JOINING susand @ THIS DAY...(JUST CLICK THE ABOVE TO JOIN WITH US)   Her challenge:Quest for 25 photos even though the calendar is full; let's NOT miss photo opportunities; make sure you're in at least a few photos; may not get every single one; but, give it a try. The list is in the right sidebar:

DO YOU FIND THIS TIME OF YEAR MORE STRESSFUL? I KNOW THAT YOU DO!

AVOID TIME MANAGEMENT MISTAKES (and some bulleted 'helps')

1. NOT using “To-Do” Lists...to remedy see bullets
·          Write down needs / goals
o         Have calendar in hand to help in scheduling BIGGER projects/tasks
·          Attach a due date to each item
o         Break large tasks into actionable steps/timeframes – reduces something important being overlooked

2. Not Prioritizing (i need to get better at this)

· Identify activities for focus on reaching goals

o Assign importance/critical (high-value/high priority)

o Assign urgency (low-value/fill-in/low priority) (from http://www.mindtools.com/ )

3. Mis-Managing Distractions (VERY HELPFUL)

· Two-Minute Rule (specifically handling email)
Peruse emails... Quick-read, and short-answer messages:

take care of it right now (those take < two minutes ...reading and storing the task away "to do later" takes longer than it would to just take care of the task now.)

emails taking > two minutes to read or respond schedule time on your calendar to handle; add this as an action on your To-Do List with a due date

o highlight, flag, or star messages needing a response…utilize handy email features

o NOTE: APPLY the 2-min rule on many distractions:

§ colleagues in a “crisis”

§ phone calls

§ any distractions preventing your achievements

· gain control / do best work

· turn off IM chat

· tell people if they're distracting you too often

· start with a good breakfast

· drink plenty of water throughout the day

· Don't multitask

· listen to music if it helps you concentrate.

4. Procrastinating

· Jump on in

· Start on a project for ten minutes.

o break large projects into manageable steps (may need to be another item on the ‘to do” list/calendar entry

· complete small chunks at a time brings better success