1. Step back and ask yourself what's really going on.

When you're caught up in the stuff of every day life, it's easy to lose objectivity. It's a good thing to set aside a little time each day to seriously challenge the obviousness of what seems to be going on. Is there a lesson to be learned that you are missing? Might that setback really a step forward? Will things really turn out as bad as you are sure, now, that they will?

2. Consider whether what's happening has happened before.

Is this a unique situation or is it just another example, in different garb, of an issue you've failed to confront before? If it's the latter, maybe now's the time to solve it and move on.

3. Assume that present events, circumstances, etc. may be less of a "problem" than parts of a larger "process".

There's a fair case to be made for the notion that, in this life, ALL is process rather than result. In other words, what this life is really about is growth and learning. Viewed in this light, where you're heading is not as important as how you choose to get there. (For those who are strongly goal-oriented, this may be tough to swallow.)

4. Ask yourself: What can I do "now" or "next"?

It's the small steps that lead to successful journeys. Don't get sucked in by the suggestion that you've got to do it/solve it all today.

5. Do something, anything!  (Just Start Somewhere!)  

When you're stuck, taking any step puts you in a different place and helps change your perspective, even if it's a wrong move! And, doing something includes a conscious decision to do absolutely nothing! Sometimes, we have to stop "doing" in order to get a clear perspective, and that's a conscious act.

6. Look for support nearby.

Almost always, help is at hand, a phone call or a touch away. Only, we tend to look way out there or off into the future, thinking that the help we need is just not available to us in our present situation. If, instead, you begin with the assumption that what you need to solve the problem is close at hand, you'll be amazed at how it sharpens your vision!

7. Take the negatives, one-by-one, and toss them out.

Negatives can be just as powerful as positives, depending on how much energy you give them. It's your choice.

8. Take one positive unselfish project and make it yours.

Help someone else, even if you think that you're the one who needs help. And don't be surprised if, in your darkest moment, someone comes knocking at your door--asking.

9. If lack is a problem, try substituting the word, "service", for profit or gain.

You "get" from what you lack, but you "give" from what you are. When you begin to consider seriously how you can be of service, it can be absolutely amazing how much you discover you have to give.

10. Be grateful for every blessing.

It's not big jumps that lead to greatness; it's small steps. The "little" good things that happen to us (and sometimes they seem to be VERY little) are tests of our awareness. It pays off not to flunk these tests!

About the Submitter:

This piece was originally submitted by the late Shale Paul, Executive Coach. The original source is: Written by Shale Paul, Executive Coach. Copyright 1996, Coach University. May be reproduced or transmitted if done so in its entirety, including this copyright line.

Organize Your Desk or Workspace

With April 15th less than a month away – is your desk or office awash in tax prep paperwork and receipts? Bail out of the paper ocean and create a safe harbor for your work projects with these tips for a clean, well-organized workspace.

1. Clear away clutter.
Make plenty of space in your work area. A cluttered work surface makes it difficult to concentrate. This dramatically reduces productivity. Papers get lost. Keep a trash or recycle basket nearby to eliminate unneeded paper. Keep pictures and decorations to a minimum, and out of the way.

2.  Keep Supplies Stocked.
Think about how you use your work area and keep the necessary supplies handy. Pens, calculator, stamps, and writing paper are a few examples. You should have all the tools necessary for work conveniently located within your work area.

3.  Utilize Organizing Tools.
File trays, in/out baskets, desk organizers and drawer dividers are useful tools in helping you get your workspace organized. Visit Stacks & Stacks and The Container Store for inexpensive storage solutions. Think about what tool would be most useful and why before you buy. Would a file folder work well enough to hold all your prospect information, or would a binder with alphabetical dividers allow you to access that information more quickly?

4.  Make Your Space Comfortable.
Get a good office chair that provides adequate support for your back. Lighting should be sufficiently bright. The computer monitor should be positioned at or slightly below eye level. If you do a lot of keyboarding, an ergonomic keyboard can help keep your wrists and fingers from getting overworked. Take frequent rest breaks if you work long hours at your desk. Get up and move around every 20 to 30 minutes.

5.  Clean Up Your Space..
When you finish using your workspace for the day, clear the desktop of every thing but the next day’s projects. Create Order on your desktop and you’ll Renew your Energy and increase your productivity!

Change your garage from
This	to this!
RealTime Solutions can help.  There's still time left to take advantage of my 50% off Spring promotion! Contact me to find out how!

"Good order is the foundation of all things.”
- Edmund Burke