Go Scoop Some Poop!!!

Ever had one of those days when you wish all you had to do was scoop the poop of the elephants from the circus? Think about the virtues of the job. Very little need for mental engagement (no disrespect to those who do the job) and you never take your work home with you (well, maybe some on your boots or your work clothes.) No mental stress, no long meetings... just you, a shovel, and the smell of poop.

I have days where I would love to be a pooper scooper. I need the mental release and the physical activity. Since I don't have a circus close by I normally chop wood, pick up sticks in the yard, rake leaves, work in the garden or flower bed or any number of other things. If I am in the office I might stand up and rearrange the books in my bookcase or just take a quick walk. The requirement is that the activity can not require a large amount of mental focus. What I am actually doing in those moments is taking a "mental intermission." Today's knowledge workers need these types of intermissions more than ever. Failure to have some "poop scooping" moments just adds to the stress overload.

What's on your "poop scooping" list that helps you recharge your mental energy?

Go Get It!

Leonardo Da Vinci was a genius on so many levels. Each time I read, hear or see something about his brilliance I am reminded of the capabilities of the human mind. And then I start rationalizing that only people like him could ever come up with new ideas or dream up solutions to complex problems.

But if I am honest with myself, part of the secret to his genius was simply his will to seek solutions instead of being content with the status quo. I came across a quote that I had not seen before by Da Vinci which reads: It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.

As the new year is upon us, where do you need to be more proactive than reactive? What are you facing that might require some Da Vinci-like searching? Here's are some general questions to get you started:

• What would happen if I ___________________ instead of always ________________?
• If I don't want ______________________, then I should be working on _______________.
• A discovery I need to make this (week, month, year) that would be of tremendous benefit to me would be ___________________________. And I could start looking for it (at, in) __________________________________.

We may not create a design for a flying machine or a specialized boat, but we may come up with some solutions that will improve our work flow or success in our personal endeavors. Something that might reduce the stress of having too much to do. And that's something worth exploring at any period in history.

The Show Must Go On

A new year begins. Time to once again put together "the greatest show on earth," or in other words, create a work environment and personal life that gets a standing ovation from everyone-including yourself.

You will have set backs and times when you are overwhelmed. You will be faced with failure and challenges this year. It is during these times that you will be tempted to "check out," "go with the flow" or give up on your dream. But don't!

It is the daily planning, the art of pushing yourself and continual execution that will make you successful this year. Call it the routine of success. Your circus is only as good as your next performance-so get dressed, it is time to make 2011 a year to remember!

Give Time Not Just Gifts - Again

We probably have written a blog about giving the gift of time, this time of the year, for every year that we have been writing blogs. But it is a principle worth repeating over and over again.

The gift of time is probably the most prized gift that you can give your friends and family this holiday season. Ask a parent who doesn't see their children or grandchildren regularly. Ask a child who would love to play a game with their father or read a story with their mother. Ask a young couple who has been apart for an extended period of time. Time spent together is precious. Build in time together as a part of your holiday plans. The good news is that is isn't expensive and the memory of that time together will last forever.

Tip For Holiday Eating

Few of us are immune to overeating during the holidays. The food is just so good! Well, if you struggle to control your eating, maybe you should just think about over indulging in your favorite food. Don't believe it? See the research from Carnegie Mellon University in the latest issue of Science.

Here's how it works. You imagine yourself eating the food that normally causes you to overindulge-a favorite dessert or main course. As you imagine eating lots of it, your mind begins a process of habituation-getting conditioned to the food-and therefore losing the desire to continue eating it. According to the article, a similar process occurs when you are exposed to bright lights or bad smells-you just get used to them. The emotion is initially high, but it is lost as the stimulus stays with you over time.

The authors describe the process as a type of motivation, or "mind over stomach." You are satisfying a desire mentally instead of physically. Then, when you are presented with the actual food, you eat less of it.

The process sounds reasonable. The one catch is that it is food specific-you have to imagine yourself eating the specific food on which you normally overindulge (I'm calling all my friends now to ask them what they plan to serve).

Happy mental eating!