1. Setting Deadlines that are too long.
The less time you have to meet a deadline, the more effective it will be. The deadline that is due tomorrow can motivate even the biggest slackers. If its important enough, you will realistically do everything in your power to get it done.

If you have a 5 year project deadline, it won’t help you stay motivated. Unless this project can be broken down into objectives that can be done today or tomorrow. Utilize deadlines that create a sense of urgency.

An important note: The urgency of your deadline has to also be realistic. Just because you want to double your income in 3 months doesn’t mean it’s possible.

2. Do you really need a deadline or just patience?
Deadlines do not apply to everything. Deadlines are most effective on actions that you can control to generate the desired results.

For example: You want to lose weight, but you don’t have the control on what your body weight is next week. But you do have control on your diet and exercise routine. Its best to set a deadline for your eating and work-out habits, but not a deadline on how much you have to weigh… just have patience.

3. Lack of steps or phases to your final deadline.
You have set a deadline that is due in three weeks. You procrastinate, some time goes by and you are one week away of the deadline. Now you really only have one week to work with.

It’s important to have different phases of a project deadline where you can divide your work into steps. As well as take the pressure off. Thinking about projects as a whole can just overwhelm most people. Dividing the project into phases keeps you focused, motivated, and helps avoid procrastination. It’s simply easier to meet the mini-deadlines within a final deadline.

For example: the first week can be your brainstorming and preparation phase, the second week can be your action / carry-out phase and the third can be your finalizing or revision phase.

4. Failing to research options before setting a deadline.
If you are inexperienced with a particular project, how do you know how much time is needed to finish?
The best way is to ask someone who has experience with similar projects and ask them for an estimated time. This is better than having an uninformed guess. Also, and most importantly, ask their recommendation and advice on different methods.

In addition to asking trusted people of their advice, you should research other options. Is there a better solution? For example, your boss wants you to create a simple blog design in two weeks, but you have no experience with graphic design or familiar with common web development languages such as CSS, PHP, HMTL. You can teach yourself and can take a chance.

Or you can buy and download blog design templates that can be implemented in less than a day. Depending on your main goal, a simple solution might have been already made, by someone who has spent years sharpening their craft.

Ultimately, faster options might not be what you need. But at least it could have saved plenty of time and frustration. It’s worth to review all your options before setting a final deadline.

5. Not recording a deadline or writing it down
This is an obvious one. But if you don’t commit to setting a deadline into your planner or Outlook, then it’s really not a deadline. You can tell yourself you have three weeks and keep track in your head. This can only lead you to change and postpone the deadline or worse yet, simply forget the deadline all together.

If you don’t already, use a program like Microsoft Outlook to set a hard date and even reminders for certain objectives. This will keep you on track and help you fulfill that deadline.

1. Are your responsibilities clearly outlined and do you know what is expected of you?
2. Do you have the essential resources and environment to do your work correctly? (PC working properly, software, office supplies, office space, etc.)
3. Do you get weekly feedback or recognition for doing good work?
4. Does your supervisor treat you with respect and cares about you as a person?
5. Do you have a mentor or a coworker that encourages or gives advice about your development at work?
6. Are your opinions and input taken into consideration?
7. Do your coworkers share a work ethic to doing quality work?
8. Can you relate to at least one other co-worker and can consider them as a friend?
9. Do you have an opportunity to review with management your progress and future strategies?
10. Do you have the opportunity for advancement in terms of skill, experience, and responsibilities?

If you responded “yes” to most of these questions (more than 6 out of 10) then you are in good shape and probably have a great job. Most likely, your job allows you to grow and flourish in your career.

Notice how salary and benefits are not addressed. This is simply because we assume that everyone is going to be paid similar to the market demand. Your competitive salary rate is readily available information and your employer will typically pay the going market rate for your position. If they don’t then that’s another story (look into salary.com to see whether you need to re-negotiate)

This questionnaire simply addresses the most significant components that make people happy and engaged in their work. Each of these questions can give you an insight if you have a great job and that you are satisfied with everything besides money.

Of course, you job satisfaction should not be blamed solely on your employer. It’s just like any other relationship. Both parties need to make equal and quality effort. You have to be honest with yourself and put in the effort as well. Do you strive to be your best in your job?

