Posted on April 30, 2018
By Nan Russell
The reality is, effective people are highly productive. Part of that stems from enhanced self-managing skills, but a significant contributor is the way these people think about and use their time. They’re judicious and thoughtful about its use.
As Charles Duhigg, author of Smarter Faster Better puts it, “‘Productivity’ means different things to different people, but at it’s core, it’s about thinking a little more deeply about the choices we make every day.”
To that end, here are some time management and productivity tips to spark your thinking about your own time-use. One of my tips happens to be #18.
26 Helpful Time Management Tips and Techniques
Posted in: It's Not About Time, Tips |
Tagged: better results, increase productivity, increased productivity, It's Not About Time, more productive days, Nan S. Russell, time management tips, tips to increase results |
Posted on March 20, 2018
By Nan Russell
It was a dimly lit restaurant. Still she was dressed in pink, and while I admit it’s hard to tell the gender of babies, clothing color is a reliable clue. So, it surprised me when the waitress began playing with my granddaughter, asking “How old is he?”
Twenty minutes later, that same waitress served our dinners into my daughter-in-law’s lap, spilling the contents of her tray as she approached the table. We made light of the occurrence, assisting her with basic cleanup, but the interaction got me thinking.
In today’s world, too many people are “at work” but not “present.” Preoccupied. Disengaged. Daydreaming. Bored. Text Messaging. Socializing. Whatever. Their bodies are somewhere their mind isn’t. They’re easy to spot as they go about their tasks in a robotic dance of just enough-to-get-by-ness.
These disengaged people seem unaware their present actions carve their future opportunities. They’re surprised when (continue reading →)
Posted in: Tips, Winning at Working |
Tagged: being present, best of self, engagement, getting results, Nan Russell, passing time, passion, Winning at Working |
Posted on November 15, 2017
By Nan Russell
The man in front of me in the breakfast order line at the food court, in one of the busiest airports in the country, wanted a “full” cup of coffee. He kept raising his voice, yelling at the woman to “fill his cup to the top.” His words peppered with angry comments about her not giving him his “money’s worth.”
His voice was loud; his attitude hostile; his words caustic. Despite how rude he was, she remained calm, professional, and polite throughout the challenging encounter. Even from my close vantage point, I didn’t detect a hint of irritation in her demeanor.
People trekking to their gates paused to see what the commotion was. The upheaval, as it appeared to me, was about a person angry over something other than coffee, and taking whatever it was out on a stranger attempting to fulfill his request.
Maybe he couldn’t control what was happening in his life, but he could control how much coffee he got. Who knows? After the fourth time he shouted at her about not satisfying his request for a “full cup of coffee” and accusing her of “stealing his money” by not giving him what he paid for, she glanced my way. Shooting her an encouraging look, her eyes smiled in return.
I’m sure that in that busy airport, this woman gets her share of “crazy people.” But (continue reading →)
Posted in: Tips, Winning at Working |
Tagged: choice, Compassion, crazy people, grace under pressure, holiday stress, Nan Russell, Nan S. Russell, Winning at Working |
Posted on October 19, 2017
By Beth Pelkofsky
I’m a colleague of Nan’s. I sometimes post on Current Musings about work, life and the blending of the two. Last week I found myself driving the winding back roads on the border of Maryland and Pennsylvania. It was that unique time of day when the moon is descending and the sun is rising. It felt eerie and tranquil at the same time. As I pulled into a local diner for breakfast, I saw a few groups of men having coffee through the window. I opened the door and was greeted with “Good Morning what’ll you have, coffee is hot.” In the next hour, I was reminded again and again of the benefits of living in the present. I guess you could say I had one of those ‘ahah’ moments.
So, here are a few of my favorite reminders of how to live in the moment:
- Think of time for what it is – a human concept. The watch on your wrist and the clock on the wall mean nothing to Mother Nature. To her, life is one evolving moment – a perpetual cycle of interdependent impermanence.
- Pay attention to the small things – notice the world around you. Be thankful for the small things like eating ice cream, listening to music, or realizing you have more time to sleep.
