Managing Lots of Tasks and To dos?

Ok, remember how I was shocked to know that the whole world didn't know about Jott.com? Well in order to keep you fine people up to speed on other cool resources, I'm going to share one that's awesome for managing tasks, especially when you feel like you are overwhelmed with lots of different types of tasks. www.TaDaList.com is a free, online application, (is application the right word there?), anyway, for listing out all of your tasks. You can create numerous lists under different category headings, and can email yourself or others the lists, which keeps things even easier of course! This can work great if you're delegating tasks to an assistant, because the entire list can be emailed off, versus, in Microsoft Outlook for example, where you can only email individual tasks... Who wants an inbox that's likely already overflowing with to dos, to be flooded with more to dos from the boss' task list? Basically, it's a great little tool for housing all kinds of to dos, that can help unload your brain of all the tasks you're storing... Remember- your brain is for thinking and creating new ideas, and not for storage!! Check it out!

Simple Tips to Cut Back on Paper Clutter

It's insane how much paper comes into our world on a daily basis... In fact, research shows there's 50% more paper in offices today, than there was just 10 years ago. The ironic thing is that just 10 years ago, our electronic world of communicating wasn't half as prevalent as it is today- so knowing how much all of us depend on email, attachments and google, you would think we would have nearly paperless offices... Ah, but there's that lovely little printer connected to our electronic world, making it that much easier to create even MORE paper.
Bottom line- we need to be very stringent about what we're allowing to occupy desk and file space in our offices. If you're one of those people who just keeps things because it's easier than taking the time to make the decision on whether or not to toss it- read on my friend!
When unsure of what papers to keep and what to throw out, consider these simple points:

• Is it information you could easily get again if you had to?
• Can you define a specific reason why you would you need the information again?
• Is the information even current anymore?
• Are there any tax or legal implications if you don't have the paper?
• What's the worse case scenario if you get rid of the paper?

Running through these questions, or even just a couple of them, usually ignites someone to confidently toss information without batting an eye... Oh, and did I mention these same points apply to all that email you're getting? Try it and watch as information overload slowly fades away and enables you to work on what's more essential in your life!

Staying Focused when You're Tired!

So I'm having one of those Fridays where I'm just feeling a little lazy and unmotivated... I have plenty to do, but just don't feel like doing it. What's my problem? Well I think we all get in these moods and have dips of energy in our day. Unfortunately, my advice to you is not to just give in and take a nap, OR to just keep forcing yourself to slowing push through your tasks...Here's what I suggest when you want to manage your time and get more done, all while fighting a lack of energy...

If you're in an office with other employees, step away from your desk and take a brisk walk, maybe 5 minutes, (outside if it's not 110 degrees like it is here), and take in some big deep breaths.

If you're working from a home office, blast one of your favorite songs and dance around for 5 minutes. Yes- I'm totally serious here... I just did it in fact, and I feel like I had a shot of espresso...(ok, that would be a little too hyper considering I don't really do coffee). I played Natasha Bedingfield's brand new song and danced around... I have some cool moves! (ha ha)

Anyway, bottom line- when you're really struggling for energy or motivation, step away, take some deep breaths and move! You know what, even if you're in an office with others, I say dance around, but just play your favorite song a little quieter... I'm serious! You can teach others by example!!

Bad Memory? Say goodbye to forgetting things...

Ok, so I've known about this cool tool for over a year now, but was at a seminar last night, (on blogging actually), and one of the speakers mentioned this exciting tool that I'm going to tell you about and people's jaw's dropped to the ground with awe... I was sitting there thinking, duh-old news! Point is, I have a REALLY awesome tool to tell you about...
Jott.com:

• Leave yourself messages and get a transcribed email of what you said
• Leave messages for others and they receive a transcribed email of what you said, as do you

So just think, you're driving down the road and something you suddenly remember you have to do pops in your head- call Jott, (I have it on speed dial), and "jott" yourself a message.
Watch for an email within 15 minutes, and then plug that reminder into your well organized, effectively managed task list. Ok, I know- one thing at a time.
Check it out and tell a friend! It has saved a lot of my clients, a lot of stress!