1. Get up 15 mins before your usual time

Waking up 15 minutes earlier is a minimal affect on your amount of sleep. But this can make a big difference in starting your day with extra time to relax not rush into your morning.

2. Purpose for Today

Focus on one main goal for today. Something that you actually look forward to. Don’t think of the things you will hate to be doing today. We all have something that we don’t like doing at our jobs, school, or daily chores etc. But the point is to focus on WHAT YOU WANT, not what you don’t want. For example think of the difficult project at work as to learn a new skill today to enhance your career. Don’t think about how tedious it will be.

3. Mild Exercise

Get the blood flowing. A quick set of pushups, or situps. Maybe even some jumping jacks. Or shadow box and punch the air. Whatever it is just get moving. I find that by doing something to get my body in action wakes me up and reminds me that I am alive.

4. Music and Shower

I have an MP3 player and small speaker set up in my bathroom. I only play songs that have a good positive and fast beat. Music will help you get in a positive mode and really help keep the momentum going.

5. Dress for success / Grooming

Of course, this all depends on your line of work. But spend some time the night before planning on what you want to wear. Don’t settle for the same old and mundane attire. Take pride in your appearance and feel good about your image. If you can afford it, buy a new and fresh wardrobe. You’ll feel better when you look your best.

6. Quick Healthy Breakfast

Emphasis on the word “quick”. I don’t know anybody who has the time to cook a breakfast. Research and shop around for quick breakfast options at the grocery store. Pick something that you can eat on the way out the door or while in the car. I recommend either: a banana, a granola bar, a muffin or a bagel. These are simple breakfast items that are quick and easy…. very low maintenance.

7. Positive affirmation

Before you leave your house. Look into a mirror and reaffirm your confidence. Say to yourself this is a new day, I can’t wait to do this today (insert something your are looking forward to today), This will be a great day and I am going to make the most of it. While doing this visualize the positive things that can happen to you.

And finally… smile! You’re going to have a fantastic day.

Research has shown that just by smiling it increases your positive mood and just makes you feel good plain and simple.

Of course, feel free to switch around different components of your routine. What works for me might not be suited for someone else… (morning excercise) Its important to identify what makes you have a positive attitude and gets you in a good mood.

Benefits of Meditation

Increase Focus and Concentration – Meditation takes the chaos in your mind and helps to clear the distractions to direct your thoughts on your priorities for higher productivity.

Improved Health – Meditation has been shown to help with sleeplessness, depression, high blood-pressure, reduce anxiety to increase your immune system defenses.

Higher Level of Awareness – You’ll start noticing things that you have taken for granted such as: breathing, heartbeat, and your senses (touch, sight, smell, hearing, taste). Most often we overlook the basics of just being alive, meditation helps you to appreciate it more.

Inspiration – Meditation can generate the positive energy to unleash creativity, motivation and enthusiasm.

- and of course….. Inner Peace

A Simple Guide to Meditation

Place:
First you will need to find a room that is free of distractions and is comfortable. If you can quietly read a book there then it should be alright.

Position:
Its important that you sit with your back straight up, you cannot lie down because you will tend to fall asleep (yes, it will happen). Sit traditionally in a legs crossed position or “Indian style”. You can also sit on a chair, but make sure the back is straight, don’t use a chair that allows you to recline or slouch.

Focus:
Once in position close your eyes direct your focus on your breathing. Focus on each breath in and out. Keep doing this until you achieve a steady rhythm. If you get distracted start over again.

Clear:
Once you have achieved a good rhythm and focused thought on your breathing you can start to clear your mind. When a thought comes into your head, visualize putting it in a circle outside of you. Then focus on your breathing again. Keep doing this each time you think of something.

Inner Peace:
You will know when you get here, your mind is clear, you body seems weightless, you can experience an inner silence no thoughts or movement just peace.

Habit:
Its important to realize that meditation takes practice, usually daily and needs some time to develop into a consistent habit. A great way to start is to pick the SAME time each day where you are alone and can meditate.

