Make Life Easier by Life Quote, Life Quotes and Life Tips

A LETTER FROM ME TO YOU

2011-07-28T03:28:00.000-07:00

Dear you know who you are,

It was 2:29am, one Saturday in July, I was sitting beside you wearing a red Giordano shirt, I can still remember vividly.

We had drunk two bottles of beer. It all started when I asked you to stay so I could talk about anything under the sun and you did. We were friends, yeah, we were…you never ever say no to me. And that was what I like most about you.

I was a stupid girl crying over a stupid boy during that time. As I cried, you comforted me. You pulled me by the left sleeve of my shirt so I could lean over you…and you have told me something...

…You said, you have fallen for me.

…I felt like there was cold water poured over me.

I was shocked, because I have never ever imagined that you would feel that for me…not me, uh, uh because I was the opposite of what you have dreamed of.

But when you have told me that you have seen something in me that nobody has ever seen…I have mixed emotions…

…This was eleven years ago…

I write this letter because I want to thank you.

I want to Thank You for letting me know that I was special. You were my knight in shining armor. (You know that I hate fairy tales and love stories, but this is so true to me.)

Thank you for showing me my worth when I have didn’t any for me.

And most of all, I want to thank God for using YOU to show me that life is so wonderful and worth living.

If someone would ask me, if there is a part of it that I would like to change,

I would simply say, “None. I love my life as it was and as it is”, if something would be changed before I met you, I might not be sitting here and writing this.

You might find this cheesy, but they are all true. I just hope that you feel the same way and you have no regrets for what had happened eleven years ago…

May God always guide and bless you in everything you do.

From,

March 12, 2012

2011-03-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

March 12, 2012, Saturday, Seaside Boulevard, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City...it was the 2nd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition.

...this was one of the unforgettable moments being a mother...first time to be with my eldest(my three- and-a-half-year old boy)...to do something different...something that he would like to look back and remember.

I promised myself that I would spend quality time with my kids especially my eldest starting this year. I wanted him to remember his childhood as a happy one.

I know that he would appreciate them more since he is in his "why is that"(always asking for an explanation why things are like these) mode all the time. Besides, it is my New Year's Resolution to make my kids' childhood memorable.

So we went to the place at around 5pm that Saturday afternoon...Just like any soldier, I was ready for the battle.

I have my pink backpack full of goodies (snacks, chocolates, juice, water and toys) for my kid in case he would need something. Since it was our first time to watch it, I thought I was prepared until I realized that we need to walk for two kilometers just to reach the place. Just like the others, we were walking and running every now and then just to be there to find the right spot. We just went with the flow of the people who were like soldier ants going to the direction of the battle. (We did not stop even though the traffic light called for it. People continued to cross the street.)

I need to catch up with the pace of my kid so he would not be that tired. (I did not want him to be tired so he should not miss the show by just sleeping).

My kid would look at me every now and then just to check if I was ok. After of few glances, he might have not taken it any longer...

...and while grains of sweat were rolling on my cheeks, my kid stared at me and said, "Mama, it is just fine. It is just fine. I am not tired. " I felt his sincerity as if he could feel what I was worried about. He saw what my eyes were telling...He read what I could not tell him in words.

I was so happy that my kid knew how to comfort someone when it was needed. I was so ecstatic hearing that from my kid. It gave me the fuel to continue.

We reached the place by 7 P.M. I know my son was tired...and I should carry him now...Passed the entrance...At long last, we were just finding the right spot to be seated...

...Under a coconut tree, I placed my cherryblossom-print-mat...sat against each other while resting as we waited for the show to start...

...And as the fireworks started to brighten the night, I could not forget the smile on his face and the sparkle on his eyes...

...I asked him, "Are you happy?". He answered with a smile, "Yes." That answer was worth it...everything he did was worth it.

I want to make a happy picture in my mind that someday, under a coconut tree, with a different mat, my son might be sitting against his son or daughter, and will remember and tell his kids that, "I once did this with your grandma, and I will not forget it..."

If you want to be remembered by your loved ones, let it be happy memories.

Kaizen

2011-02-11T21:48:00.001-08:00

It was one of the ordinary days when I needed to ride the MRT coach in Quezon Avenue Station going to Buendia. As usual, everybody was busy finding ways (BDO - Banco de Oro's tag line: we find ways) to be the first one to board the coach even though she was the last person who stepped on the platform.

The security guard who was in charge for the coach which was dedicated for female caught my attention. (When you visit Manila, and decided to ride the MRT along EDSA, we have dedicated coach especially for women and elderly.)Not because he was good looking but because he was wearing a reflectorized jacket with the word "KAIZEN" at the back. (I am not sure if the other people know its meaning.)

Seeing that word put a little smile on my face. I realized that the government is also adapting the principle. It is nice to know that it is doing something to serve the people better. But what does Kaizen really mean?

Wikipedia defined KAIZEN as a Japenese term for "improvement" or "change for the better" refers to the philosophy or practices that focus on continuous improvement on processes, engineering, supporting business processed and management. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaizen

I first encountered this word during our VA(Voice and Accent) Training when one of our VA trainers asked, "Do you know the word Kaizen? What do you like to be? Being the best in something or just being better?"

I said to myself, "Being the best of course."

He continued, "If you are the best that's it. You are just the best. I prefer Kaizen, because you keep on learning, you keep on moving, you keep on improving."

Upon hearing that, I agreed and chose to adapt Kaizen in everything I do. I may not be the best, but I keep on improving in my own way, in my own phase and be a better version of me everyday.

As a mother of two kids, I will teach my children the same principle, they don't need to be the best and compete with other kids just to be the best in something (Best in Math, Best in Engish, etc) but they just need to learn something in everything that they do and learn from those experiences, as we always say it, "There is always a room for improvement".

And everytime I feel the need that the person whom I am talking with, needs to know the word, I will share it joyously.

How about you, are you ready to have a better rendition of yourself or be the best that you can be?

Life Quote of the Day: Always be a Blessing to Others

2010-12-24T04:39:00.000-08:00

M.J....It can stand for famous people like Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, for Michael Jordan who used to be with Chicago Bulls, and for the most influential persons who touched my heart would be Mel Tiangco and Joey de Leon. It may not be a coincidence that their talkshow would be M. and J. if it would be abbreviated.

Ms. Mel Tiangco will always say before the show ends, "Always be a blessing to Others." This has made me realized that in every little thing that we do, we can make a difference in others' lives. It may just be a simple smile that you can give to one of the persons that we meet everyday. And without knowing, that smile is what that troubled person needs to know that someone still cares before he commits suicide. He decided not to take his own life just because of that smile. He felt that there is still good in this world.

As for me, this is my little way of saying, "I am a blessing to others. Yes, I am." I came up with Chocolate for a Cause this Christmas. It is my one of my little ways of sharing my Blessings.