- Smile – look in the mirror and smile; it can influence how you feel. It will make you happier and help you appreciate the moment.
- Perform random acts of kindness – selfless acts that help others. One of the easiest lessons for how to live in the moment is to do something for someone else without expecting anything in return.
- Give thanks – Be thankful. Every now and then take stock of just how good you have it. Express your gratitude in the moment when you feel it.
- Don’t worry – much harder to do than it sounds. Worrying today won’t change what happens tomorrow. Every second you spend in worry about the future is a second of the present wasted.
With the constant 24/7 noise bombarding us, sometimes we become weary and distracted without knowing it. Reminders are a great way to get unstuck and moving in the right direction. Whatever that is for you. I know I needed one that morning!
Until next time take good care and be safe out there.
beth
Posted in: Tips |
Tagged: Beth Pelkofsky, don't worry, give thanks, living in the moment, pay attention to the small things, perform random acts of kindness, smile, time |
Posted on August 24, 2016
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s I regularly post to Current Musings. I look forward to sharing real-world insights, tips and practices about work, life and the constant blending of the two. This one has particular significance for me.
My mom would be 97 years old this month if she were still living. I’ve been hearing her in my head a lot lately. Most parents have their favorite phrases, specific expressions and caring ways of guiding their children. I had a bit of an attitude as a youngster. A sarcastic quip earned me a seat on the kitchen chair. Or, I knew I was in trouble when I heard my full name, Elizabeth Regina Bryan, being called. And, this frequent instruction, “It’s not what you’re saying, it is how you are saying it, that bothers me.” Although I didn’t understand that statement then I do now. Often the success of what you’re doing and what you’re saying hinges on the how. You may be thinking, huh?
How You Do What You Do Matters
Think about colleagues and bosses in your career, some use bullying tactics, intimidation and obnoxious styles to manage their workload and teams. They are smart, (continue reading →)
Posted in: Tips, Today's Workplace |
Tagged: Beth Pelkofsky, boss, Brian Tracy, collaboration, colleague, encouragement, genuine, innovative, inspire |
Posted on February 22, 2016
By Nan Russell
There’s a line in the movie Gracie that I love. Gracie is a teenager in the 70s who is competing for a spot on the boy’s high school varsity soccer team. In one scene, dejected and on the verge of giving up, her mother, played by Elizabeth Shue, tells her, “If you want to limit yourself, that’s fine. But don’t let other people do it for you.”
Most of us do an impressive job of impeding our own paths with our detrimental self-talk, minimized confidence, and self-esteem doubts without any help from naysayers. Still, too often we blame those others, not ourselves, for shrinking our dreams, aspirations, and goals. We don’t realize that sticking someone else’s critical words or limiting labels to our life potential is our choice.
It’s easier to let the people who challenge us determine our resolve; easier to relinquish our power to the boss who reviews us, believing somehow what she says we’re capable of achieving or not achieving is truth, not opinion. And it’s easier to apply societal headlines that equate money or title or possessions with personal value, than to establish what matters for our own lives.
It’s true that piercing words, harsh feedback, or demeaning critics can diminish our courage or cause us to change direction. That’s why in this age of instant messaging, anonymous blog ramblings, and self-appointed “experts,” thick skin is a prerequisite for anyone who wants to be winning at working.
In virtually every work situation you face, there will be 30 percent of people who (continue reading →)
Posted in: Tips, Winning at Working |
Tagged: beliefs, critique, feedback, grow thicker skin, Nan Russell, positive feedback, self-talk, thick skin, Winning at Working |
Posted on February 17, 2016
By Beth Pelkofsky
I’m a colleague of Nan’s. I regularly post here about work, life and sometimes the blending of the two.
On average Americans work 47 hours a week. Yet, according to a recent Gallup Poll – only 32% of workers are engaged at work. Plus, to some work is an unpleasant four-letter word. We spend more than a third of our day where we aren’t engaged. So, what to do about it?
