is around the corner, just hold on.

Now it's up to you whether you give up or take it as a challenge-A challenge to learn and grow.

Here are 8 tips to help you stay positive and hopeful during difficult times.

Tip One
Stay Focused on What You 'DO' Want.

It's easy to lose focus when facing difficult times. You start thinking about the things you DON'T want. For example

I don't want to fail.

I don't want to suffer.

I don't want to stay behind.

Have you ever visited a restaurant where waiter comes and asks you "Yes sir, what would you like NOT to have?

Well, no such restaurant exists. The waiter is supposed to ask "Yes sir, what would you like to have". You go through the menu card, decide what you want and place an order. Simple!

Life is also about placing an order with your thoughts and actions. If you use the right thoughts and actions, you get what you want. I know it's quite difficult to focus on what you want when everything seems to fall apart, dreams look like illusions and nothing seems to work. But, this is your test. Be persistent.

Tip Two
Find Time for Relaxation

Nowadays life has become so busy that we don't even find time to unwind, to be with ourselves, to relax. All we worry about is work, work and more work.

Work is surely important, but so is relaxation. Here are some ideas to help you get relaxed.

Get a massage
Though you surely can go to a spa and get an exotic massage done by a HOT girl, it doesn't need to be costly at all times, your neighborhood barber can also give you a head massage and that too at a very reasonable price. (Yeah, you'll have to compromise on the 'hot' part but that's ok)

Go for A Walk In A Park
The natural ambiance of a park gives you a great chance to consume tons of fresh air and be with a person you have forgotten-yourself.
Try walking on the grass bare footed, it's a pleasure you won't find anywhere else.

Watch Moon
Watching moon for a while will give you a sense of oneness with the universe. Moon is a symbol of peace, purity and tranquility. It's said to have calming effect on your mind and that's exactly what you need to battle stress.

Watch Your Favorite Movie
Watching your favorite movie is a wonderful experience and it's not that hard. Just get the DVD from the local library or shop, switch off your mobile phone, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy.

Apart from the ideas above, playing with kids, walking down the street with your wife (or someone else's, if you are lucky) or killing enemies on play station could also help you relax.

Tip Three
Spend Time with Positive People

It's better alone than in a bad company. Sure, there are lots of negative people around, but that doesn't mean you have to be with them.

Spend time with positive and vibrant people instead. It'll help you see the world from a new and positive perspective. (Hanging out with a bubbly and positive girl for even 15 minutes is more empowering than spending a whole day with a boring and dead negative person)

Tip Four
Read Positive Literature

Just like positive people, positive and uplifting books are a great way to increase the positive vibes around you. Read positive literature, especially just before going to bed. It will help you stay positive during hard times.

Reading biographies of people who survived hard times and rose above the else will inspire you to stand tall and never give up on your dreams.

Tip Five
Do Something Out Of Your Comfort Zone

We all have our comfort zones.
We do things in a certain way and never think of going out of them. It gives a sense of security and comfort, but is dangerous for your growth. When you do something that you've never done before, it boosts your confidence and self faith, which in turn helps you become more positive.

Tip Six
Ask Successful People How 'They' Did It

We all know successful people. Like negative people, they are also around us but we never approach and ask them-how they did it.

The people who you think never had a hard time also suffered, faced challenges, handled criticism and survived difficult times. And now they have something which is far more valuable than anything else-EXPERIENCE.

You can take advantage of this experience. Ask them to give you some tips-what did they do, what worked, what didn't and why, what mistakes did they commit and what advice they have for you?

(Everyone successful person around you has a story to tell. I have an uncle in my family with whom I never talked much for around 20 years. One day we were sitting together and he started sharing with me his life experiences-how he faced the challenges and survived really hard times.

I was amazed at his courage and enthusiasm and also sorry for myself for not talking to him earlier (read-for not asking him to share). Don't assume that people will not share their secrets, they will, but only if you ask)

Tip Seven
Watch What You Eat

We have a saying here in India "Jaisa khao ann, waisa ho jaye mann" (The type of food you eat have great impact on your mind)

Eat spicy and junk food and you'll feel anxiety and stress all day long.

Eat raw and unprocessed food and you'll stay more calm and relaxed. I know, it's easy to grab a ready made burger or hotdog or pizza than preparing a nice raw salad, but the time spent preparing your meal is worth it because the food you are eating will alter your emotional state.

