25 Simple Steps To Make Your Life Easier...And Get More Done in a Day (Updated)

Category (key words): Self Help, Personal Growth, Time Management
Web Sites: http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html and http://www.myspace.com/writercraig
Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles.htmln(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, 'spiritual writings' (how 'airey-fairey'), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig!)

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We share what we know, so that we all may grow."n n *
25 Simple Steps to Make your Life Easier...nand Get More Done in a Day (Updated)

A few words of "intro"...

I believe the key to effective time management is having a PLAN.
Once you have done that, communicate your plans to others ninvolved in your life (those nearest and dearest to you), or nthose people working with you in business. * n
25* Simple Steps to Make your Life Easier and Get More Done in a
Day: n n* or 26n
1. Prioritise your goals. Set up the following:n n* A weekly plan: Plan for a week at a time.n n* A 'don't forget' list.n n* A 'what now' list.

2. Focus on the important things - the things that really matter nto you. n
3. Throw out irrelevant bits of paper.

4. No matter what pressure you are under, try to control your nstress level at all times. n
5. Control interruptions (even a 'closed door' policy is not a nbad thing). n
6. Don't procrastinate.

7. Prepare a reminder list of essential details.

8. Plan to get the routine tasks out of the way as quickly as npossible. n
9. Develop routines. Ask yourself this question: can any n(procedures) be eliminated or speeded up? n
10. Focus on one task at a time.

N.B: OOPS another "10", but I'm not going to re-number, so take nit as a "bonus" hint. "Lazy bones"! n
10. Pat yourself on the back each day by reviewing your naccomplishments. n
11. Self monitor and self evaluate your progress on the way to nyour goals. n
12. Set and keep deadlines for yourself and others (Don't
"interrupt" yourself). n
13. Learn to say "no" to others' demands.

14. Slow down for success.

15. Distinguish the really urgent from the seemingly urgent.
Sort out low priority work. Put it aside for later or eliminate nit totally. n
16. Encourage others to get to the point on the telephone or at nmeetings. Without being too rude, of course! n
Waffle less (I love 'em), yourself!

17. Respond less formally, but with more speed, eg. a nhand-written compliments slip rather than a typed letter. n
18. Make time for yourself to relax; because this recharges the nbatteries. I must be running on Dura(not ex)Cells. All donations nfor free advertising gratefully received by a povertystricken n(is that all?) writer! n
19. Delegate for success. Ask yourself the question: Is this nonly something I can do? If not, to whom can the work be nappropriately assigned? Is this person prepared now, or does nhe/she need further instruction to complete the task nefficiently? n
20. Provide clear and realistic expectations. Keep only the npaper you need on your desk (if you are lucky enough to have a ndesk, that is!). Clear out irrevelant files. A tidy mind is an neffective mind, but tidy desks are really rarely creative. Thank ngoodness I have an excuse then! n
21. Communicate clearly to your sub-ordinates and co-workers.
Hard if you are at the bottom of the barrel, like me! Get nmessages across clearly the first time. n
22. Set aside time to mentally regroup, to think and to plan.
Very important. Review progress regularly to see which plans are nworking and which ones aren't. Work with individual players and nset aside time for individuals. Remember everyone is a unique nindividual with their own needs. n
23. Have direction. Believe in yourself and what you are trying nto accomplish. Review your skills periodically and pat yourself non the back with your progress to date. n
24. Have a strong belief in yourself and in YOUR ability to nmanage your time. n
25. Have an even stronger belief in God, a Higher Power, a
Supreme Being, Infinite Source, Your Creator, Who wants what is nbest for you in living a stress-free, productive and joy-filled nlife. n
MANAGE YOUR TIME AND YOU MANAGE YOUR LIFE.

I hope that these hints may be helpful to you.

"Let your bright light shine on the world
It's YOUR time to shine... nto celebrate all that's best and brightest in your life.
Live, love and be happy"

Craig Lock (Eagle Productions Books)

About the author:
Craig likes to share knowledge and insights with dashes of humour to try and help others nin 'every little way' he can - especially to help people feel better about themselves (and their lives)... nwithout being too much of a "Mr goody-goody boring two shoes nutty psychiatrist in a white coat" n(as he's lost the other one). nhttp://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html nhttp://www.craiglockbooks.com

The various books that "Craig felt inspired to write" are available at:nhttp://www.myspace.com/writercraignwww.lulu.com/craiglock and http://www2.webng.com/write
z/books.html

Uplifting, encouraging and empowering people through the power of words and thought energy. Change YOUR world and you change THE world."

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Don't worry about the world ending today...nas it's already tomorrow in little scenic and tranquil New Zealandnnn nn