I went looking for ideas and inspiration. Here’s what I discovered from a few successful entrepreneurs and respected thinkers – the biggest index for success is – find something you believe in and love to do.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer
“Really getting to do what you love to do everyday–that’s really the ultimate luxury. And particularly when you get to do it with terrific people around you.” – Warren Buffet 
“You have to really love and believe in what you’re doing. I think that’s the most important thing. If you start to build something … it’s hard and you encounter a lot of challenges. If you don’t completely love and believe in what you’re doing, it actually ends up being the rational thing for you to stop doing it or succumb to some of the challenges, because there will be huge challenges that you face …” – Mark Zuckerberg
“Believe in your instincts, and (continue reading →)
Posted in: Tips, Today's Workplace |
Tagged: beliefs, believe, challenges, engaged, entrepeneurs, happiness, love, respected thinkers, success, trust, work |
Posted on November 24, 2015
By Beth Pelkofsky
I’m a colleague of Nan’s. I regularly post here about work, life and sometimes the merging of the two. In the next several days many of us will be thinking about the people, the places and the things we’re thankful for as we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. What we may not realize is, being thankful throughout the year can have tremendous health benefits for us and it is free! This week, I did some fact-finding* and research* on why it is healthy to practice gratitude every day. I thought I would share it here.
So, what is gratitude? Why is it healthy? And, how do you practice it?
According to Merriam-Webster it is a feeling of thankfulness.
Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at the University of California at Davis, a leading researcher in a growing field, called (continue reading →)
Posted in: Life, Tips |
Tagged: appreciation, attitude of gratitude, creative, gratitude, health, journal, life, optimistic, relationships, sleep, stress, thanksgiving |
Posted on October 27, 2015
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s I often post here about work and sometimes life. During the past several weeks, I’ve been reconnecting with an old friend and colleague*. We’ve both had our share of life happen moments in the past decade. And, as we sat discussing some of the highs and lows of our lives; I realized how much I had missed her.
Life Happen moments can be those we choose like buying a car, getting married, having children, or ones we don’t like a death of a family member or close friend, unexpected accidents, losing a job. All change our lives. Yet those we don’t choose, often sap our energy, self-esteem and beliefs, leaving us lost and confused. So today, I thought I’d share a few of our life lessons:
Be Curious – Remember back when you were a child and nearly every sentence began with why. And remember Curious George and his exciting adventures. Start with that wonder and inquisitiveness.
Not Helpful – Your thoughts are spiraling out of control. Imagining all the what ifs. You’re stuck. Try saying these four words – This Is Not Helpful – like a mantra. It is simple and it works.
Don’t Label It – The second you label something good (continue reading →)
Posted in: Life, Tips |
Tagged: beliefs, Beth Pelkofsky, change, curious, difference, label, life, life happens, not helpful, sense, wonder |
Posted on September 14, 2015
By Beth Pelkofsky
As a colleague of Nan’s I often post here about work and sometimes life. She is on vacation this week, so I offered to write about a recent experience I had. During the summer months I was invited to several large gatherings of friends and family. And, as conversations moved from topic to topic I began to notice a common thread when talk centered on work. There was an overall pall of negativity, a description of constant finger-pointing and general complaining of what’s happening in our workplaces. Perhaps, this sounds familiar? So, what can YOU do about it? Here are 5 ways to trump negativity:
- You know those days when everything is going well and you run across that irritable, grumpy person and somehow their mood gets to yours. Your mood is contagious. Your anger, frustration or poor example can rub off on others, too – causing a bit of a domino affect. Likewise, so can your passion, enthusiasm and creativity. Think of your words and actions like germs. They are highly infectious. Model contagious behaviors that ignite and bring the best of yourself to your work and life. And, then watch what happens.
- “Just for today I will be agreeable … I won’t find fault with anything, nor try to improve or regulate anybody but myself.” – Al-Anon. Watch what you do and listen to what you say. [This is harder than you think.]
- Ideas are everywhere. We are bombarded with audio and visual information almost 24/7. Observe what (continue reading →)
Posted in: Tips, Today's Workplace |
Tagged: Al-Anon, Beth Pelkofsky, contagious, critic, energy, enthusiasm, fan, inspiration, negativity, trump, workplaces |