Eat raw food as much as you can, start your meals with a plate full of raw vegetables and fruits. Eat salad first, and then start eating your main course.

Eating lots of raw and unprocessed food helps you feel relaxed, calm and confident, which in turn helps you stay positive about yourself and the world in general.

Also, if you drink, limit your alcohol intake and try herbal tea or a simple glass of good old milk before going to bed. It promotes good sleep and helps you rejuvenate.

Tip Eight
Clean and Organize Your Closet

Have you ever experienced anger and frustration in the morning time while getting ready for a business meeting because you couldn't find your black pair of socks? You know it's there but couldn't find it. It is because you have more clothes in the closet than it can handle and you know what? A cluttered closet can drive you nuts.

Here's a simple solution to this -clean your closet. Get everything out-yes, every single thing. Take a good look at all the clothes, sort them in three groups.

Group 1- Clothes you want to keep (Keep them)
Group 2- Clothes you want to discard (Throw them away)
Group 3- Clothes you want to give away (Give them to someone)

A clean and organized closet gives you peace of mind and clarity of thoughts. I know it sound too simple but then who says staying positive have to be complicated.

Do this TODAY, it's worth the effort.

7-ways-improve-self-confidence

Did you know that your level of self-confidence could influence how you feel, how others see you and the accomplishments you make in life? Yes, your level of self-confidence is very powerful and can have such great influences. To help understand what may stem from a low level of self-confidence and 7 things you can do to improve your self-confidence, I have interviewed psychotherapist Jennifer Lehr, MFT.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
"I am a marriage and family therapist. I specialize in working with couples and also work with individuals around self-empowerment."

Why do some people have a low level of self-confidence?
"I believe that if we are not affirmed as a child, we do not have the experience of our own value. Also many kinds of abuse can leave us feeling as if we are not valuable. Some of these kids had parents that with all good intentions stifled their self-esteem development by being over protective and overly complimentary. Some people, despite less than optimal backgrounds are able to overcome them by being able to "decide" that they are valuable, despite a history that does not back that up. Self confidence is like a muscle '" it needs to be developed. It takes courage to leave one's comfort zone. Effective parents architect opportunities for their children to have to 'Ëœsuck it up' and leave their comfort zones while also providing support. When children have to summon courage to do something 'Ëœscary' (but not dangerous), once they do it and succeed; their self-confidence goes up. Real ego gratification comes from within, not externally."

What type of impact can a high level of self-confidence have on a person's overall life?
"The higher your self-confidence, the more likely you will to take risks, and ultimately succeed in whatever you do in life."

What are seven easy ways for someone to improve their self-confidence?
1) "Therapy, especially if you are plagued by negative thoughts, or self-depreciation
2) Applying yourself to a task and persisting until you succeed
3) Learning to change your self-talk to positive thoughts
4) Treat yourself the way you would want someone to treat your child.
5) Never judge yourself on externals. Somebody will always be doing better than you.
6) Take risks. You will never find out whom you are if you don't try.
7) Do not allow yourself to indulge in destructive feelings such as resentment or jealousy. Find higher ways to look at things."

What last advice would you like to leave for someone who wants to improve his or her level of self-confidence?
"Improving your self-confidence may be one of the tasks of your life. Embrace it, rather than make yourself wrong for it. We all have different lessons. Yours are as valuable as anyone else."

Thank you Jennifer for the interview on how to boost your self-confidence. If you would like more information about Jennifer Lehr you can check out her website on www.JenniferLehrMFT.com.

-ways-effectively-compete-work

These days, jobs are scarce and workers high. As a result, your ability to effectively compete at work can affect your chances of getting a raise and promotion. Learn how to make yourself standout from other employees and gain the recognition you need to build a good career.
1. Be prompt.
Avoid being late to work or with any assignments. Your ability to be prompt will get the attention of your boss. He will see you as a key player in a pool of "flakes". Then, when he's looking around for someone to take on a new position, you'll pop up in his mind.

2. Support your boss.
Effectively compete at work by supporting your boss. By showing your loyalty to him, he will see you have his back and return the favor. So, keep your criticism on the low and praise high.

3. Help other employees.
Use your skill not only to impress your superiors, but also to help fellow employees. This not only will get you camaraderie, but also show you're a team player. Both will help you create a good career.

4. Learn a new program.
What computer program at work do few of your peers understand how to manipulate? Effectively compete at work by mastering this technology. Your skill will secure your job and turn you into an expert.

