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In our last blog, we turned the idea of interruptions on its head.  In this blog, we’ll look at ways in which you can learn to manage interruptions and how to maximize your time, which is what you have come to expect in reading this.

Hands down, the most common interruption is our phone. Not phone calls. That was so 1995. Who calls anymore, anyhow? It’s texts, notifications, banners. Yup. And when the phone is not interrupting us, we are interrupting ourselves.

“Compulsive use of mobile phones and computers is an addiction, similar to sex, drugs, and alcohol.”

John Ratey, Clinical Psychologist, Harvard University

Some people are “ok with their addictions.” It’s acceptance, which is really powerful. How are you doing with your phone addiction? No, really? Try no phone for a day. They have a name for this. It’s Nomophobia. Try it. At first you will have jitters. At some point you will calm down. Later, you will not only be productive, but peaceful.

Try it. 8 hours. Let me know how you do in the comments.

And here it is…how to maximize your time and minimize your interruptions:

1. Be flexible

Firstly, accept that distractions happen to us all. Period. Realize and accept that interruptions are going to happen and, instead of stressing about them, be flexible.  Where possible, plan for interruptions, delegate where possible and stay in control of the situation!

• Be vocal

When you see a distraction coming your way, try and communicate and head it off at the pass.  It’s fine to tell colleagues that you’re up to your ears in work and can they come back later?  Remember, clear is kind. Communicate your schedule to others so they know when you are likely to be tied up with your to-dos.  Let people know when you are going to be off-limits.

• Be direct

When hit with a distraction, try and get to the heart of it immediately.  That way you have time to formulate how best to attack before you get drawn in. 

As annoying as they might be, we’ve seen how interruptions are a part of life and it’s more about how we deal with them that makes the difference.  But, believe it or not, there are some positives to come out of any disruptions that come your way. Have you considered that the period of interruption can give you valuable breathing space or thinking time?  Sometimes, when interrupted from a task, we return with a clearer head, or slightly different perspective.  Those precious minutes have given us an excuse to slow down and reconsider our stance. Although interruptions from colleagues can be a chore, maybe this is an opportunity to brainstorm, or to gain their perspective on that problem you’ve been wrestling with?

What if, instead of viewing an interruption as a curse, we welcomed them?  If managed correctly, they can increase productivity, and allow us to stay connected, but on our own terms. 

Now, wouldn’t that be a thing?

So many people think of interruptions as a bad thing. And, they mostly are. They tear away your ability to be productive. But, what if you capitalized on them instead?

There’s lots to say about how Not To Be Interrupted. And mostly, it’s good advice. Heck, I give it. AND have you ever thought about how interruptions are the spice in the bland chicken?

When we release our stranglehold on trying to control everything, life gets easier. When life gets easier, we think more clearly. When we think more clearly, we have really great ideas. And then, instead of jumping from thing-to-thing, we actually have the energy to implement those great (maybe even amazing) ideas. As a (really important) side benefit, I have watched my health improve as I let go.

Wow.

And I am known for Productivity. What happened? I’ll say it…ready?

Real life.

The quest for “balance.” I call it ‘Being Real’. Here are some tips to be real, in the realm of Interruption Management.

1. Take charge. Decide what you will do and who you will be WHEN you get interrupted. You don’t have to let people steal your time, but choose your response before it happens.
2. Think ahead.  Block out time to spend with a person who usually interrupts you. Call her just to chat; if local, ask her to lunch.
3. Plan for the unknown. When an interruption occurs, welcome it. Look for what you can learn from the experience, and don’t get annoyed. Instead, embrace this as a chance to grow.

When you do these things, you will stop being obsessed with maximizing your day., and you will actually get more out of not only your day, but your life. You will be calm in the storm. You will possess leadership abilities beyond most.

Want to achieve your big dreams? Slow down, be interrupted, focus on what’s most important. Be present.

In our next blog, I’ll be back to my old self (somewhat) – identifying things that you can do to maximize your time. Thank goodness, right?

In our last blog post, we looked at how procrastination can be a positive thing, or at least turned to the positive.  But, how about when your procrastination goes deeper? What then?

The reptilian brain

At the root of why procrastination happens, lies the oldest part of our brain, the reptilian or lizard brain.  This is the part of our brain that controls the “fight or flight” tendency and procrastination is the flight response to the stress caused by the task.  Once this occurs, your brain will come up with all the reasons under the sun as to why you shouldn’t even start the task – fear of failure, fear of the unknown and anxiety are all common responses. So, in order to overcome this fight or flight tendency, we need to reprogram our brain to fear NOT doing something, rather than the consequences of doing it. 