Here are some tips on how to make your boss happy:

1. Preference for receiving information

This is a very crucial element in your bosses happiness, it makes the difference in their frustration level and their perception of how effective you are. The medium or method of delivery that your boss receives information can really speed up communication and time management. Does your boss hate email but loves to get phone calls instead? Or do they despise email attachments but prefer a printed hard copy on their desk? Or do they want everything in a centralized location like a web-based file storage?

Also important to note is the frequency you provide the information. If your boss loves email, that doesn’t mean you should engage him in a back-and-forth email string with 25 emails, when you can just pick up the phone, talk about it and get it done. Perhaps the best way to figure out the best way to deliver information to your boss is to ask. If he is too intimidating, simply ask a colleague who already has established a successful working relationships with the same boss.

2. Adapt to your boss’s Management Style

Bosses generally fall into two types of personalities, they can either be a “micromanager” or a “hands off” type. You will need to adjust your approach to each type to really make an impact.

The “Micro-manager” Boss

This type of boss loves to be in complete control at ALL times. They just need to be included in each step of projects or in most tasks. Usually, they are very process driven and want you to do things by the standard procedure. The best way to deal with this kind of boss is to build TRUST. The “micromanager” boss needs to know that you can be counted on and that things will be ok. Of course building trust will take some time and the best way to build trust is to always be prepared. Have information ready to update your boss of any new developments or current status, don’t get caught off guard when your boss inquires about ANY detail. Each time you successfully deliver, the more trust is built and your boss will be pleased that work is getting done properly.

The “Hands Off Manager” Boss

The “hands off” boss has a very laid back approach. Rather than involving himself every step of the way, he is focused mainly on end results. This boss will only discuss with you to find out if the project or task is done. They don’t care how you do it as long as you stayed within the guidelines and achieved the desired results. The best way to keep a “hands off” kind of boss happy is to learn to meet deadlines well ahead of schedule. This ensures that you can still receive feedback before the actual deadline, which can help correct any mistakes, as well as satisfy the most important thing your boss cares about: the desired results.

3. Ease what worries them the most

The best bosses convey strength and show little emotion, after all its strictly business for them. But bosses are people too, yes its true, they can get stressed out from time to time. Each boss has one thing that keeps them up at night and worries them the most. It can vary with anything from the company website, to employee happiness (really), financial matters, and so on.

The main worry of your boss can be difficult to uncover as they would be reluctant to make is so apparent. Look for signs such as constant requests for updates or status with a certain area. Are they always talking about the company website? Do they constantly ask the same questions about “website updates and new visitors”? When you find the main worry, it’s time to take the initiative and provide your recommended solutions to address the issue. Speak in a tone that you are concerned about the subject just as much For example “I noticed that the company website is outdated, is there anything I could do to help?” You would be surprised to see the boss respond positively, as now he is not the only person concerned.

* Its important to note that your boss’ main worry might not even apply to you at all, as it could involve a department that you don’t belong to. Although you should still keep a lookout of how you can help.

4. Ask For More Responsibility

This is something that all bosses are really be fond of. Asking for more responsibility from your boss shows that you want to improve your skills and increase your value. You will be seen as a hard worker and someone who can really be counted on. With that said, it’s important that you don’t ask for more responsibility unless you are ready. Be prepared to truly commit to making a difference, don’t ask for just the sake of making your boss happy. You have to be keen to make a positive change and deliver results. Or you will fail and be in a worse situation than before.

Keep in mind that asking for more responsibility should be carefully planned. You need to address the following questions: Will asking for more responsibility create a solution for your boss? Or will it just create another problem for him (training)? Do you have the right resources to take on more (tools, time, environment, staff etc)? When would the best time to discuss with your boss? If you do decide to ask for more responsibility, set up a time for a discussion. Do not barge into your boss’ office and catch him off guard, instead send him a request that you would like to “open up the lines of communication about gaining more responsibility”. This can help you figure out if he is responsive to the idea at all and help him gather his thoughts.

5. Offer Your Boss Feedback

Often, when people attain top management position, they will receive less and less feedback. When bosses do receive feedback, the message is usually not clear or honest assessments of their actions. Everyone wants to please the boss with complete agreement. However this can be very troublesome for your boss when it comes time to gauge the effectiveness of their decisions.