5. Keep up with your work.
Don't be a hare in your approach to work, be a tortoise. Stay on top of tasks throughout the day. Even if you always turn your work in on time, the stress you inflict on others (like your boss) leading up to the finale is a turn off.

6. Participate in special projects.
The quickest way to get noticed by the leadership at your job and effectively compete against peers is to participate in special projects. Special projects show your level of commitment to the company and ability to do complicated work.

7. Set appropriate boundaries with co-workers.
Keep work relationships appropriate. People who have reached the top of their field will let you know that inappropriate ones involving sex, money and other "touchy" subjects often end in disaster. So stay professional and treat everyone with respect.

These 7 tips will help you effectively compete at work. Your efforts to impress the boss will no longer be unseen and worthless. Instead, you will shine brightly because you display the kind of characteristics that every company wants in an employee.

5-ways-spend-time-helping-others

If you have spare time on your hands you might want to lend a helping hand to others. Helping others is a humble thing to do and it is also very fulfilling. The feeling of knowing that you have helped someone is one that will restore your morale; it will make you feel good about yourself thus giving you reverence. Below are simple ways to give a helping hand.
Volunteering- volunteers are always needed and greatly appreciated. Places to volunteer include senior citizen homes, a shelter, thrift store a soup kitchen...

Donating to food drive- You can start by looking around your home for canned or boxed goods that can be sent to the local pantry. Once you have collected the canned goods, you can go around your neighborhood and ask those to donate from their own pantry for a good cause.

Tutoring- This would be great to do for kids and children who need help with any of their school subjects. Tutors are always needed and play a vital role in boosting individual's confidence in improving areas where they feel as though they are slacking. As a tutor it is important to have patience. If you posses patience and a willingness to help others then this may be something for you. There are a wide range of subjects that people need help with such as language, math, reading, writing, terminology.... If you think you have enough expertise in any area contact a local school and offer your time to them.

Mentoring- Mentoring is a life saver for many underprivileged children who don't have stable figures in their lives to guide them. Mentors are someone children and teens can talk to, tell their problems to, they are someone who can give advice and guidance. Mentors most of all restore trust and place hope inside of children to let them know that anything is achievable if they put their minds to it. As a mentor you can share your life lessons and help to steer children onto the right path. In addition to conversing with children about their home lives and wishes mentors get to do fun stuff with the kids like taking them out for a trip at a kid a facility, to get some ice cream, to go to the park... Mentors show children that someone cares for them. There have been so many stories where mentors have helped to divert children from danger. The organization Big Brothers Big Sisters of America allows individuals to volunteer to become a mentor to a young child.

Transportation Service- This is ideal if you have a car and do not mind helping those without access to an automobile or to public transportation. If you have free time, offer to drive individuals to do their shopping, or to go to their appointments. You can charge for this service or to do it for free. Many elderly individuals need a service like this.

5-tips-update-skills

Learning a new skill can be your best option to keep pace in these highly technological times and most importantly provide for your needs and that of your family too. The skills that you currently have may no longer provide you with the benefits it once gave to you. Or those skills may no longer provide you with a lucrative pay as it previously did, say, 10 years ago.

Take for example, professionals specializing in mainframes or COBOL were in-demand 15 or 20 years ago. Today, those skills may prove to be challenging to utilize in the age of Web 2.0, HTML5 or CSS. Or a door-to-door salesman may no longer be needed as people these days have various options on where to get information on what, where, how and when to buy. Experts call this phenomenon as a change in buyer behaviour. Thus, a career as a personal financial adviser can be a better option as this will also involve selling not a product but yourself as a service provider. A personal financial adviser helps people manage their finances by telling them how best to save, invest and generally grow their money.

So how do we make ourselves relevant in these times? Listed below are 5 tips on how to update your skills:

1. Determine what you really like to do.

As they say, if you enjoy what you are doing you don't need to work a single day in your life. Enjoying what you do precedes everything even the aspect of compensation and choice of pay rates. Focus on what you really want to do, a hobby perhaps can be a start. You will never be good at doing something if you hate doing that something. You need to love your work.

2. Visualize your future.

In most questionnaires given to us by hiring managers, they require us to answer this rather deceptively simple question, "What will you be doing 5 or 10 years from now?" Your answer of course, will provide inputs to the hiring manager on what type of a person you are, your plans and how you organize yourself to achieve your goals. The same is true if you want to remain relevant today and in the future. One way to do this is to research on jobs that are currently in-demand and will still be needed 10 or 20 years from now. Align your personal and professional goals with these realities.

