A Nifty Time Management Tool

Ever been driving and want to make a note to yourself? How about that moment when you forgot to send an e mail to someone in the office and now all you have is your mobile phone and it doesn't do e mail? What if you wanted to communicate something to every key member in your office immediately but don't have access to e mail? Do I have the answer for you!

I found a free (yes, free) service called Jott (www.jott.com) that allows you to call an 800 number and record a message to yourself. Instantly, an e mail and/or text message is sent to you. You can also create lists of key people in your life and when you call the number, give their name, and then leave a message. The e mail and/or text message sent will have the audio attached in addition to the transcription (text) of your message.

Try it today. It's wonderful!

Realizations During A One Ring Intermission

I had the opportunity to spend some time with an old friend today. He was just beaming! He was always a positive guy, but today he seemed even more enthusiastic than ever. A few minutes into the conversation, one of the reasons for his new found zeal became clear-he had been on an intermission with one of his rings.

In July his position at a company had been cut. Out of work since that time, he had engaged in more quality time with his family and took more time for himself. He said that he had been spending so much time on work that he just didn't realize what he had been missing in the other areas of his life. He said, "After my time off from work, I look at people differently. I see what was lacking and have taken steps to find more fulfillment." Wow!!! All that, and he still doesn't have a job!

With his "work ring intermission" now almost over, he plans to keep many of these "new acts" in his lineup even after he returns to a regular work schedule.

What would an intermission reveal to you?

A Great Quote About Focus

For those of you struggling with focus today, here's a quote to get back on track with your lineup:

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

-Teddy Roosevelt

Feedback on Juggling Elephants Training Program

We talk alot about people's response to the book, but don't often highlight what people are saying about the training. Here's one we got this week:

I sat front row for your Juggling Elephants presentation at the Teacher's Institute on Oct 5 . Totally enjoyed what you had to share. Practical, entertaining, logical. Thanks again!

Getting Your Family's "Acts" Together

In today's Wall Street Journal there is an interesting article entitled The 7 Minute Sprint. The focus of the article is about hiring a family coach to help tame the tornado-like atmosphere in many homes. The article identifies several simple strategies families can use to create a more organized and pleasant home environment. The biggest tip-teamwork.

As we say in Juggling Elephants, Every performer must be fully engaged if the act is to be successful. That's true whether it's an organization, work team or family.

How could you work differently with the members of your family today to minimize the Juggling Elephants routine around your home?