Start by imagining that “alternative ending”.  What do you feel like?  What does it look like?  If you can, add in some phrases that you can repeat to yourself to reinforce the alternative consequences.  By doing this, you can supress that reptilian response and reframe your mind.

What does AD/HD have to do with it? 

Of course, if you are a serial procrastinator, there may be reasons for this.  Your brain might just be wired differently. And it’s perfect! Many people with AD/HD struggle with chronic procrastination but there are a number of things that can help. For example, make it fun. If it’s fun, it’ll get done. Create a contest, give yourself a reward, dance, act silly…nobody needs to know! Additionally, consider whether your work environment is contributing to the stress you feel.  Would a change in environment make a difference?

I’ve worked with teams who have AD/HDers on the team….knowing HOW they can support you makes all the difference. Little reminders, templates, maybe legos in the back room…ditch any shame and embrace yourself. Make it fun!

Clarity as a way to pave the progress road

For most people, procrastination occurs where there is a lack of clarity.  You know how those feelings of overwhelm kick in as soon as you’re not sure why, or how or even what you’re doing?  As soon as your brain receives the message that all is not clear, it starts telling you that it’s too difficult, uncomfortable or just plain not good for you.  It will start convincing you that something, anything is better than setting to and focusing on that task and, boy is it good at convincing you! So, what’s the answer? 

First, catch yourself. When I get up and start looking for something salty and crunch to eat, I know I am procrastinating and I don’t want to do the task, or know how to do the task. What are your signs?

Once you NOTICE, it starts with a clear plan of action. A plan that is precise in what you need to achieve, when and how, with no room for interpretation.  This way, you’ll know exactly what is needed, what is expected of you and what you have to deliver by when.  Although simple, this little step can help you overcome procrastination once and for all.

Although we all, at some point in our lives, allow procrastination to dictate our moves (or lack of) it’s important that we act to stop it from ruling our lives.  Remember, you don’t have to be perfect, instead focus on better; allowing yourself to still get the job done and kick procrastination to the curb, once and for all!

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• The solution to the #1 issue for Entrepreneurs: Collaboration! You can Collaborate with like-minded individuals for additional support…in real time AND outside of the group. Did anyone say accountability partner?
• And even more goodies: You get MUCH more than live calls once a month! You get unlimited Access to past and new group session recordings – to enhance your learning and growing OUTSIDE of our monthly calls.

Curious? Learn more about this low cost, low commitment, high results, high energy program:

• Click here if you have not worked with us before
• Click here if you have been a client of ours in the last 12 months

Let’s get you more focused, organized, and productive than you have EVER been!

Let’s see what might happen if you dare to just “read the blogs” to taking the steps to get you to where you want to go, but perhaps have not dared to…. until now.

I’ll be there! I can’t wait to meet you.

We all, at some point in our lives, procrastinate over something.  That telephone call we’ve been dreading making, the “difficult” conversation with our boss, maybe that “talk” with our teen kids… we really wouldn’t be human if we didn’t try to avoid anything which we find a bit uncomfortable.

We hear a lot about the negative connotations of procrastination, but have you considered the positive side, too? (hint…is it procrastination, or percolation?)

I am known as the GOgirl…and as a Productivity Coach….well, I “do” well. I am learning an important skill, though. To NOT do. To hang back. To allow. These skills are a critical ingredient in the cake of getting things done, getting the right things done, and being masterful.

I am finding myself inserting “Percolation” time. For example, a colleague is really busy and she’s REALLY good at being productive. But she’s maxed out now, and stressed out. I recommended that she take a RETREAT with herself. It’s not procrastination….it’s percolation. The insertion of Being into the truth of Doing is a lesser known skill.

Procrastination can be your friend and ally when there’s a decision to be made.  You remember the last time you hemmed and hawed over a difficult choice? Have you considered that your apparent procrastination could have stopped you from making the wrong choice? Procrastination gives you time to think of all the options open to you before you make that choice.  Have you been guilty of delaying over a task? Maybe you’ve gone back to your to-do list and struggled to remember why that task even featured? A little bit of procrastination can give a whole lot of perspective to the tasks that once upon a time seemed oh, so urgent!

But, when procrastination really does get the better of us, how can we reframe our mind and, instead, plan to get it done?

1. Baby Steps

Firstly, we often find that, once started, that task that we’ve been avoiding isn’t really that bad. Once you start, you’ve got some progress to show for your efforts.  Okay, the task may not be completed, but is it really as bad as you anticipated, or, surprisingly, is it less unpleasant than you thought it would be? The moment of actually taking that first step can carry you forward and before you know it, that dreaded task can be checked off the list. By telling yourself you’ll just start the task, not finish it, mind you, but just take the first steps you can fool your brain into a path of less resistance.