3. Make an inventory of your skills-set that needs updating.

You must remember that you also need to consider where you are weak at and not just where you are good at. For example, your passion for writing may make you a good writer but a career in advertising copywriting which is in-demand these days is an altogether different field which requires different training.

4. Search for experts or enrol in on-line classes.

Your passion for accounting especially if you haven't used this skill in your current job may require you to learn basic MS Excel or later on advanced accounting softwares. Determining what you need will lead you to find the right person or organization to teach you this skill. Local colleges or universities may have classes suitable to your schedule or you can try on-line classes or e-learning tools for more convenience and affordability.

5. Learning never ends.

The need for continuous learning is a necessity not only yesterday but more importantly today and in the near future. After leaving school, it does not mean we have to stop reading and learning too. In fact, we grow as a person and as a professional if we continue to believe that learning never ends. What we have learned in the past may no longer work today so we have the responsibility to constantly update our knowledge and skills.

Keeping pace with the times requires hard work and may involve lots of sacrifices. But with the prospect of becoming irrelevant and unable to provide for the needs of our families, we need to have a clear direction on where to go ASAP. After, setting our overall directions we now need to consider how to achieve those goals given our strengths and limitations. The how part involves learning new skills and acquiring new knowledge.

 This newest e-learning website can be your one-stop solution to becoming relevant in these technological times. Mentors and coaches are available to teach you the skills that you need to know in a convenient and affordable manner thru e-learning. The more you are equipped with what you need to know the better are your chances to provide for the needs of your family.

5-steps-strengthen-community

Communities across the country have concocted a myriad of ways to make sure that drug violence does not accumulate into the further deterioration of their community. Anywhere from community and children's programs, to things so simple as creating a beautification initiatives throughout their neighborhoods.
Most recently, the city of Cincinnati, OH teamed up with county sheriffs to increase the number of law enforcement presences in one of its most crime ridden sections, Over-the-Rhine. In many of these cases, community initiatives are great in theory but lack the thought out planning necessary to make the long lasting effects.

It is the same effect as trying to hit your target with a gun and shooting before you aim. After extensive research, I have found a 5 step brainstorming excise idea for communities to use in order to effectively, and literally, take back their streets.

Step 1: Decide What Your Problem Is

The first step would be to assess the problem of problems in which you are attempting to address. A useful starting place for finding ways to improve your community's livability or to make an initial assessment of your community's strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for constructive change, first identify the scope of your assessment.

For example, determine whether you are assessing a single issue; (i.e. drug trafficking or teen pregnancy) or multiple issues. Once you have targeted what issue or issues you want to address make at least a broad educated guess based on your current knowledge of the issue, about what the cause of the problem may be.

Of course, it takes more than just an idea and what you think is the problem, the presence of two or more solidly and proven causes to the issues at hand must be aligned.

Step 2: Can Your Organization Accomplish the Goal

You want to make sure that you are not biting off more than your organization can chew. Just like a kid in the candy store, our eyes are sometimes larger than what our stomachs can handle.

If you community organization has a difficult time planning a community action meeting, lasting about an hour, it may be a bit premature to attempt to tackle an issue like education or health care reformation.

Step 3: Create An Action Plan

In taking this step you want to embrace the problems in which your group has identified, acknowledge the policies which would address that problem, identify the decision making body you need to impact and distinguish other steps will your organization will need to take to take. Looking back on the Step two, delineate your work into smaller tasks.

Step 4: Make It Happen

Once your group has agreed upon a modus operandi, you will need to decide how it maintains the change and ensures that the desired results are achieved.

For example, one cannot be successful at reducing youth access to alcohol if you do not put in place actions, deterrents or a fear of consequence. In addition, your group will have to decide what its future will be once you attain your goal.

Step 5: Take a Step Back and Reflect

As laid out in your plan for action, it's important to carefully review your progress during the campaign to ensure you stay on track, in addition to conducting evaluation of your progress.

• You may even think of some evaluation questions to ask.

• -Are we making progress toward what we set out to do?

• -What are the biggest challenges?

Taking in consideration these 5 steps, your organization should be well equipped to hit the ground running in your next attempt to rid your community of crime.