So make sure that in everything we do, it will have an impact to other people. Let us choose that it should be a good one.

The Difference Begins with ME

2010-11-13T11:35:00.000-08:00

"You have to develop in yourself all those things that you wish to see in others. Then you can instill it in others, and they can hopefully be a mirror of your reflection of your leadership abilities."

- from The Success Formula

5 Quotes on Positive Thinking

2010-07-10T05:38:00.000-07:00

5 Quotes on Positive Thinking

By Sam R. A. Davis

Here's 5 quotes on positive thinking together with their meanings.

1. "The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible" - Author Unknown

This quote means: Someone who chooses positive thoughts over negative ones has several advantages over most people. First, positive thinkers are able to see the good in things that other people cannot see.

Secondly, a positive thinker can feel things that are not visible - such as a strong sense of 'correct' gut feeling. A positive thinker has access to things that the masses think are myths. Lastly, a positive thinker is capable of achieving things that most people believe are not possible.

2. Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results" - Willie Nelson

This quote means: The intention with this quote is to show you just how powerful your thoughts are. If they are positive, good things will start to happen in your life. This is pretty much about persuading you how much of a say your thoughts have in your life - they make a huge contribution.

We're at the half way stage of these quotes on positive thinking - I hope you're getting something from them!

3. "Where the loser saw barriers, the winner saw hurdles" - Robert Brault

This quote means: A positive thinker (the winner, of course!) sees the negative as something to be overcome. The negative thinker views the negative as a blockage that cannot be beaten. Seeing something as a hurdle means that you still believe getting past it is achievable. This is the positive attitude that leads to success.

4. "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change" Dr. Wayne Dyer

This quote means: Things are whatever you think they are. Nothing has a set opinion. So, if you change your view of something, it's appearance will also change with your thinking. The world is a bright place if you choose to see it that way. Realising that you have choice is one of the key factors to being more positive, and that makes this one of the most important quotes on positive thinking.

5. "I have found that if you love life, life will love you back" - Arthur Rubinstein

This quote means: If you choose to see things positively in life, your reality will feel positive itself. Your life becomes as positive as your mind is.

Would you like to see my favorite-of-all-time Positive Thinking Quotes?

Sam Davis is the author at World of Self Improvement Resources where he writes about anything that could help you to become a better and happier version of yourself.

The topics covered include building self confidence, becoming more positive, finding your spiritual purpose, living healthily and more!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_R._A._Davis

What Are The 10 Rules Of The Power Of Positive Thinking?

2010-07-09T05:32:00.000-07:00

What Are The 10 Rules Of The Power Of Positive Thinking?

By Andrew Chin

The power of positive thinking and the top ten rules in getting it is one of the hottest topic today.

This is because people are realizing that positive thinking and a positive attitude does affect life significantly. Have you heard of "The Secret" movie? It's rapidly making it's way around the world.
Whether you see a glass as half-empty or half-full can affect the way you treat yourself. We are in control of our lives and our destiny.

An idle brain, is a devils' workshop they say. This is not a positive quote. However, using this ideology in mind, we ventured to write on positive thinking, so that something productive would be achieved of our minds.

Here are the top 10 Rules to Get the Power of Positive Thinking

1) Believe - You need to believe. You can not pretend to be a positive thinker. In positive thinking, you can not fake it because there is no one to pretend to. If somebody merely believes that you are a positive thinker, how can that benefit you? The most important of the ten rules of the power of positive thinking is that you yourself should believe it.

2) Be objective - This is very important in the ten rules for the power of positive thinking. Many people tend to see their lives for their failures and thus, they lose all hope of ever attaining in their goal. Some other people, filled with false pride, tend to magnify their success and they make all the wrong decisions.

3) Surround yourself with people who have a positive attitude - When you are engaged in an internal battle between your negative and positive self, you will need all the help you can get. Do not surround yourself with negative people who will just drag your positive attitude to the floor with their negativity.

4) Be healthy - All of the positive thinking in the world will not help you if you are six feet under, can it? You have to keep your body healthy in order to fuel your positive thinking. One step to achieving the power of positive thinking is looking after your body.

5) Switch negativity around - Remove all negative thoughts by repelling it outright when something negative enters your personality. Channel that energy into positive thoughts. Positive quotes and positive affirmations will help to keep negativity away.

6) Be patient - Positive thinking is not immediate. You need to reprogram yourself in order to get remove any negative attitude you possess.

7) Remember that other people can sense your negativity - Before you do anything, be sure to have the right attitude. One reason why people fail is because others can sense their negative attitude and want no part of it. Positive thoughts, positive thinking, and positive affirmation create a positive attitude

8) Be positive - Always look for something positive in everything new. When you encounter something unfamiliar, do not be afraid. Take a hard look at it and see it for the positive effects it brings, this will make your life easier.

9) Pace yourself - You need to pace yourself in order to prevent yourself from collapsing. Take life one day at a time. Remember that you can not hurry into being positive. Be patient and you will achieve a positive attitude.

10) Apply the change - The main characteristic of these ten rules of the power of positive thinking is the fact that they only bring you to the door. You have to open it yourself. Many individuals do not realize this, but we need these rules in order to appreciate life more. Some people think rules limit our achievements, but this is untrue. Without any rules, we would have been extinct centuries ago. Rules remove the chaos that is called life and impose sanity into it.

Rules are what we use to help us understand the true meaning of life. Sometimes, we look for rules in order to help us attain our goals. People make rules in order to help themselves achieve their goals in a manner that they can understand. Rules are also used to help us understand life. People give out rules in order to help others get what they want. We are able to keep every discovery made because of rules.

It seems that people, when looking for rules, like to stick to ten, which is a nice, round number. It comes as no surprise that individuals look for 10 rules for the power of positive thinking.

Andrew Chin is a recognized authority on the subject of Positive Thinking.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Chin

Ten Ways to Make Your Week & Life Easier

2010-07-08T03:10:00.000-07:00

Ten Ways to Make Your Week & Life Easier

By Jesse Johnston

We all find ourselves in a funk from time to time. Often they start with small issues that pile up on top of each other until you reach the point where you're not where you want to be. If any of these quotes apply to you:

"I don't like my job the way I used to"
"I'm always feeling up and down"
"Life is tougher now than it normally is"
"I'm so busy it leads to stress"

Well relax! There are literally thousands of things you can do to reverse the problem and start to enjoy life again. A great deal of the problem revolves around time; it's the one precious resource we can not buy and most of us spend a lot of it just to earn a living. This article should help you discover ways to make your week life easier!

Tip 1: Keep Organized with a Notebook
Always keep a notebook with you. Keep your schedule, your shopping list, phone numbers and whatever other important scheduled items in it. Writing it all down and seeing it daily is a sure step to ensuring everything that needs to be done is, and you have time left after its done.