2. Accountability is your friend

By committing to getting something done, you’re more likely to see that task through to the end.  None of us like to feel that we’ve let anyone else down or let them witness our failure, do we? So, use this to your advantage and rope a friend in to keep you on track.

3. Reward Yourself

What’s at the bottom of your procrastination?  Why are you delaying?  By identifying what you perceive you are missing, you can make a commitment to fulfil those needs later, not only giving yourself some motivation to get on and complete the tasks in hand, but also to reset your brain into associating that previously dreaded task into something that brings an enjoyable conclusion.

4. Say new things about yourself

It’s easy to perceive yourself as “never getting anything done” and to experience negative feelings as a result.  Instead, try reframing your perception of yourself to someone that “gets stuff done” and see what a difference that makes.  Cast your mind back to times in the past when you haven’t delayed, when you have got right on and done something.  Remember what it felt like to complete the task with minimal delay.  How productive you were!  This reframing will shift those negative thought-patterns and assumptions and there really will be no stopping you.

In our next blog post, we’ll be delving deeper into procrastination, when “just do it” doesn’t get it done.

—

Like this? You’ll love the Club!

Try on the Lunchtime Club (monthly virtual coaching group) on us for 30 days FREE!

• Quick answers to your current dilemmas…in real time. Don’t know what to ask? No worries, we have a new HOT theme each month.
• The solution to the #1 issue for Entrepreneurs: Collaboration! You can Collaborate with like-minded individuals for additional support…in real time AND outside of the group. Did anyone say accountability partner?
• And even more goodies: You get MUCH more than live calls once a month! You get unlimited Access to past and new group session recordings – to enhance your learning and growing OUTSIDE of our monthly calls.  

Curious? Learn more about this low cost, low commitment, high results, high energy program:

• Click here if you have not worked with us before
• Click here if you have been a client of ours in the last 12 months

Let’s get you more focused, organized, and productive than you have EVER been!

Let’s see what might happen if you dare to just “read the blogs” to taking the steps to get you to where you want to go, but perhaps have not dared to…. until now.

I’ll be there! I can’t wait to meet you.

In our last blog, we looked at the self-limiting beliefs that might be holding you back.  Now, we’re going to take a closer look at how a new mindset can give you the results you deserve!

1. Why the HOW is actually a small part of the Success Formula

Recently, I ran into an issue with a client. She was “doing all the right things.” So, why was she not getting results? As it turns out, she had not really embodied the success she said that she wanted. She was treating everything as a “to-do” list. Her WHY was not front and center. And as a result, she did not believe her success was possible. Yet she wanted more “how.” Now, I have challenged her to BE more and DO less.

When you open your mind to possible new ways of doing things, of bringing and creating success, then you’ll create a winning mindset. It’s all about replacing self-limiting beliefs and habits with self-empowering ones instead.

Consider how you can develop these success habits – what systems can you create to keep you focused? Can you create a to-do list, or maybe save a positive affirmation to your cell phone home screen to remind yourself you’re doing great? 

Work out your own stepping-stones towards your goals and make a little progress every day. Keep your end goal in mind and don’t be derailed by any bumps in the road, just reset your course and forge ahead. Ask others for help when you need it; perhaps constructive feedback or positive affirmation that you’re on the right track.

2. Use neuroscience to trick your brain

If you’ve spent a lifetime telling your brain one thing, you can’t expect it to change course in an instant.  You’ve got to train your brain to think in a way that makes success a certainty. Sound complicated? It doesn’t need to be. 

Start by visualizing your end-goal.  What will it look like, feel like, taste like? Create your vision of you at that end point.  By envisioning your end-goal, your brain can understand what you want and can start pulling everything in place to achieve that success.

Make this visualization part of your routine; five minutes first thing in the morning and/or last thing at night.

3. Incorporating hypnosis to seal the deal

Hypnotherapy can be a great tool to help you reprogram your mind. When you consider that some of your negative, self-limiting beliefs or “success-blocks” will have been with you since childhood, you can understand that they might take a bit of shifting! Hypnotherapy can give you a “pause” on stressing about your problems and allow you to approach the issue from a different mindset. It can also help you to visualize yourself having already achieved your goals, and “trick” your brain into believing that the success has already happened. Why not give it a try?

No one person deserves success more than any other.  If you’re guilty of finding excuses for your lack of success, it’s time to change your mindset and grab every success that comes your way.  Enjoy! 

—

Like this? You’ll love the Club!

Try on the Lunchtime Club (monthly virtual coaching group) on us for 30 days FREE!

