Artful Thinking

Nugget: “It’s enough for you to do it once for a few men to remember you. But if you do it year after year, then many people remember you and they tell it to their children, and their children and grandchildren remember and, if it concerns books, they can read them. And if it’s good enough, it will last as long as there are human beings.”~ Ernest Hemingway

Reflection drill: So you just can’t find the time. Is that what you’re saying?

Why it matters: You never will find the time for anything. If you want it, you must make it. Go to your calendar and block it out now.

“One of these days” is none of these days. Make a decision today by writing a start date into your calendar.

Thinking drill: What’s one thing in your career that you want to do but have put off for lack of time?

What one thing do you wish you could get to?

What haven’t you found the time for? What’s it really worth to you?

What’s your take away?

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Nugget: “There are only 3 colors, 10 digits, and 7 notes; its what we do with them that’s important.”~ Ruth Ross

Reflection drill: Prevent interruptions BEFORE they occur.

Think ahead. Provide the necessary answers before the questions become interruptions.

Why it matters: Don’t create your own interruptions. Prevent interruptions before they start by making sure everyone knows what they’re suppose to be doing ahead of time.

Thinking Drill: Have you told everyone all they need to know to perform their tasks without interrupting you today?

Who interrupts you the most? What do they want most often?

Wouldn’t it be helpful to create a new checklist to make sure all the necessary information is passed along properly?

What’s your take away?

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Nugget: “It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.”~ Roy Disney

Reflection drill: Check your mission compass. Align today’s direction with your top 10 core personal values. Have you put it in writing yet?

Create a file called “most important” and begin a list before you leave today. This list will give clarity to your life and establish firm standards for you to live by.

Why it matters: If you haven’t written down what’s most important to you, at least find the time today to start the list. This will be the most time-productive thing you’ll ever do.

Thinking drill: Where’s your list right now? Is it updated and complete?

Don’t you agree that putting what’s important on paper is the first step toward making it a reality?

The paper and pencil are calling you.

What’s your take away?

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Nugget: “It’s how we spend our time here and now, that really matters. If you are fed up with the way you have come to interact with time, change it.”~ Wieder Marcia

Reflection drill: Focus on just ONE prime role at a time. What’s the status of each of your roles right now?

Keep a current list of all your major roles, and review the current status of each before choosing which role to focus on next. The most important role is the one where you can make the greatest positive difference right now.

Why it matters: You have a responsibility to all of your roles. When you have a choice, either choose your #1 most important role or focus on the role which needs your personal attention the most right now.

Thinking drill: Which one of your roles is most in need of your personal attention right now?

Which, if any, of your roles is currently suffering from neglect?

Given the time and place, which of your major roles is always playing “second fiddle?” Is that OK?

What’s your take away?

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What’s your take away?

Nugget: “Neither can the wave that has passed by be recalled, nor the hour which has passed return again.”~ Ovid

Reflection drill: Get fully engaged quickly or get out gracefully. Do you know the secret of KISS?

Short, simple and to the point. Anything else is the kiss of death for your next meeting.

Why it matters: KISS – Keep It Short and Simple. A short agenda leads to a focused and successful meeting.

Thinking Drill:
Could this week’s meetings have been shorter? Why weren’t they?

Would your meetings become more productive if you reduced the number of items on the agenda?

How long is the agenda for your next meeting? Can you shorten it?

What’s your take away?

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Nugget: “When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing, then we truly live life.”~ Greg Anderson

Reflection Drill: Clearly define the MOST desired outcome possible. Want to rise above the crowd?

Your life … your choice. Define what you want, now!

Why it matters: Take control. Refuse to trudge along without aim or direction. Set goals to create direction and purpose for each of your roles.

Thinking Drill:
Do you want more control over your life right now?

Have you set and reviewed your short and long-term goals today?

Which of your dreams require action on your part today?

What’s your take away?

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Nugget: “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right!”~ Henry Ford

Reflection drill: Use FEAR as a call to immediate ACTION. Conquer that fear by expanding your comfort zone. Are you ready to wrestle your demons?

Whenever fear rears its ugly head, ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen here?” FDR was right, you know. “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”

Why it matters: Confront your fear head on. Take the sting out of it, then start acting to eliminate it. Nothing robs your energy as fast as fear.

Thinking Drill:

What’s the one item on today’s schedule you fear most? What’s one thing you can do to confront that fear right now?

Where does your biggest fear live?

What scares you most on tomorrow’s agenda? Are you willing to make a pact with yourself to tackle it first?

What’s your take away?

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Nugget: Stop trying to be the solitary crusader. Even Batman had Robin.

Reflection Drill: Bring out the best in everyone. Are you trying to be the “Suffering Hero?”

Why it matters: No one can do it all. And why would you want to? There is so much to be gained from others when you work together.

Thinking Drill: Is there something inside that keeps you from asking for help? How can you overcome this?

Have you ever described yourself as the “suffering hero,” someone who has to “do it all myself”?

Whose cooperation could you seek today to help you with a difficult project?

What’s your take away?

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