Planning and Doing

What is more important, planning or doing? You can create a great plan but if you don't execute that plan then there isn't a lot of value to the plan. You can do a lot of "stuff" but if the stuff isn't part of a plan then typically you are getting nowhere fast. Planning and doing are equally important as you strive to accomplish what is most important to you.

But how many times do we wake up in the morning and just dive into a lot of activities without an end in mind? Do you ever sit down at work and start checking email and find out that 3 hours later you have accomplished nothing but cleaning out your inbox of junk?

On the other hand, what about the dreams, goals and projects that you have laid out and yet have found yourself afraid to take the first step. The little voice inside your head tells you that you don't have time, that you are too old, too bald or not smart enough. The plan just sits on a piece of paper or in the back of your mind gathering dust.

Create a plan, write it down and then do it! It doesn't matter whether it is a plan of what you are going to accomplish today or the plans for the business that you are going to start - begin with a plan and then get started. Planning and doing are both critical elements that go hand in hand. Plan your work and work your plan.

The Most Disengaged Performer

Who's the most disengaged performer in your circus? Chances are their disengagement is limiting your ability to be successful in more than just one ring in your circus. If it's a coworker or employee, you probably find yourself distracted even when you aren't at work, trying to figure out some way to improve the situation. If it's a family member, your focus at work is interrupted as you reflect on what could be causing the discord. It may also be affecting your physical or mental energy to deal with other "acts" in your circus. Today, why not take a few moments and reflect on who may not be performing well in your circus. Then, make it a priority to do something to improve the situation. Remember, it's affecting more of your performance than you want to acknowledge-and you have too many other elephants to juggle right now to allow this one to drop on you.

What Have You Done For YOU Lately?

You have probably heard the question "What have you done for me lately?" It might have been a frustrated response to a neglected "relationship ring" or it could have been a statement made by an employee or employer. But, we tend to be a little more worried about our relationships and whether or not we are taking care and doing things for those around us.

But what about taking care of and doing for yourself? What have you done for YOU lately? It really is easy to get caught up in our relationship and work rings and forget about our self ring. We talked about sleep in our last blog. How is your diet? Are you eating healthy foods? How about exercise? When was the last time that you stretched your brain? If you think about it, your body and mind are the tools which will enable you to accomplish those things that matter the most to you as well as enjoy the time that you have in life.

Schedule a check up from a doctor, get up and go for a walk, eat more fruits and veggies and less junk food, go see the dentist, read a book, work on a puzzle or difficult problem, zip up your overcoat and be sure to get enough sleep. Take care of you because you are the only you that you have got!

Sleeping Well?

If you are like most people, the answer is "No." According to an annual sleep in America poll, 60% of respondents experience sleep problems every night or almost every night. That's alot of people! The study also highlighted how 90% of people use some type of tech device with a screen one hour or less before going to bed. They highlighted the effect that electronic screens have on alertness and how they actually inhibit sleepiness.

Getting a good night's sleep MUST be a major act for your self ring. Too many people try to deny it and end up limiting their success in one or more of their other rings. What's so frustrating is that next to "how to eat well" we know so much about how to get a good night's sleep. But, I'm as guilty as everyone else in not always following best sleep practices. So to remind myself (and maybe you too) of what I need to do to better insure a good night's sleep, here's my list of things to help increase the chances of getting better rest:

• Don't eat anything less than two hours before bedtime. If you must eat something, choose fresh fruit like bananas, grapes or an orange.
• Get things worked out. Don't go to bed with unresolved conflict with a child or spouse. If you can't get the issue to a level that will let you rest easy, get up and write out your thoughts. Then look back over them before actually talking with the person about the situation.
• Laugh. I must confess that one way I find to relax before turning in is to find an old episode of "America's Funniest Home Videos" and just laugh and chuckle for about 15 minutes. Even if the video is only moderately funny, the old hairstyles, etc. are enough to make you laugh. Yes, I know it's looking at a "technical device." But I limit myself to 15 minutes or less.
• Fresh linens. Hang your bedspread outside for the day or even drape it across a chair on your porch for a few hours. The fresh smell is extremely relaxing. You probably can't wash your sheets almost every day, but you can put on a clean pillow case more often-and let the fresh smell move you toward sleep.
• Get some fresh air. I find that going outside and removing myself from all the distractions in the house for a few moments helps me unplug. Make it a habit before going to bed. A few deep cleansing breaths are good as well.
• Read something positive or at least something you enjoy reading. Read with your child or even spouse. Listening to someone read-regardless of age-can make you sleepy.
• Get physical exercise earlier in the day. Too many people go to bed mentally exhausted but physically "wound up."
• Plan tomorrow before you go to bed. Make your list and plan your strategy. Don't let your mind try to do it while you sleep.
• Seek professional help. If you believe the problems to sleeping well run deeper, don't be afraid to seek assistance. Remember how you felt the last time you got a good night's sleep? Wouldn't it be good to feel that way more often?

And lastly, kiss your spouse! I can't put my hands on the research now, but I remember reading somewhere that people who consistently kissed their spouse goodnight before turning in actually slept better than those who didn't.

Planned or Spontaneous Praise

It seems that planned praise, especially when it is an agenda item, is so much easier to execute. But, is it the most effective? Storing up recognition for the "right moment" or for when you have a scheduled meeting to take care of it can remove the opportunity to catch someone off guard and truly express your feelings of gratitude.

Don't wait for the awards banquet, don't wait for the annual review, don't wait until you are at your daughter's wedding. Take the time now to say, "Thank you, I appreciate all that you do and have noticed your fine work you have done." Write a note, stop them in the hall or pick up the phone and make a quick call. There probably is someone on your mind right now that you know you should acknowledge - don't wait, don't hesitate, tell them now. This moment in time might be when THEY need to hear your appreciation the most.