Monthly Archives: January 2010

A simple, three-step process to give a GREAT Valentine’s gift this year

Posted on January 2010 | Leave a comment

Pssst…Valentine’s Day is in a couple of weeks. In our electronic age, you may consider handwritten notes old-fashioned and outdated. But that’s the beauty of them. Giving a heartfelt note is something completely different and unexpected.

You can tell your loved ones (significant others, parents, children, grandparents, friends) how much you care about them in three steps that fit easily into your schedule. Reprinted from February 2009 newsletter

Happy Writing!

Step One
The first week of February:

  • Set aside at least 15 – 20 minutes of uninterrupted time. Schedule more time during the week if needed.
  • Jot down the names of your loved ones.
  • For each person on your list, quickly write down one or two of their favorite traits, habits or quirks. That includes a wacky sense of humor, making your favorite meal when you’re feeling down, being a good listener, or showing kindness to others.

Step Two
Over the weekend:

  • Buy a card for each person, or buy enough blank notecards for everyone on your list.

Step Three
The second week of February:

Set aside at least half an hour of uninterrupted time. For each bullet point below, use as many sentences as you need to express yourself fully. This is your note, so develop it as you like. Combine sentences, add traits, reminisce — The choice is yours.

Begin with Dear [insert name],

  • Describe what you like about that trait(s) or action(s).
    >  I love hearing you laugh when we watch television together.
    >  My favorite times are when we get into great conversations while we’re cooking dinner.
    >  No matter how busy you are, I appreciate the way you always take time to listen to me.
  • Tell them how the trait/action makes you feel.
    >  I feel so safe when you hug me after a rough day at work.
    >  My heart feels so full when I watch you pray with my grandmother at the nursing home.
    >  I feel so flattered when you brag about me to your father.
  • Offer a thank you or encouragement to your loved one.
    >  Thank you for loving me as you do.
    >  I am blessed to have you in my life.
    >  How did I get so lucky to have a daughter like you?

Finally, close your message with “Be My Valentine” or “I Love You” or whatever you’re comfortable with…then sign your name.

That’s it! You’ve just given your loved one the most personal gift ever:  A message tailored especially for him or her.

Never underestimate the power of simplicity. Consider offering your note with a single rose.

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Posted in communication, etiquette, interpersonal communication, writing

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Tips and Tools for Your 2010 Life Design

Posted on January 2010 | Leave a comment

Happy New Year! I won’t ask if you made any resolutions. On December 31, I’ll just ask if you kept your resolutions. That seems to be the hard part for everyone!

Personally, I don’t make resolutions. I try to evaluate throughout the year and adjust as needed. However, I’m all in favor of celebrating a new year — Here are a few items I’ve come across recently that may help you in 2010:

Tracking Your Progress
You can track just about anything with Daytum.com. Diet, exercise, creating a new habit, etc. I’ve been tracking a few items since mid-December. Click here to check out my data. While I’ll be making some changes to this list, I wanted to show you a few ways to use the display tools.

The first five or six displays are free. After that, there’s a small monthly charge to add more.

Healthy Digestion
About 70 percent of your immune system lives in your gut, so keeping your digestive tract on-track is key in staying healthy. Here’s a simple tip: Don’t eat a protein with a starch.

Proteins use acidic enzymes (pepsin) for digestion, while starches use alkaline enzymes. When you eat a protein and starch together, the enzymes neutralize each other and don’t allow you to fully digest your food.

The result is digestive stress such as gas, heartburn, cramps, bloating, constipation and more. Allergies have even been attributed to improper food combining.

Online you can find plenty of information on food combining, or trophology. Here’s a chart to give you a quick overview of different foods.

Managing Your Priorities and Your Time
I love Julie Morgenstern’s book, Time Management from the Inside Out. I try to read it at least once a year to help me regroup. This book takes even the most time-challenged of us from basic tasks to defining priorities to designing the life you want.

For 2010, I’m moving two important things in my life — Creativity and Learning — to mornings. Mornings are my “peak times,” and I like getting an early start on the day.

Previously, I tried being creative and learning new things in the early evening, which was frustrating because I’m generally tired and ready to relax by then. This one change has given me a surprising amount of energy and focus for the day!

Can you make one small change in your schedule to get an energy boost when you need it most?

The Pareto Principle (or the 80/20 Rule)
I’m rereading Living the 80/20 Way by Richard Koch. You know how it works:  80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Topics include “Focus on Your Best 20 Percent,” Enjoy Work and Success,” and “Relationships the 80/20 Way.”

Productivity
The #1 rule of productivity is:  Do every task only once. Do-overs are great on the playground, but not at work.

Do you have any tips or tools to help manage your time, keep you focused or give you energy? Share them! Click “leave a comment” at the top of this post.

Here’s to a successful 2010!

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Posted in books, creativity, learning, reading, Uncategorized

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