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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Seminar Revisit #1: Create a Personal Board of Directors

I have the great fortune at my job that there is a women's affinity group that has an amazing speaker series where people from inside and outsid the company share their wisdom and greatness.

As I was doing some spring cleaning I found notes for an amazing presentation from last June. I quickly typed my notes into my Evernote account. I then came across many other Evernote entries from other seminars and realized that those themes and actions have laid dormant for months, and sometimes years.

It got me wondering, what would my life and career look like if I took action and kept those themes and ideas fresh?

Thus, the plan of sharing, on The Jaxtastic Life, one of the themes or actions every week so that they are fresh for me and are useful to you.

Action #1 - Create a Personal Board of Directors

I received this wonderful nugget from a seminar led by Cindy Yantis, author of Cashmere Glove: The Feminine Approach to Business   http://cashmereapproach.com/glove.htm

What is a personal board of directors?
A personal board of directors is a group of people you identify as those who can support and guide you to your goals, both personal and professional.

Your board of directors can consist of people who:
  • have strengths in areas where you want to grow
  • are very wise
  • are successful in something you want to be doing
  • are just plain, down right, honest  
  • want to see you succeed
  • will be your accountability "coach"
The exciting thing about creating your very own personal board of directors is that YOU get to chose the people. The "scary" thing is that YOU have to do the work.

Start identifying the people who will make up your personal board of directors today. Then start talking to them and sharing your struggles, goals, hopes and dreams. More importantly, share what actions you are going to take regarding those struggles, goals, hopes and dreams.

They will be your wisest advisors, biggest cheerleaders and toughest coaches.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

MINI SPRING CLEANING: 15-Minute 3 Areas Challenge

Now that spring will be here this week, what about taking on a mini spring cleaning plan?

This past Sunday I decided to take on something from my Professional Organizer days. I would advise my clients to only work on projects/areas for 15 minutes in a given day, no more, no less. They thought I was crazy until I shared the below benefits.

Why only 15 minutes?
#1 - It's a nice small chunk of time.
#2 - It's enough time to make an impact on what you are working.
#3 - It's better than 16 and luckier than 13.
#4 - You avoid burn out.

I chose 3 areas of my home life that were in need of some attention: paperwork, housekeeping and self-pampering. You'd be amazed at what doesn't get done when you live alone and no one sees your space.

I then set my alarm for 15 minutes and tackled each area. When the duck quacked I stopped. I wanted to continue but I stopped. I was on a roll but I stopped.

Last night, I did the same thing. 15 minutes in each area and stopped. I wanted to do more but I stopped. I realized that in the past 2 nights, I got more done in each area in those two nights than I might do in a month of avoiding the work.

Be aware that when you start this you will encounter the following:
-Life will get in the way. People will show up and want your time. Other "things" will vie for your attention. Stay the course.
-You'll want to go longer than 15 minutes. DON'T do it. Avoid the burn out of a 2-hour "marathon" session.
-You might even get sick. Be gentle with yourself, heal and resume the plan once you are physically better.

Leave comments on how you are progressing and what is showing up. I guarantee that you will get more done in these small chunks of time than "marathon" sessions that will just burn you out.

Good luck and great success!!!!