• Quick answers to your current dilemmas…in real time. Don’t know what to ask? No worries, we have a new HOT theme each month.
• The solution to the #1 issue for Entrepreneurs: Collaboration! You can Collaborate with like-minded individuals for additional support…in real time AND outside of the group. Did anyone say accountability partner?
• And even more goodies: You get MUCH more than live calls once a month! You get unlimited Access to past and new group session recordings – to enhance your learning and growing OUTSIDE of our monthly calls.

Curious? Learn more about this low cost, low commitment, high results, high energy program:

• Click here if you have not worked with us before
• Click here if you have been a client of ours in the last 12 months

Let’s get you more focused, organized, and productive than you have EVER been!

Let’s see what might happen if you dare to just “read the blogs” to taking the steps to get you to where you want to go, but perhaps have not dared to…. until now.

I’ll be there! I can’t wait to meet you.

Does it ever feel like everyone else is achieving success, while you …?

Well, you’ve heard the expression, “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride…”, right? You try and try but you just never quite seem to reach your goal. 

Why is that? What could be holding you back?

Sometimes the fear of success is a ninja assassin of your hopes and dreams – it creeps up on you, without you even realizing it’s there. It ruthlessly introduces its three secret weapons; anxiety, limiting beliefs and the unconscious mind…and just waits for them to wreak their havoc.

So, how can you banish your blockages?  Here are my 3 tips: Uncover what is truly holding you back.

1. Firstly, take one goal at a time.  Then list the reasons that are holding you back from achieving this.   Be honest.  Is it that you’re waiting for the “perfect” moment? Are you frightened of others’ reactions and what your family/colleagues/friends will say? Maybe you dislike change? Instead of seeing change as growth, perhaps you fear the uncertainty. Perhaps you’ve failed before and you don’t want to fail again? There are so many reasons why you could be holding yourself back.  But, essentially, they all boil down to one word: FEAR. Fear is what paralyzes you and stops you doing anything.  Fear is what tells you you’re not good enough, or the timing’s not great, or someone will laugh.

Learn how to take the first big, bold step to change your course.

Fear is like a big giant creature that lurks in us all; The more we feed it, the bigger it gets. But you CAN shrink that monster down to size.  Here’s how: Firstly, look your fears straight in the eye. Ask yourself, “What is the worst that can happen?” – so you fail. What’s so bad about that?  We all do, sometimes and it’s the failures that are a much more valuable lesson than the successes.

2. Discover new techniques that will work for you personally.Try to “rinse and repeat”.  Many tasks look scary from the outside, but once you take a deep breath and dive in, they’re often not so bad.  Doing the scary activity time and time again will make the task so mundane, so routine, that it loses any scary connotations.

We all tell ourselves that we can’t do X because “we’re just not good enough” or even that “We don’t deserve” it.  “People like me never get X”. Sound familiar?  Instead of giving these negative thoughts brain-space, exchange them for positive affirmations.  Tell yourself instead “I’ve worked hard, I do deserve this promotion” or “I’m going to show X exactly what I can do” Experiment until you find a phrase that resonates with you and helps you stand tall. Stop telling yourself that you’re just not good enough!  Self-limiting belief can be crippling. You are enough, and you deserve success. Tell yourself this every time you feel the fear.

3. Use “what if”.  Whenever a self-limiting doubt enters your head, ask yourself:

• What if I don’t get the promotion?
• What if my family don’t understand?
• What if I can’t get a bigger house?

Next, respond with a positive answer.  If you don’t get the promotion, you’ll try next year.  If your family don’t understand you’ll explain in a different way. If you can’t get a bigger house, you’ll wait until you can.

…Suddenly, that fear-creature lurking inside is on one heck of a diet!

In my next blog, I’ll be looking at how a new mindset can get you new results.  Check it out.

—

Like this? You’ll love the Club!

Try on the Lunchtime Club (monthly virtual coaching group) on us for 30 days FREE!

• Quick answers to your current dilemmas…in real time. Don’t know what to ask? No worries, we have a new HOT theme each month.
• The solution to the #1 issue for Entrepreneurs: Collaboration! You can Collaborate with like-minded individuals for additional support…in real time AND outside of the group. Did anyone say accountability partner?
• And even more goodies: You get MUCH more than live calls once a month! You get unlimited Access to past and new group session recordings – to enhance your learning and growing OUTSIDE of our monthly calls.

Curious? Learn more about this low cost, low commitment, high results, high energy program:

• Click here if you have not worked with us before
• Click here if you have been a client of ours in the last 12 months

Let’s get you more focused, organized, and productive than you have EVER been!

Let’s see what might happen if you dare to just “read the blogs” to taking the steps to get you to where you want to go, but perhaps have not dared to…. until now.

I’ll be there! I can’t wait to meet you.