Tip 2: Store Frozen Food
If you find you're unable to eat well on a regular basis, you can store frozen food. A good rule of thumb for this method is to on occasion cook more than you need, and store it. As your 'food savings' increases you will want to ensure you store the new food at the back, to ensure nothing gets stored for too long.

Tip 3: Think Ahead
For many people, it can be tough to wake up in the morning. Often it is not for the simple reason of getting more sleep, but rather the long list of things to do before leaving the house. By doing things like packing your bag / briefcase ahead of time, setting up coffee, putting the frying pan on the stove you can release the burden of what should be the best part of your day.

Tip 4: Keep Focus
It's easy to fall into old habits after making new lifestyle choices. Be prepared to kick yourself in the butt whenever you first notice the habits coming back. Write down a list of the things you wish to change in your life and read it every night. When you close your eyes for bed, think of three things you can do to improve those aspects of life. By doing this, you are setting the tone for your rest and will be focused the next day.

Stress:
Another issue can be stress. There are hundreds of methods to dealing with stress. Some good ideas include meditation (often with incense. candles and dim lights), listening to classical music, taking a hot bath, putting your pajamas on early (resting all evening) and my personal favorite: using the internet to develop hobbies, skills and interests.

Tip 5: Prep isn't Just For Restaurants
Often times we are just not prepared to eat well. Eating poorly can have drastic effects on your mood, stress levels and overall well being. Eating out often can bring along many undesired health effects, and can really add up. Save yourself and save your money; before your week begins, prepare the ingredients to your food. A great idea is to chop your vegetables and store them in containers inside your fridge. For those of you that love grated cheese; you can save time by doing it all at once and storing in either a container or resealable bag. You can use these ingredients in many recipes, and on mornings / nights when you have no energy something delicious can be cooked easily.

Tip 6: Keep your Eyes Off The Clock
If you find that your weeks go by slower than you can stand, you probably look at the clock. By maintaining a focus on time and not what you're doing with it, you alter your perception of time. Being aware of "generally" what time it is can be important, but make sure it doesn't develop into an excessive habit. Breaking yourself of such a habit is simple; when you catch yourself doing / thinking about it it; don't; wait just 5 more minutes. Keep your mind focused on tasks, no matter how small. Eventually you will start to do it less and less until suddenly your weeks are going by too fast (see: having fun).

Tip 7: Communicate Genuinely
Maintain a focus on what people are telling you and respond with a genuine answer. This can not only lead to hidden opportunities, friendships and a break from what you focus heavily on. Make sure to avoid over-helping or stressful communication however; this will often get in the way of your day's focus.

Tip 8: Work Like You Own It
When you're at work it is easy to fall into a predictable day. You arrive at 9 and grab a coffee at the cafeteria, have a muffin at 10:30 and read the sports section of the news paper and so on... Well stop! It may seem easier for each day to be the same, but this can not only make your day seem like a week but cause boredom and dependency. By working on the things you know matter (and not letting that voice in your head tell you not to) you'll notice that not only will you become a more valuable asset to your company (and management will surely notice), but your work will eventually not seem like work.

Tip 9: Keep Hydrated
It is a well known fact that dehydration has many negative effects on both the brain and body, but did you know that most people become dehydrated 2 or more times per month? This can cause anger, depression, lack of sleep, sickness, fatigue and so much more. Another scary fact is that most people don't know it when they are. It is for this reason that you need to ensure you have a habit of keeping hydrated. Drink water often throughout the day, and make sure you stay away from too much soda pop / juice (which just doesn't cut it compared to H20).

Tip 10: Make Time to Do What You Want
Do you have hobbies and interests, or are those a thing of the past? By using the tips previously stated, you may find you've saved a decent chunk of time. This is the reward; you can use this time to do anything you want (take that old guitar out your garage), and even develop new skills that can get you the job you want.

Those were just 10 of hundreds of ideas. I would like to invite you to take some time to take a look at your way of life now. Are there small things that you can do that might have a big impact on your life? Have any other ideas on how to make your week & life easier?

Article by Jesse Johnston; more articles like this available on HowTu.net: How To

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jesse_Johnston

5 Time Management Tips to Calm College Student Stress

2010-07-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Printable - 5 Time Management Tips to Calm College Student Stress

5 Time Management Tips to Calm College Student Stress

By Maria Pascucci

As your fall semester kicks into high gear and your schedule fills up, you college students may find your stress levels rising. You're probably counting the days until your next vacation when time is -- once again -- on your side. But did you ever stop to realize that the old "time is on your side" cliché holds true 24/7, whether you're a stressed-out college student in time management hell or living it up on summer break?

If you want to stop stressing, master time management and get out of overwhelm, even when school's in session, keep reading ...

1. Time is your GREATEST asset in life. You get to CHOOSE how you spend it.
I know -- it's a hard concept to embrace because that means we all have to stop making excuses. Instead of saying, "I can't exercise because I don't have time" we have to admit, "I choose not to exercise because I'm not prioritizing it into my schedule." We are all personally responsible for our lives and how we spend our time is a direct reflection of how well we embrace time management.

When I was a stressed-out college student, I blamed others for my lack of time management. I believed that the only way I could lower my stress levels was if my professors stopped dishing out so much homework. Instead of learning better time management strategies and easing up on my own perfectionism, I made excuses. Every semester, I feel deeper into overwhelm until I let anxiety, depression, insomnia, and total stress usurp my life. Bottom line: Take control over your time right now and be calmer and happier for the rest of your life.

2. Time management means learning to say N-O.
"You can determine how you use your time or by default, let others plan it for you," says Beverly Coggins, professional organizer and author of the e-book, Three Steps to Time Management for the College Student.

Coggins believes that we need to have a grasp on our own passions and priorities so that we're in a stronger position to not be led around by the whims of others. "By determining your own passions and priorities, it gives you confidence to stay focused on where you want to go in life," she adds. Bottom line: College students are supposed to be self-focused! You're not a selfish person if you choose to be empowered by your own goals. Plus, when you take care of yourself first, you'll have more energy to be there for your friends.

3. Skipping class = MORE stress.
Sorry to be the downer but skipping class really does screw with time management. It causes college students more stress in the long run. Think about it: You miss class notes, class discussion, repetition of materials, interacting with your classmates and you're wasting money. If you calculate how much money you're spending per college class and then divide it by how many classes there are in a semester, you may be surprised to realize that you skipped out on a class that could very easily have exceeded one-to-several hundred dollars. Ugh! That's a week's worth of putting up with obnoxious customers at the mall or waiting tables at The Olive Garden.

I've skipped my fair share of classes in high school and college and playing catch up sucks! Be honest: how much time do you spend trying to decipher your friend's shorthand when you borrow her class notes or tracking down your professor during office hours? Bottom line: Unless it's a true emergency, go to class and hit the snooze button on the weekends!