Of course, providing feedback requires a fine balance and tactfulness. As your boss is still the ultimate decision maker, be careful not to express criticism or lack of confidence. Feedback to your boss is different than feedback to your colleague. Keep it on a big picture level, where you can provide your observation on the overall effectiveness. Be prepared to offer constructive criticism if requested, but remain aware that sometimes bosses need simple and sincere statement that you have been paying attention.

Working on a Team
Being part of a team is inevitable, especially if you are in business. Waiting on team members to finish work that you need can bring productivity to a very slow pace. If a crucial team member is not completing their part fast enough, the whole team will get stuck.

Solution: Often people get held up because they are combining two separate phases. Most tasks come from two phases, an idea-generation phase and a refining phase. People can easily get stuck in the middle of both. Ease the burden by offering the team member if they would like some feedback or if they want recommendations/advice. Sometimes people hesitate to ask advice for fear of looking incompetent. When you offer, it can open communication to a faster solution.

Difficult or Unpleasant Tasks
Of course, if you have to do something that you dislike or frustrate you, it will decrease productivity. Mainly because you procrastinate and put it off until you have no choice but to do it. Even if the task takes little time, you will waste more time avoiding it.

Solution: Build momentum by starting on the simplest part of the task. Something that you can do instantly, a rule of thumb is if you can do it in less than 5 minutes then its something you can do that instant. Once you start off doing the easiest and quickest parts then your momentum can push you through the difficult areas.

Perfectionism
You can nit-pick and fuss over the smallest of details forever. The truth is even if you spend endless amounts of time to try to make something absolutely perfect, it really won’t make that much of a difference. Not being able to say something is “good enough” will cause a productivity setback.

Solution: Practice the Pareto Principle: The Pareto principle is the 80-20 rule, which states that 80% of the value of a task comes from 20% of the effort. Focus your energy on that critical 20%, and don’t over tweak the non-critical 80%. This will take some time and being honest with yourself. You know when a task is done, but keep tweaking it, be honest with your self and acknowledge that it’s done.

Waiting for Information
Almost everyone has experienced waiting for an a simple email that provides us with crucial information to move forward. Usually, this occurs when it’s from person who generally takes more than a day to respond to your email.

Solution: When you request information, you can create an earlier deadline from the person you request from. You can double the time. For example, it’s the 1st of the month, if you need something on the 15th, tell the person your deadline is the 10th. They wouldn’t know the difference and if they are usually late then it really will help both parties.

Reinventing the Wheel
Often you will try to re-create something from scratch that has already been created or in use. For example, creating a spreadsheet for a project when there are already templates pre-made that have been in use and proven to work. If something works already, there is no need to start over to create the same exact thing.

Solution: The main culprit of constantly reinventing the wheel is not being aware of what has already been created and ready for use. Create a database or a stockpile of templates, online tools or reference documents that are within reach (easy access and constantly near you). When you need something that already has been created - just use it! Simple.

Lack of Anticipation
Things don’t always go as smoothly as planned, there will always be unexpected things that pop up. If you fail to see the different outcomes of a situation or decisions then you cannot be prepared to deal with the issue effectively. Instead, the lack of anticipation will cause you to fall far behind.

Solution: Play devil’s advocate. Identify all the variables and all the potential bad outcomes. Visualize what you can do to prepare for those problematic outcomes. Essentially have a plan B or a another path to take incase the first one becomes disastrous.

Not Allowing for flexible time
Scheduling yourself exactly to the minute or even to the nearest 30 minutes will certainly cause a set back. As much as you would like to do things right after the other, it won’t happen. Even machines and computers have technical difficulties from time to time.

Solution: Learn to keep track and quantify your time. You might think that something takes 30 mins but really takes 45 mins. A work log or a note book should be utilized to write down (in detail) the common routines that you go through monthly, weekly and daily. You will be surprised to see how long certain things really take. From there you can create a better schedule with flexibility that allows for ample time.

