Most unpleasant tasks don’t take as long as you think they will. And most pleasant things tend to drag out a bit longer than you’d expect.

Use a timer to get an accurate gauge of the real time it takes to accomplish a variety of routine responsibilities. Then, use this information to help schedule future tasks. If checking and returning phone messages takes an hour each day (who knew?), then block off that amount of time for phone calls.

Clearing off your desk by filing papers may seem like an unending job, but in reality, it may take only ten minutes. Now it seems more manageable!

Master your time and you’ll be in control!

© 2010 Articles on Demand™.

Has someone ever told you that what you’re doing is “not good enough”, but you know in your heart you are doing your absolute best? These messages could be driving you to be successful or could be sabotaging your growth.

When I was growing up my father constantly criticized me. When I was in high school I loved listening to James Taylor and other sing-a-long type artists. I loved singing so much to those songs, I would sing out loud in my room and sometimes when I was riding my bicycle. However, one time my father heard me and he came into my room and his comment to me was that he was wondering what that terrible sound was. He insisted I turn off the record player and stop singing.

Another time I was cleaning the family dishes after dinner and apparently the water was not hot enough. My dad turned the water up so hot that I scalded my hands as he scolded me about how to wash dishes — that I was going to make everyone sick because I wasn’t cleaning the dishes well enough.

As I’ve gone through life, I’ve realized that these criticisms and disciplines are not normal and I’ve reflected on how these occurrences affected my life’s path. I never pursued anything with music and still hate cleaning dishes. I do however, think I’m a pretty darn good singer and am never afraid to sing out loud!

When people tell you that you are not good enough, you may brush it off or you may get stuck and start thinking something is wrong with you. If you feel the latter, you may see this affecting your productivity as you are not doing all you want to do in your life. I know a kitchen with dishes sitting in the sink for a couple of days is an inefficient way to enjoy your home. This behavior affirms that things don’t clutter, we clutter. And when we understand why we can make simple changes to improve the quality of our life.

If there are messages from your past that feel like old tapes going through your head, consider the source and realize that no one but you can make judgments on your value. Strive to do your best always and if it feels good to you, keep moving forward.

Last weekend, I had a blast.  It was the first time I experienced whitewater rafting down the Arkansas River!  As I was preparing for this day,  the group coordinator briefed me on what to bring and the survival pieces were pretty minimal. (Note: I’m the only one wearing a helmet!)   It’s amazing how you can enjoy a day without all the extras that we carry around.  Let’s keep that thought in mind as we plan our longer trips over these summer weeks ahead.

Keeping it simple when packing is critical — especially these days when airlines are charging for any overpacking.  I hope this brief article will help you in packing light!   Be safe and have fun!

Pack It Up

How- and how much — you pack can greatly impact your comfort level while on vacation. Follow these tips as you pack your bags.

• Pack light. When in doubt, leave it out! Adopt a European standard for fashion by wearing your favorite things multiple times while on vacation. You can hand-wash in the hotel sink if necessary. No one ever wishes they had brought more stuff on vacation! (But you might consider bringing an empty duffel bag or backpack to cart home souvenirs.)
• If you’re flying, consider taking only a carry-on to save time and frustration upon arrival. If you’re checking luggage, make sure to pack essentials (change of clothing, bathing suit, medications, toiletries, snacks) in a carry-on bag, just in case you’re separated from your checked bags.
• Invest in some handy travel accessories, such as a mini-clothesline, “compression sacs” to compress your clean or dirty clothes, sleep mask, ear plugs, and inflatable neck rest.
• Know the current airline carry-on restrictions by visiting www.faa.gov/ passengers before you go.
• Clean out your wallet before you leave. Take only the bare essentials, such as two major credit cards, ATM card, your driver’s license or state ID, passport (if traveling abroad), health and car insurance cards, and cash or traveler’s checks. Leave all other cards at home.(You can’t lose them if you don’t bring them!)
• Make a photocopy of the front and back of your wallet essentials and stash it in your suitcase or leave it with a trusted friend or relative back home. If you should lose your wallet, you can more easily get replacements. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary in your suitcase in case you misplace your original.

© Articles on Demand.