4. Sleep SAVES time.
According to Coggins, sleep should be the first thing that goes on our master schedules. Why? "Sleep deprivation has the same affect on you as alcohol," says Coggins. "Your reaction time is slow, you can't think clearly, you gain weight, and you can get depressed."

Think about how much time we waste napping during the day because we don't sleep enough at night. C' mon, how many of us have fallen asleep when we're sitting quietly ... like in class! Coggins advises that college students figure out ways to reduce interruptions to sleep like investing in earplugs, a fan, a sleeping mask, or a note on your door. Bottom line: Don't sacrifice sleep because sleep deprivation is the true time waster.

5. Procrastinators CAN master time management.
Nearly two-thirds of students say they've procrastinated so much that it affected their performance on an exam, paper, or course grade, according to a February 2007 College Health Services survey. Coggins suggests that college students take advantage of those first few weeks of the semester when there is little pressure, to keep up with assignments.

Use the following tips to escape procrastination mode:

· Break large tasks up into bite-sized pieces and estimate how much time each piece will take. Working backwards from your deadline, schedule in each piece of your task.

· Plan in breaks. Every 45 minutes take a 15-minute break. Do something totally different that relaxes you or invigorates you -- take a walk, listen to music, whatever refreshes you.

· Know when your peak energy time is. If you are a morning person, don't attempt overwhelming tasks at night and vice versa.

· Study with a friend. Just make sure you choose friends that won't help you procrastinate!

Bottom line: Stay away from procrastination temptations when you have a deadline looming. Cell phone, PS3, HDTV ... need I say more?

Maria Pascucci is the President of Campus Calm - the award-winning website for today's stressed-out students, parents and educators. Download your Stress-Less Kit with 4 FREE gifts at (http://www.campuscalm.com).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_Pascucci

Math Word Problem Solving Tips From An Experienced Math Tutor

2010-07-03T04:42:00.000-07:00

Printable - Math Word Problem Solving Tips From An Experienced Math Tutor

Math Word Problem Solving Tips From An Experienced Math Tutor

By Ian G Cunliffe

As a teacher and math tutor, I have seen many students struggle with solving word problems. Who of us doesn't remember being asked questions about 2 trains leaving different stations at different speeds, and being asked to figure out when they will meet? While some of us love these types of problems, many others have great difficulty tackling these sorts of questions. Often we just don't know where to begin, or what strategies we should be using to try to find an answer.

This article is intended to help people who struggle with word problems, by providing them with a simple strategic approach and a set of tools to use when encountering questions of this sort. Like most writings on Problem solving, this article leans heavily on the ideas and writings of George Polya (1887-1985) a mathematician who refined many of the ideas for problem solving that are in common use today. His classic book 'Solve It' is a must read for the advanced student - a simplified system is provided below:

An Approach to Problem Solving:

Start by being sure that you understand the problem - I can't tell you the number of times that teachers see students turn in copious amounts of work that fails to answer the question that was actually asked. This is often heartbreaking for both the student and the teacher.
Always try to restate the problem in your own words. If you can't rephrase the problem, then there is a good chance that you may not fully understand it.
Be clear on what you need to accomplish. Think about what information you will need. Is there any information missing? Can it be found by using the information that is present?
Make a plan - once you are confident that you know what the question is asking and what data will be needed to answer it, start thinking about how you will tackle the problem
Think about if you have seen a similar question before. If so, how did you solve it?
Solve a simpler problem - if some parts of the problem are not clear try simplifying it and solving what you know. This is a form of 'divide and conquer' - once you have solved a part of the problem it is not uncommon for the answer to the mysterious part to suddenly jump out at you. You can also try simplifying the data - if the numbers are too big and awkward then make them smaller and simpler. This allows you to get clear on the steps and processes involved in solving the problem
Draw a picture - often using a diagram will help to organize the data in a way that allows your brain to create additional connections between the pieces and possibly spark some ideas.
List your data - can you put it in a table? Can you organize it?
Can you spot a pattern?
Do you know a formula? Are there any formulas that you know that could be relevant to the problem? Think about how you could possibly use them in this particular instance.
Can you work backwards? Sometimes approaching a problem in the other direction can cause your mental light bulb to turn on!
Guessing is great! Take a guess if you can and then check if your guess is close. Many of us adults were taught never to guess when we were in school - this is unfortunate as guessing and estimation are powerful problem solving tools.
Carry out your plan - you've got your plan so now it's time to execute it. Use one of the approaches above that you think fit the situation best. Don't be afraid to drop one approach and try another if you don't seem to be making headway.
Look back - is there another method? Could you solve it a different way? Is there a general principle that can be applied?

Ian Cunliffe is an experienced tutor and teacher serving North and West Vancouver, BC. Ian can be reached at ian@vancouvertutoringservice.com or at 778 230 0177. Check out his 'visible results guarantee' at http://www.vancouvertutoringservice.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_G_Cunliffe

10 Tips For Making Math Fun

2010-06-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

10 Tips For Making Math Fun
By Shawn Snyder

Math was never an easy subject for me in school. It didn't seem to matter how much I tried I never seemed to understand what the teacher wanted and I dreaded when we worked out problems on the board, I always made a mistake and the other children always snickered or had hurtful comments to make. The teachers always seemed at a lost of what to do to help me or any other student who could not keep up with the schedule they had written down at the beginning of the school year. I didn't want my own children to experience the dread of learning math; determining that things would be different for them I came up with some tips and now I hope that these suggestions might offer help and guidance if you know a child who struggles with their math skills.

My first tip: Make sure that your child has a breakfast before they start their day. Research has shown that your child will be more ready to learn if their nutritional needs are meet. It is hard to concentrate on learning anything if their belly is rumbling with hunger.

2nd tip: Introduce the history of math to your child, when certain math inventions were made and by whom, what were the circumstances or need for the invention. How is math used through out the world.

3rd tip: Make a game of learning facts. There are a lot of math games that will help your child enjoy learning, helping with the fundamental facts that they will need to know. Using games reduces the stress of the learning process and makes learning fun and not so boring nor intimidating.

4th tip: Use math in real life situations. Take the facts that your child is learning and bring it into situations that your child is in every day. When cutting a pizza talk about the fractions you are making. If they are making a purchase show them how to figure tax into the price. How many cookies will they need for each of their friends to have two? These can be ways to use math in their every day lives.

5th tip: Use visual aids or manipulatives when teaching math. We have talked about how children learn differently; for some children using visual aids can be the catalysis between understanding and not understanding the concepts that are being taught. As your child learns the skills they will become less dependent on the manipulatives.

6th tip: Using food to teach math concepts. Weather it be candy, cereal, popcorn or pizza simple math facts are easy to manipulate so concepts can be seen. This also puts the child at ease which helps make the learning easier.

7th tip: When learning math there are many patterns but sometimes those are hard for a child to see. Pointing out these patterns can making math easier, this can be done using manipulatives such as money. Also helping the child to memorize the patterns such as 2s, 4s, 5s, 6s, 8s, 10s and working up from there.