1. Unable to Empower Others

Perhaps the most significant quality of a good leader is the ability to influence, motivate, train and grow other people. A great leader who focuses on training his team can multiply his efforts, instead of one person (yourself) with the skills to do something, you will now have a whole team. It’s universal knowledge that people get more money for their ability to get others to perform, than they can by doing something on their own. A leader who cannot increase the efficiency and effectiveness of others has failed his purpose as a leader.

2. Unorganized

A truly effective leader needs the ability to organize and triumph over the details. Leaders should never be “too busy” to act on anything where he requires to address and consider certain details. When this happens a leader becomes ineffective, as a successful leader never overlooks details that deal directly with his position. The leader is not only responsible for managing people but is also responsible for managing information. He needs to a) take in the proper information and b) allocate that information to the correct people that will generate results.

3. Lack of Anticipation

Things don’t always go as smoothly as planned and especially in business, there will always be unexpected things that will happen. If a leader does not have the foresight to see the different outcomes of a situation, he cannot be prepared to deal with the issue effectively. Instead, the lack of anticipation will cause his team to fall far behind. To proficiently anticipate any situations, a leader should uncover any potential results with different scenarios, variables and most importantly use his imagination.

4. A Negative Attitude

A leader must maintain his strength and confidence through the most difficult situations. Any expression of doubt, fear and pessimism will severely affect the motivation of his team. If he instills hopelessness then the team will only set themselves up for failure, as they have nothing to look forward to. Although things might seem uncertain at the moment, a leader should bring out the strengths of his team and promote a positive outlook. With his positive attitude others can feed off this positive energy, enabling them to do take the extra step forward, which will make the difference between success and failure.

5. On a “Power Trip”

The leader who expresses his authority by instilling fear with threats of consequences is a bad leader, and will continually lead by force. In addition, bad leaders also will make a big deal about their “official title”, this is a sign of insecurity and lack of confidence. A good leader knows that he is capable and does not need to reinforce his status by demanding respect through his “official title”. The best leaders will not have to proclaim his status or “flex his muscles”, instead he leads simply by the demonstration of his abilities in making intelligent decisions, understanding the scope of situation and generating the desired results.

6. Unable to Give Proper Feedback

The leader who does not communicate with the proper feedback can confuse and mislead others. Generally, this can lead to a loss of control and a blurred vision of the end goal. People need the clarity of their progress, both good and bad. When a leader does not correct the methods which a team executes, they will not learn. They can’t differentiate whether they are on the right track or if they should review any mistakes to avoid making the mistake time and time again. The leader should provide feedback consistently and in all the stages of development, providing guidelines, the level of accuracy and desired results.

7. Selfishness

When leader that takes all the recognition of all the work that has been done, people will lose trust and gain resentment. This can drive others to be less effective for the next objective, with less motivation, reduced focus and lower quality of work. If people are not properly honored and recognized they won’t care about their work or believe that they are important to reaching the goal. Even though it’s true that a leader has the ultimate responsibility of making the decisions and motivating others, the leader needs to credit others and the people who really made it possible. The group’s success will speak for itself and a leader will be automatically appreciated as well.

According to psychologist John Holland’s theory, people generally fit into one of the 6 personality types: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising and conventional. (RIASEC theory) Here are the definitions of the personality types definitions and the careers that are perfect for each:

1. Realistic
Typically people who have the realistic personality type like to work with animals, innovative tools, or machines. The realistic personality type values practical and tangible things that you can see, touch, use and feel. They are a very hands-on-type of person and can be very skilled in working with tools, technical diagrams and mechanical equipment.

Some “realistic” personality jobs include: chef, aircraft pilot, police officer, contractor, and mechanic.

2. Investigative
People in this type like to be involved with the search and discovery of facts and solving complex issues by integrating critical thinking and analysis. They are very good at understanding complicated math and science problems.

Examples of “investigative” careers include computer programmers, economists, doctors and engineers.

3. Artistic
Perhaps the most recognizable, the artistic personality is creative, self expressive, original, and independent. Usually they captivate their creativity with different mediums such as music, art, design, writing and acting.

Of course, artistic personalities careers include: writers, editors, actor, graphic designers, photographers, musicians, songwriters etc.

4. Social
The ability to communicate and interact with others is the main trait of the social personality. They generally like to help people and solve social problems mainly with the use of dialog and in relation with real life examples.