5 Steps for Gaining Unstoppable Energy

Wishing for more energy to experience everything life has to offer has become an increasingly popular pastime. Consider those commercials for energy shot beverages, or stop to see how many quick-stop coffee shops are in your area. These businesses are making billions of dollars from people wanting that next burst of energy to make it through the day with. Instead of reaching for an expensive beverage that only promises a few hours of vigor though, why not learn these life-changing steps for gaining an unlimited amount of energy? Not only will you find boundless energy, you will save some money and increase your overall health and happiness.

Five Steps for Gaining Unstoppable Energy

1. Reconnect to broader energy sources. 

Taking even five minutes a day to connect with something larger than yourself can be just the ticket you need to feel invigorated and full of life. For some, that might be a divine presence, for others, it might be nature. It could also be your higher self, goals you've set or intentions you've created. Whatever that broader source is for you, that time to fully immerse yourself in the energy it offers. Breathe it in, feel it and carry it with you throughout the day.

2. Surrender! Resistance is an energy sucking vampire if there ever was one. Acceptance on the other hand allows you to have the energy to make other choices. Accept everything, exactly the way it is and then decide what you will do about it from that point. (Hint: You can't change other people, places or things, so make your decisions about your own options)

3. Relax! Forcing yourself to fit as much as possible into a 24 hour time period creates pressure and you expend tons of energy trying to navigate with all that weight on your shoulders. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you have plenty of time. Remaining relaxed and focused will help you get a lot more accomplished than stressing yourself into an early grave from always trying to beat the clock.

4. Learn to discern. Consider your energy level as if it is cold hard cash. Is it worth it to get all bent out of shape and using up a massive amount of energy because the driver in front of you is driving 25 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone? In other words, stop to consider what you are giving your energy away to and choose whether it is truly worth it.

5. Attend to the moment. When you keep thinking of everything you have to do and how little time you have, you get overwhelmed and stressed out and - guess what? Yes. That's a huge energy zapper. Write your things to do on a piece of paper or in a computer file and then check them off as you go instead of continually thinking about them. You'll find you have tons more energy for each moment if you attend to them one at a time.

Of course getting a great night's sleep, eating right and exercise will help your body process and store energy you need. These five steps for gaining unstoppable energy can give that healthy living a power boost in ways that energy drinks or caffeinated beverages will never be able to compete with. Give them a try and discover for yourself how invigorated you'll feel.

5-reasons-take-ballroom-lessons

Flowers die, but your first dance together as husband and wife will last forever. When planning your wedding don't overlook wedding dance preparation. As a dance instructor and choreographer, I have seen the difference a little time and practice can make. Here are some tips that I have discovered over the years to ensure that you wedding dance goes off without a hitch.

1. Learn the style of dance that fits your song. Give your music to your instructor ahead of time so the style of dance (e.g. waltz, rumba, cha-cha, etc.) can be determined. Let your instructor know if you want to learn basic leading and following steps or if you want a fully choreographed routine.

2. Let your personality shine. Your instructor will be able to create a dance to fit your personality and comfort level - sweet, funny, etc.

3 .Start early. Begin at least a few weeks ahead of time. As the big day draws near you will want your dance ready and perfect, instead of trying to find time for extra practice.

4 .Have fun. Partner dancing is fun - especially when it's in anticipation of your wedding day.

5.Be financially savvy. If money is the only thing stopping you from taking lessons, here is a tip. Look into dance instructors who work as independent contractors. When I first began choreographing wedding dances I worked for a popular franchised dance studio. The private lesson fee was more than a little steep - a forty five minute lesson would set the student back $98. Individual dance instructor fees vary - but I would say $40 an hour is fair. Look online or in the yellow pages for dance instructors that offer private lessons. Typically, their rates are much more reasonable.

Taking dance lessons with your significant other is an exciting part of wedding preparation. And, when the big day arrives, you will be ready to impress your friends with a repertoire of dance moves. Your first dance together as husband and wife will certainly be cherished for years to come.

5-healthy-morning-rituals

For many, waking up and preparing for the day ahead is a grueling process filled with rushed routines and half-eaten meals. This does not have to be the case. Starting the morning with healthy habits can set a positive, productive tone for the day. Most importantly, keeping these rituals consistent can enhance your well-being in the long run.

Ditch the annoying alarm clock. 

Studies from the Institute of Industrial Health in Japan prove that the loud, beeping alarm clock is bad for the heart. The noise jolts sleepers from their vulnerable state of slumber resulting in high blood pressure and rapid heart rate. Over time, the body can develop physical and mental distress known as chronic stress.