8th tip: Use music and songs to help your child with memorizing math facts. This tip was used by each of my children. They sang their way through their multiplications tables, square roots and there is even are even little ditties that help in Algebra and Geometry.

9th tip: Mix it up. Use different medias when learning and doing math; computer software, worksheet pages, time races, are all great ways to keep learning varied which will help the student from being bored and help with the learn process.

10th tip: The buddy system is a great way to learn math facts. Kids can sometimes explain things to each other so they understand it better then any adult can. Plus as they help each other learn solidifies the facts for each child.

As you read over these tips I hope that you see at least one or two that you could implement to help make math fun for your own child.

Shawn is half of the partnership of The Odd Couple Blog. Where the topics of family, marriage, finance, online business, home repair, home remodeling and other various topics will be covered. Come and visit at http://theoddcoupleblog.com/
You can also view her report about Personalized Children's Products and the benefits of them at http://www.personalizedproductsreport.com/.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Snyder

Top 5 Tips to Teach Math to Kids Effectively

2010-06-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

Top 5 Tips to Teach Math to Kids Effectively

By Leah Fendi

Every parent is aware that math skills is essential for their children's future. Math will assist in all aspects of life. If Math is educated in incorrect way, children could possibly get bored easily. Listed below are top 5 best tips to teach kids Math effectively.

1- Before teaching Math, be sure they are taught formal logic first. They should be able to think in a logical way using words and real-world situations before it can be applied to abstract concepts like numbers. Failing in this initial step causes kids hard to understand Math, and soon makes them hate Math. They should be taught on how to THINK first.

2- When thinking about the best ways to teach math to kids, age is an important element to consider first. Make sure your teaching module is appropriate for the kids' age. Toddlers and preschoolers should learn the basic meaning of numbers, means to count things. Early elementary school should concentrate on arithmetic, understanding addition and multiplication tables for single digit numbers. Once they can master these, then move on to algebra, geometry, fractions, decimals, set theory, even calculus, and if possible, introduce the so-called advanced topics as early as possible. At the early stage of teaching advance Math, they just have to see it, they don't have to understand it. The results will be seen later on, they will easily absorb and understand of topics when they are covered in grades 6-12.

3- Use something in which they can relate to. Try to make it simple yet fun. Also be practical to make them easy to understand. For example, to teach addition or subtraction, use countable food they used to eat. To teach division or fractions use cake.

4- Create fun and cool Math games for kids. Printable Math board games, card games, print and play game worksheets can be found on the internet.

5- Since Math needs a lot of recall skills, having a good memory will be a big advantage on our kids. Improve your kid's memory by providing him/her number exercises on mental addition or multiplication, recalling dates for instance birthdays or anniversaries or dates for special occasions and making connections to other events that happened or will happen on a particular date. Working out your kid's memory will truly be an asset at a later time when he has to memorize rules, formula, methods or procedures in resolving mathematical problems or equations.

Teaching Math to kids should always be fun, make sure your kids don't feel stress when learning Math. Cool Math games for kids can make your kids enjoy learning Math. Visit http://www.coolmathgamesforkids.info/ for more than 450 pages jam packed with printable Math games which can be accessed directly from your computer.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Leah_Fendi

The Best Way to Study Math

2010-06-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

The Best Way to Study Math

By Kelly J Thomas

Are you having difficulties in solving your mathematics problems? Do you feel like you are spending too much time learning math? If you have been studying hard and your grades do not show that, then it is possible that you may not be studying effectively. Just follow the directions given here to improve your mathematics:

Let's start with homework. Most students misunderstand the purpose of homework. They believe that homework consists of mathematics questions that should be solved and given to a teacher. Actually, the basic reason of giving you homework is to improve you mathematics with regular drills. You can also improve your problem solving speed, with a little practice everyday. Just follow these tips to make your home study effective:

1. Get familiar with the topic. Try remembering what has been taught in class. Study your notes and book for examples. This will make it easier for you to understand what ideas you need to work on.

2. Gather all the ideas. Simply think about the ideas and methods in your assignment. Don't forget to understand any new terms that you might come across. Read your math problems carefully and try remembering any warnings about errors that your teacher has mentioned to you. Just go through the examples in your book to make sure you have a good understanding of the concepts. This can help you, if you get stuck at some point later on.

3. Start your assignment. Do your assignment on a fresh page of your notebook. Take a separate sheet of paper for doing your rough calculations. Here are some tips to improve your problem solving abilities:

o Note down your assignment accurately from the blackboard. Keep some pages reserved in your note book in which you can write your assignments. If you don't completely understand the assignment, simply ask your teacher to explain it to you.
o Simply follow the directions given by your teacher.
o Solve your problems in a neat manner and be accurate in your calculations.
o Show the exact workings in your solutions, not just the answers. This will assist you and your teacher in finding errors.
o Make it a habit to recheck your assignment after you are done. Look for the simple errors in your calculations.
o Don't delay your homework. Do it on the day it is given so that you don't forget the useful instructions.
o If you are stuck on problem don't let it discourage you. Just take a look at your book and your notes to get further ideas on the problem. If you have done too many confusing calculations on one paper then throw it away and start on a fresh piece of paper. If you are still doubtful then ask your teacher about your problems and see what he or she has to tell.

Now you can finally submit your assignment to your teacher. If your teacher makes any corrections or find mistakes, don't worry. Think of it as a learning opportunity. Those errors can assist you in making yourself better in math. Here are some tips for you:

1. Study your errors carefully to find out what mistakes you did in your arithmetic calculations and working.

2. If it was a careless mistake and you knew the correct method then make a note of it. If you realize that you make careless errors repeatedly then solve your problems more carefully.

3. If you cannot identify mistakes in your workings, then ask your teacher or classmate to find them for you.

4. Make it a habit to note down all your errors on reserved pages of your notebook. Write details of the correct ways of solving the problems on these pages. Just make sure you include the basic concepts of solving the problem.

Math Worksheets Center is home to over 8,000 highly quality printable K-12 math worksheets, lessons, quizzes, and homework. See it now: http://www.mathworksheetscenter.com/

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kelly_J_Thomas

7 Tips to Have a Healthy Relationship

2010-06-28T12:18:00.000-07:00

7 Tips to Have a Healthy Relationship

By Peter E Thompson

Very few in this world prefer to age in solitary. Unless you're a castaway in an unchartered island, and not many would choose to be. And that would be far-fetched considering that no islet nor isle has not been mapped in this day and age. And to move up in the society, one has to have some form of human interaction, a relationship of some sort. Relationship does not necessarily connote a romantic attachment. It can be a professional affiliation, for example the employee-employer relationship that you and your boos or your employee (if you are the boss) has. Or perhaps it may pertain to the bond between you and your sibling(s). And these associations with different people are part and parcel of your daily existence, so whether you are the solitary type or the outgoing kind, having a relationship is something inevitable. And considering it is, maintaining a healthy one is imperative because it plays an important role in our over-all well-being. Whatever relationship we foster will expectably reflect in our behavior. A single discordant relationship may affect the other relationships you are trying to nurture because of the stress it may bring. For example, a spat with your wife before you went to work may trigger you to become grumpy and unapproachable, thereby putting your relationship with your colleagues and your superiors at risk.

