Follow The Rules!

FOLLOWING THE 'RULES' TO HELP YOU BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN YOUR WORKDAY

It all started when I was looking for some different and more effective means of time management and prioritization of daily tasks. Somehow, I was recommended the book "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by well-known author, Stephen Covey. My first thought was something along the lines of "If you expect me to read one of those goofy self-help books, you've got another thing coming!" Well, I managed to SKIM through the pages of the book. Without going through it page by page, I extracted the 'seven habits' from the book, and printed them on a page that I now keep posted right beside my desk. It looks like this:

THESE ARE THE RULES

• Be PROACTIVE
• Begin with the END IN MIND
• Put FIRST THINGS FIRST
• Think WIN WIN
• Seek first to UNDERSTAND then to be UNDERSTOOD
• SYNERGIZE
• PRIORITIZE, FOCUS AND FOLLOW THROUGH!

The final line "prioritize, focus and follow through" is my own little 'mantra' that I use for keeping myself on track every day. It amazes me that having this little list posted beside my desk can help to refocus me when I've got an overflowing in-basket and a list of "to-do's" that's longer than my arm! There are many simple ways to remind yourself of systems that work well for you! What creative way can you come up with to remind yourself of tactics that work to keep YOU on track?

If you are looking for ways to get organized, don't forget, the Community Futures Library has a GREAT assortment of books on organization, goal setting, "thinking like an entrepreneur" etc. We also offer courses in subjects like "Time and Stress Management". Stop by our library, talk to our friendly staff or take advantage of our business training workshops.