• Researchers recommend using alarm clocks with soft, gentle sounds or sunrise/dawn simulators. Open the bedroom window(s) at night so you wake up to the sunlight. Making sure to get the recommended time of sleep also helps.

Drink warm water and lemon.

Besides hydrating your body after a long night's sleep, simply drinking a cup of warm water with lemon juice can help improve digestion, skin elasticity, weight loss and immunity. Wellness educator Ashley Pitman emphasizes keeping the water warm, not hot, and squeezing juice from half a lemon. Changes to the body are gradual but noticeable if diligently consumed every day.

Eat breakfast.

 Dr. Louise Chang of WebMD, affirms that a nutritionally complete breakfast contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low or non-fat dairy products, and lean protein. These items, combined, help to improve concentration, endurance, and lower cholesterol.

• Most notable, a healthy breakfast can regulate weight gain. Eating a morning meal can prevent hunger cravings and large lunches later in the day.

Show some love. 

Kiss. Hug. Give high fives. Write a love note. Say "thank you," and "I love you." Express your love and gratitude to members of the household. This not only helps your family members know just how much they are appreciated, but it allows them to reciprocate their love to you!

Think happy thoughts.

 According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking is the key to ward off feelings related to stress. Confident thoughts and self-talk can help reduce states of depression and heart disease. They can also remedy the common cold.

Happy thoughts come in a variety of forms. They can be affirmations, visuals of inspiring individuals, goals for the day, applied faith, kind wishes, and feelings of gratitude.

4-strategies-implement-today-improve-your-life

I never cared about work-life balance early in my career. I was an ambitious woman in a male dominated field trying to work twice as hard as everyone else to prove myself. This all changed 8 years ago when I gave birth to my son. I returned to work when my son was 7 weeks old. As driven as I was in my career, I was equally driven to be a high performing mom. These strategies have helped me balance my home and work life.

No one cares about your work-life balance more than you. On occasion I mentor young men and women who are concerned about their life balance. I tell them that it is their responsibility to make sure their home and work life is balanced. You need to advocate for yourself. Read your company policies and talk to your manager.

I tell my employees to put their family first and their work second. I am always supportive when there is a personal situation that needs attention. However, I do not take their personal lives in consideration when I am delegating tasks or assigning projects. I rely on them to let me know if there is a conflict between the workload and their work-life balance. If your manager is not empowering you to speak up on then you need to empower yourself. Early in my career it would never have occurred to me to talk to my staff about balancing their home and work life.

You will feel guilty but don't let it drive your actions. This was something that took me many years to master. When my son was very young I lived in a constant state of guilt. At work I felt guilty about not being home, and at home I felt guilty about not being at work. I read that I needed to get rid of the guilt but I was never able to stop feeling guilty.

I can't control the sting of guilt I feel when I need to miss an important meeting to pick up my sick child from school, or when I need to leave for a few days on a business trip. What I can control is my behavior. Ultimately I understand that I am a better employee and a better mom when I stop trying to give 100% of myself to both my job and my family.

Prioritize what is important at work and at home. I am a people pleaser so I really do not like to say no to any request. What I have learned to say that has helped me tremendously is, "Yes, I can do that but here is where it sits on my list of priorities." Understanding the important things both at work and at home will help you concentrate your time on the tasks that matter the most.

Communicating the priority to the requestor also helps to set clear expectations for when they can expect the results. As we all know priorities can and do change so it is important to maintain that communication with the requestor throughout the process. This feels more natural for me at work so let me give you an example for your home life.

If my husband asks me to renew my son's passport I might say, "Sure, I can do that. I know that we need to have this complete before we fly internationally so I will make sure to have the process started 10 weeks in advance of our flight. Right now my top priorities are finishing the birthday party invitations and getting cookies baked for the bake sale. I will put organizing the yard sale on the back burner for now." He then has the choice to do it himself, help with the other top priorities so that I have more free time for the passport task, or wait until I am able to do it myself.

Block time on the calendar for your home life, including time for yourself. At work I always know what I need to be doing because it is scheduled on my calendar. When I get home it is easy to be distracted and end up not accomplishing things that are important -- especially spending quality time with your family and spending quality time alone. Blocking time out for these activities helps me align my family to the plan and ensures we take the time to connect with each other and ourselves.