Here 7 basic tips to have a healthy relationship. You probably already know them somehow fail to apply hence this would be the right time to review them all.

1. Cultivate sharing and open communication. In fact, communication may yet be the most vital constituent of a healthy relationship. Being open does not mean being candidly tactless. One can be so open it may jeopardize the relationship instead of sustaining it. For instance, mentioning that your significant other is overweight when you already know that he or she is overly sensitive in matters concerning diet and body size may not in a manner of speaking helpful. Being honest is correct but to be bluntly so is a relationship no-no. Try reinforcing the feeling of accepting the person for what she or he is and broaching the idea of being a better person by being healthy. You may also play on the idea that you value your partner's health so much and you are willing to help her/him achieve that. That is communicating with tact.

2. Arguments and disagreements will unavoidably occur, after all, we are all humans. The secret in these tight situations is to remain calm. Of course there will be instances that you will go over the roof because of the gravity of the situation, but the most important thing is to apologize afterwards and try to mend everything by conversing in a calm and composed manner.

3. Engage in activities that you can all partake.

4. Respect each other. Do not judge another person because his or her belief is in total contrast with yours.

5. Trust each other. There is no relationship if there is no trust.

6. Do not be afraid to say no.

7. And lastly, be sensitive to the other person's needs, space, and inclinations.

Learn about the secrets to a healthy relationship. You can check on this site for references: http://relationship-insider.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_E_Thompson

Easy Ways to Study - Studying Tips For All Subjects

2010-06-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Easy Ways to Study - Studying Tips For All Subjects

By Jamie Crosley

Finding easy ways to study is not a big deal if you put a little thought into it. Studying for Trig, History or even Chemistry can be a drag, I know. But if you make the decision to study with purpose so you can get the most out of your study time, you will be able to have fun with your friends and have lots of extra time to do whatever you want.

The first part of my easy ways to study is very simple. Never study in crowded, noisy or distracting places like coffee shops. These types of places are best left for spending time with friends and catching up on how the weekend went. When you study, you must remove distractions or anything else that will keep you from comprehending what you are studying. These are not new ideas of studying, but this is a very important step if you are going to cut your study time in half. Then you can hang out with your friends with all of the extra time that you'll have.

The next part of my easy ways to study to is different from my first tip, and it almost seems to contradict the first. I know that group studying is sometimes very necessary, but studying alone is when things really start to stick. Once you pick a quiet and friendly place to study alone, put on some of your favorite music. Not new music, but music that you are very familiar with and makes you feel happy. Your attitude while studying directly affects the way that you feel when you are taking a test. Make sure that you are not playing it too loud as to be distracting.

I personally like to use ear-buds because all other noises and distractions are removed. Here is what the music will do for you if you stick with it. The music puts your mind in a rhythm and almost seems to prepare it for new information. I know that may sound crazy, but it has worked for me for years. When I am taking a test my mind replays the music in my head and the information just seems to come out of my pencil like magic. But remember to be sure to listen to music that you enjoy and are very familiar with while studying. You don't want to concentrate on the music, you just want it to guide your mind and prepare it for retaining new information.

So what else can you do to learn easy ways to study?

One of the most important things that you can do is learn how to Study Smarter, not harder. Everybody wants better grades, but finding the time to study gets in the way of living and having fun with friends. Visit http://www.get-better-grades.info to discover the secrets of getting the best grades with the least amount of effort and still have a life. P.S. And you don't have to be a nerd or a bookworm.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Crosley

Memorable Quotes in Everyday Life

2010-06-27T05:51:00.000-07:00

Memorable Quotes in Everyday Life

By Shawn Manaher

There are many amazing quote's which sum up what summer time is all about and what it means to each of us. Memorable quotes talk about different areas of life and different seasons. Summer quotes however seem to truly live on every year. It is mainly due to the fact that we all tend to have high spirits during summer. The sun is shining, the kids are of school and many of us are off on vacation for a while. It is the time of year that family and friends really create many memories, therefore many quotes really make us remember the special times.

Sports are another activity that seems to generate a lot of memorable quotes from the loyal supporters and of course the players. "If you believe in yourself, have dedication and pride and never quit" It has a simple meaning and yet it really shows how powerful and driven athletic quotes can be. It is all about being successful and winning a game. That message is passed on to the fans from the players and anybody else involved in the games. The atmosphere at sports games is really incredible, so much support in the air from everybody, and you really have to think that a lot of it is down to quotes, which stick in peoples minds.

Softball is a very competitive game. Millions of supporters watch their favorite players either on the television or in the stadium and dream of the day that they to can become as successful and respected. Fans of this game like to show their support with softball shirts but now they have expanded on that and added some memorable softball quotes on their clothes to really help get into the spirit of the game. The players like it and the fans really show their dedication. It is all about team spirit.

Memorable quotes show up in every area of life. Chances are the worst day you ever had can be summarized in a short quote to capture the spirit. It is really about finding meaning in our everyday lives and showing each other as people that we understand certain situations. It is also about finding humor in something that has always been considered dramatic or sad. Life is all about expression and making the most of situations. We all have something that speaks to us, words of inspiration perhaps or simply just facts of life.

The author has spent a lot of time learning about memorable quotes and other related topics. Read more about softball quotes at Shawn's website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Manaher

New Year's Resolution

2009-12-25T12:32:00.000-08:00

Top Ten New Year Resolutions

New Year's is the only holiday that celebrates the passage of time. Perhaps that's why, as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become introspective. Inevitably, that introspection turns to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making resolutions, which offer the first of many important tools for remaking ourselves.

The following list is the result of our extensive survey, which consisted of over 300,000 responses worldwide.

1. Lose Weight and Get in Better Physical Shape

Physical activity builds physical vitality. With every year of your life, you have more to gain from being physically active; as your age-related risks of chronic disease increase, regular exercise generally slows or reverses that trend.

In fact, you're even more likely to notice the benefits of regular exercise if you already have a chronic condition.

Are you ever going to be fit again as long as you live? The answer is unless you make a resolution to get fit – you’re never going to be fit – ever. The choice is yours; it begins by opting for the stairs instead of the elevator, fruit in place of chocolate, and active rather than sedentary activities.

2. Stick to a Budget

It’s been said that the best defense is a good offense. Developing and sticking to a realistic budget is a brilliant offensive move as it prevents overspending and ensures peace of mind.

