October
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is
breaking your complex
overwhelming tasks into manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.
-Mark Twain
Time Management
Have you ever wished for a few more hours in the day? Why is it that some
people seem to get everything done
effortlessly and others feel that time constantly eludes them? The secret to
managing your time well isn’t
working more hours. The secret is working smarter, not harder. It is about
prioritizing the important things and
learning to use the time you have more efficiently and effectively.
Some of us, by nature, organize and get tasks out of the way before we relax,
while others of us play first and
work later. It is important to first recognize which type you are and whether
your style is allowing you to have the
life you really want. Maybe you are super-organized at work, but burned out
because you don’t know how to
make time for yourself. Maybe you are naturally a less organized person who
knows how to relax, but you are
dissatisfied because you aren’t fulfilling your goals and dreams.
Rather than labeling yourself or beating yourself up, realize that time
management is an area of your life that
you can strengthen. Like a new muscle, it takes practice and repetition to make
it stronger. To help you get
started, here are some steps to streamline your days at work and at home. Try
the first one or two that jump out
at you:
• Allocate time for planning and organizing.
• Create to-do lists that are realistic, not intimidating. Use only one to-do
list.
• Under-schedule your time: leave time for the unexpected and for interruptions.
When you estimate how
long something will take, add on 1/3 of that time.
• Schedule your time in a way that reduces interruptions that lower your
productivity.
• Practice the art of intelligent neglect: eliminate trivial tasks.
• Prioritize what is most important and do that first.
• Consider your biological prime time: at what time of day do you work best?
Plan to do your most
important work at that time.
• If you say yes to everything that comes your way, learn to say NO.
• Ask for help and delegate.
• In the evening make your to-do list for the next day, so it will be out of
your brain and on a piece of
paper. Leave work with a clear head and a clean desk.
• Acknowledge yourself daily for all that you have accomplished.
Also take a look at the two biggest hindrances to using time effectively:
procrastinating and lacking purpose. We
usually procrastinate when a task seems too daunting, too large, too complex, or
when we feel we won’t be able
to handle it. When you get that “deer in the headlights” feeling, try
“chunking”: break the large task into smaller,
manageable action steps, and start with the first one. We also often drag our
heels or use our time inefficiently
because we are bored, unengaged, and uninspired. The most effective people will
tell you that they love what
they do and are aligned with a greater purpose. When it comes to managing your
time, you may need to ask the
larger questions, “Am I doing what I love to do? Am I doing something meaningful
to me?”
As you strengthen your new time management muscle, keep your focus on getting
organized so that you can
live the life you came here for. Instead of being a chore, good time management
can be your ticket to more fun,
greater satisfaction, and a vibrant, exciting life.
Food Focus: Root Vegetables
The roots of any plant are its anchor and foundation; they are the essential
parts that support and nourish the
plant. Root vegetables lend these properties to us when we eat them, making us
feel physically and mentally
grounded and rooted, increasing our stability, stamina, and endurance. Roots are
a rich source of nutritious
complex carbohydrates, providing a steady source of necessary sugars to the
body. Instead of upsetting blood
sugar levels like refined sweet foods, they regulate them. Since they absorb,
assimilate and supply plants with
vital nutrients, roots likewise increase absorption and assimilation in our
digestive tracts.
Long roots include carrots, parsnips, burdock and daikon radish. Round roots
include turnips, radishes, beets
and rutabagas. Long roots like burdock and daikon are excellent blood purifiers
and can help improve circulation
in the body and increase mental clarity. Round roots are nourishing to the
stomach, spleen, pancreas and
reproductive organs and can help regulate blood sugar, moods, and alleviate
cravings.
Recipe of the Month: Roasted Root Vegetables
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
1 sweet potato
2 parsnips
2 carrots
2 turnips or 1 large rutabaga
1 daikon radish (or substitute/add in your favorites, like squash)
olive oil
salt and pepper
herbs: rosemary, thyme or sage (fresh if possible)
Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Wash and chop all vegetables into large bite-sized pieces.
3. Place in a large baking dish with sides.
4. Drizzle with olive oil; mix well to coat each vegetable lightly with oil.
5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and herbs.
6. Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes until vegetables are tender and golden
brown, checking every 10
minutes to stir and make sure veggies are not sticking.
Note: Any combination of vegetables will work. Roasting only one kind of
vegetable also makes a nice side dish.
Forward to a Friend
It’s such a pleasure to help those closest to us become happier and healthier.
Please forward this newsletter to
friends, family members or colleagues who might be interested and inspired by
it.