Examples of “social” personality careers include: teaching, nursing, counseling, advising, public speaking

5. Enterprising

People with the enterprising personality have a great desire to start, implement and carry out projects. Often, this personality has the skills to lead people, take risks, and are very confident in making quick decisions. This personality also has the ability to influence others to sell their ideas.

Careers in this “category” include: attorneys, politicians, entrepreneurs, real estate brokers, and managers of advertising, marketing and public relations.

6. Conventional
The conventional personality type thrives on structure with plans, set procedures and routines. Usually this personality is very data driven and detailed oriented. They are very good at systematically working with written records, numbers and technology.

Some of the jobs in the “conventional” category include accountants, actuaries, business operations, financial systems analyst and business analysts.

“80% of success is showing up.”

Even though this is such an obvious truth, this qoute can be a great way of re-aligning your perspective with different activities in your life. This can apply to your career, relationships, education and health.

Here are 3 ways why showing up can increase your chances of success immensely.

1. It turns your ideas into tangible actions
It’s super easy to generate ideas and start day dreaming of the things you want to accomplish. We can literally think about what we wish for all day. But the act of showing up is a turning point where that idea can become a reality. Your action of showing up is now tangible; meaning that you can feel, experience and touch it.

2. Creates momentum
The hardest part is getting started. It will take some time and energy. But once you get moving the momentum will keep building to where it becomes so much easier to keep going.

3. Develops a positive habit
Habits are hard to break. With the momentum generated, your actions will become more consistent. You will develop a habit where showing up becomes so “second nature” that it will be hard to stop and can become a significant part of your success rate.

There so many things in life that only require you to show up and the rest will follow. Here are the areas and situations where showing up can help:

Health:
Show up to the hiking trail
Show up to the gym
Show up to the healthy sandwich restaurant for lunch everyday
Show up to the whole food and grain supermarket instead of the regular grocery store

Education:
Show up to class (no kidding, right?)
Show up to the library
Show up to ask for help, tutor
Show up to extra curricular activities

Career:
Show up on time or earlier
Show up to training sessions and seminars
Show up to certification courses
Show up to networking and social events

Friends and Relationships:
Show up for birthdays
Show up to events that are important to other people (even if you don’t like the event)
Show up on dates

Family:
Show up to your kid’s baseball, soccer games etc.
Show up to help an elderly relative
Show up to religious activities with family

Now that you see how the simple act of showing can lead to success, its time to evaluate which areas of your life can be changed just by showing up.

If your goals and dreams are truly important to you, then you should do what it takes for you to push, motivate and move closer to your goals. You will have to make a very serious commitment.

Perhaps one the most effective ways to make this commitment is to eliminate any escape routes that give you an opening to quit or go back.

By keeping those escape routes open, you are allowing yourself to say that it’s ok to turn back. And when it becomes difficult, as it does for any worthwhile goal, you will quit.

Eliminating the escape routes will ensure your success. Here are three popular metaphors that best describe this powerful philosophy:

1) Burn the ships:

Create a point of no return. The ships symbolize what brought you through the journey and to where you are now. At this moment you can choose go back or continue to pursue your goal. By “burning” the ships you are removing any chance you have possible to return. You now have no choice but to keep moving on.

2) Kick the Ladder behind you:

Move upward. Kicking the ladder behind you symbolizes that you are going to a higher and more difficult level in your life. At this level you will take on more responsibility and have more things to worry about. The ladder can be your savior when you face the most challenging times. By “kicking the ladder” you will remain at that level and will have to face your challenges and fears head on.

3) Put all your eggs in one basket

Take the biggest risk possible. You take everything you have put it into one thing and just go for it. Although there is a chance you can lose it all. Taking on the biggest risk will force you to be more aware and careful not to make any disastrous mistakes. It will force you to make the right decisions or lose everything. Failure is simply not an option.

Do you have what it takes?

You might say that “burning the ships” or “kicking the ladder behind you” is absolutely extreme and that no average person would do this.

Well then you are correct.

The average person will not eliminate their escape routes. Only the extraordinary person will. They will push forward and never look back as they move closer to success. Which escape routes do you still have open?