Many people find it very difficult to stick to a budget. It does take hard work and a lot of self-discipline, at least in the beginning. The good news is that most people find the longer they can stick to a budget, the easier it becomes.

3. Debt Reduction

One of the first things you have to do before any debt can be eliminated is to stop using charge accounts. If you continue to use the accounts, you are only fueling the problem, and building on it, not solving it.

Make a resolution now to stop charging anything and to get financially stable. If you can't pay cash for it, you don't need it, make it just that simple and you will find yourself out of debt in no time at all.

Keep a diary of all money spent, whether it is by cash, check, credit card, etc. Once you know where your money is going, then, and only then, can you take the steps needed to prepare a good budget that you can live with and make huge strides to budgeting your debt away.

4. Enjoy More Quality Time with Family & Friends

More and more people are resolving to spend more quality time with family and friends this year. This means you must consciously decide to actively and purposely work on improving your family situation every day.

You may need to do such things as reschedule business activities to make time for your kids, help your children set and achieve worthwhile goals, and setting aside an hour a day for the family, every day.

Starting right now, you can begin to make choices and take day-to-day actions that will create nothing short of a phenomenal family. You can choose to have one if you just resolve to do it and know where to put your focus. Making our families stronger and healthier is important to our communities, our state and our world.

5. Find My Soul Mate

Romance is alive and well as more and more people are looking for that special someone, their soul mate who lights their fire, the ONE whom they love unequivocally and who shares their worldview.

Soul mate relationships are the sort of romantic relationships most of us dreamt of when we were young and innocent: loving and erotic, committed and inspiring and best of all - lasting.

Soul mate relationships give both partners the fulfillment that deeply satisfies them and makes them feel that they have found the most wonderful person in the whole universe.

6. Quit Smoking

Becoming a non-smoker is probably one of the best decisions you can ever make, and is a life changing as well as a life saving decision.

The benefits to your health, relationships, finances, vitality, the environment and to your sense of self-esteem for having conquered a really hard-to-kick habit will make any and all of your efforts and determination more than worth while. The resolution to become a non-smoker will also help you to live longer and enjoy the finer things in life.

Once you’ve made the resolution to stop, acted upon it and succeeded, you'll feel great about what you have achieved. Resolving to give up is your decision, and will improve your life from that moment on. No one can make you quit, and no one can help you make the resolution. You have to do it yourself, you have to want to do it, and you need to do it now!

7. Find a Better Job

A new year provides a sense of getting a free do-over, so you can try again and get it right. Many people resolve to find better jobs or to take a new approach to the jobs they've already got.

It's corny, but true -- most of us get reflective at this time of year and if we are in jobs already, we begin thinking: Am I on the right path? Do I like where my position and my company are headed? Am I even in the right career?

So you've been hearing that voice again, the one that says you're not doing what you were born to do. That may be true, but how do you figure out what you should be doing?

To begin answering this question, examine whether your current career path matches your core interests, beliefs, values, needs and skills. Resolve to ask and answer those essential questions before making any new career changes.

8. Learn Something New

People throughout the world are realizing that a strong resolve to lifelong learning is more than just education and training beyond formal schooling. A lifelong learning framework encompasses learning throughout the life cycle, from cradle to grave and in different learning environments, formal, non-formal and informal.

Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language or musical instrument, or just how to become a better cook? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating and beneficial resolutions to keep. Challenge your mind in the coming year, break out of currents routines and challenge every comfort zone and watch your horizons expand.

9. Volunteer and Help Others

A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms such as spending time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house to name a few.

Volunteering has risen sharply in the years since we began collecting resolutions. This suggests the possible emergence of a new civic generation and a resolve to make a bigger and better difference with your life.

Resolve to replace the pursuit of success and materialism with the pursuit of contribution and generosity. For this to occur, the critical question must move from, “How can I become successful?” to, “What can I contribute that will significantly impact other people's lives?” By focusing on what we can contribute, we automatically become successful.

10. Get Organized

Resolve this year to plan your days, reduce interruptions, clean off your desk, say "No", and make detailed lists. The benefits of getting more organized include being able to save time, as you no longer look for the same things over and over again or need to replace things you can’t find at all.

You will reduce stress because when you know where everything is, there’s no last-minute rush to find what you need and get out the door on time for school, soccer practice, or that important business meeting.

You will also find yourself being much more productive, as all the time you once spent looking for things can now be used to do more important or more enjoyable tasks.

Most people define being organized as quickly and easily able to find what you need. While this is certainly true, organization is so much more. The ability to staying organized lets you focus on accomplishing your most important goals. That’s the true benefit of being organized.

7 Simple Stress Busters

2009-11-19T16:45:00.000-08:00

When you feel a stress attack coming on, that's the perfect time to turn to one of these busters and kick that stress out the door:

1. Take a walk. Not only will walking give you the opportunity to clear your head and take a break from that hectic situation, it's great aerobic exercise.

2. Call a friend. We all have someone whose voice alone perks us up. Whether with a joke or a funny story, or just by listening, she will likely put a smile on your face and help you calm down.

3. Write in a journal. Expressing our feelings could be the best way to deal with stress. Keeping a journal is a way to capture those feelings at any moment.

4. Play a board game. Quick kids' games like Candy Land, Shoots & Ladders, Connect Four or even Twister are always good for a smile.

5. Work up a sweat. Have some pent up frustrations? There's no better way to get rid of them than by exercising. Pop in a pregnancy workout tape or head outside for a walk.

6. Plan something fun. Not only will you take your mind off things, but you'll be spending time eagerly anticipating a great getaway or meal later. It's a win-win situation.

7. Take a nap. Even if this just means laying down in a quiet room for an hour, it will give your mind time to de-clutter and your body a chance to recoup.

TIME MANAGEMENT

2008-12-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

I hope these tips would help you controlling time instead of time controlling you.

Getting Started…On The Right Foot
“Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.”
—William James
1
It always helps to know where your time is going. So, keep track of how you spend your time for two weeks. Sound dull? Boring, maybe? So cut it down to a couple of days. Surprise! Most of your log will show you’re investing your time in people or things not really important to you or your goals.

2
Focus, focus, focus on STARTING tasks rather than finishing them. The greatest challenge is taking the first step and getting started. (Ah yes – doesn’t that feel good?)

3
Every day something unexpected is going to happen. Count on it! So, set aside some “Oops time!” Don’t let these emergencies disrupt the rest of your day. Plan for them, act on them and then get back to work.

4
Think on paper. Writing things down minimizes confusion and stress. Write down your goals, to-do lists, and even the problems that you’re working on. You’ll find putting things on paper usually clarifies the situation. Committing things to memory can be a waste of brain power, not to mention a poor storage device as well.

5
Categorize your To Do list into A, B, and C priorities. “A” priorities are the activities that are critical for your success. “B” priorities are important but not critical. “C” priorities would be nice to do if you get the time. Begin with your “A” priorities and work your way to the “nice to do” items.

6
Here’s a suggestion that will help everyone: create a “talk” file for your boss, subordinates, peers and even your customers. Unless it is a real emergency, wait until you have at least two items in the file before calling that person with your questions.

7
Get a spiral-bound notebook, date it, and keep all your notes in the book for future reference. Quit writing on loose papers or sticky notes that tend to get lost.

8
Try something new. Read (really) the instruction manual that came with your electronic organizer. Even better, try the manufacturer’s web site to find new software updates and releases that may further your productivity. Bet you will find several time management tools you haven’t used. Let the organizer do the work so you can spend less time organizing yourself.

9
Use only one time management system. Whether you choose an electronic or paper system, one consistent system will eliminate much wasted time spent searching for information.

10
Abracadabra! Take a speed-reading course. You could already be a lot further along in this book!

11
How about all those passwords? Tough to remember? Simplify your passwords and have a logical, easy to remember reason for selecting each. Trying to remember a password is frustrating and a total waste of time. You may want to select passwords that can be typed on the keyboard with one hand so your other hand is free.

12
Take a Saturday and devote two hours to reorganizing yourself. Take a fresh look at how you are organized and look for opportunities to improve. You will probably discover several areas where you can eliminate some personal time wasters simply by becoming a little better organized.

13
Create a “quiet time” for planning. Let everyone know your closed door means “do not disturb” unless there is an emergency…or someone in your family calls.

14
Throw things away! Yes, even those ticket stubs from the last football game. Ask yourself, “What is the worst thing that could happen if I throw this away?” Most of the time, you can live with your answer, so start filling that wastebasket!

15
Date stamp (ker-chunk) every item that hits your desk. This will help you decide when to file or throw away the paper.

16
If you get heartburn from throwing paper away, create a drawer or file to store your stuff for 90 days. If you have not used it within 90 days, you can safely throw those “keepers” away.

17
Still not comfortable — even after the 90 days? Then find the “office pack rat” and become their new best friend. Someone around the office has a copy of every memo and report from the past 10 years. Love that person — but throw your trash away.

18
Trust me on this, too! Most of all filed materials over a year old are never needed again. Archive the files and get them out of your way. If possible handle the paper only once and avoid the “I’ll just put it here for now” habit.

19
The key to paper management — KEEP IT MOVING! (Now, how simple can we get?) Move the paper to your out basket, your file, your “to read” folder or to your trash. Don’t let paper just sit.

20
Wait! Do these three things before you leave the office: (1) clear your desk, (2) plan tomorrow’s activities and (3) enter your next day’s to-do list in your organizer. Then go home. Planning the next day before you leave reduces stress and allows you to enjoy your time away from the office.

Your Work Space…Home Sweet Home
What’s man’s best friend (besides the dog)?
The wastebasket! – Business Week
21
Okay, listen up! Clear your desk…NOW! Despite what some people believe, a cluttered desk does not indicate genius. Au contraire! It signals confusion and creates stress. Even mini-clutter will grow and eventually fill every inch. Keep your desk clear of everything except your project du jour and your family picture.

22
Get rid of that paper! Shuffling and reshuffling paper from pile to pile or file to file wastes time and keeps you from focusing on what needs to get done. Find a gigantic wastebasket and fill it up. The larger the wastebasket, the more you will use it. Throwing things away then becomes an art. Enjoy!

23
Files should not be an obstacle course. Put your most often reviewed files at the front of the cabinet. Here is a test to see if your current filing system works. Within two minutes, can you retrieve any paper you need? Go. If you failed the test you are wasting time searching through your files.

24
Never clear off your desk by randomly throwing things in a drawer. Gotcha! You will eventually have to go through that drawer. Instead, create a logical system for storing these items in your desk.

25
A picture or two on your desk is probably not distracting, but limit pictures to a special few. The more pictures on your desk, the more distractions and interruptions you invite.

26
Organize your desktop! If you are right-handed, make sure the phone is located on the left side of your desk. You want to keep the right side of the desk (and your right hand) free to take notes. Just the opposite for lefties.
Right-handed people should place the calculator on the right side of their desk. Ditto the above for southpaws, the proud but under-represented!

27
Avoid glass desktops. They glare and are hard to keep clean. You don’t need to spend valuable time wiping off fingerprints

28
If a report comes across your desk that you can’t use, notify the sender and ask to be deleted from distribution. The key question to ask is, “Would I pay for this report if I had to?” If not, get rid of it.

29
If you only use a few lines of a report, ask for a reformat, if possible. Four pages when you need four lines just doesn’t make sense — does it?
“If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it.”
Olin Miller

The Work Environment: Color Your World…Productive
“It is better to strike a straight blow with a crooked stick than spend my whole life trying to straighten the darn thing out.”
—Ken Blanchard
30
Now hear this! Never say “yes” without considering the time investment you are committing. Having the courage to say “no” to requests that are inappropriate or unnecessary could be your most effective time management tool!
31
Take the time to understand the role of every department in your organization. This time invested up front will eliminate your “panic” when someone has an urgent request outside your department.

32
“Perfection paralysis” is expensive. Sometimes it is not worth the effort to make things “perfect.” Take a look at time costs involved and weigh these against the benefit of perfection. Many times second best in operation is better than first best on the drawing board.

33
Copy the world every time you send a memo? But, realistically, does “the world” really care? When writing a memo or sending an e-mail, only distribute to the people who really need to know the information. Some of “the world” feels obligated to respond and then everyone’s time is wasted.

34
Want to get your written point across — fast? Limit your sentences to fifteen words.

35
Are you really listening! Every time you say, “But I thought you said,” you might as well be saying, “I wasted all this time doing the wrong thing.” Listen, clarify, and make sure you understand the task before going forward. It is a good time investment for both parties.

36
Is it your job to pick up every ball that someone drops? Avoid this label at all costs! Think about it!

37
Don’t try to solve other people’s problems. You may be empathetic to their situation, but if you spend your time solving their problems, Surprise! Their next problem will become yours, too! The best thing you can do is help others learn how to solve their own problems.

Interruptions…The Office Plague
“‘Got a minute?’ never means just one minute. Before you answer, always ask, ‘What’s this about?’”
— Alec Mackenzie
38
“Hey, you got a minute?” That’s a question, not a demand. Don’t get angry with the interrupter if you answered, “Sure!” to their question. General rule: If you cannot eliminate the interruption, make the interruption as short as possible.

39
When people arrive to interrupt, meet them at the door and talk outside your office. Letting them in may add minutes to the interruption.

40
Stand up! When someone shows up unannounced, keep standing until you decide if you want the conversation to continue. Standing is not comfortable for most people and the length of most interruptions is in direct proportion to the comfort level of the interrupter.

41
Signal the end of the time allotted by politely saying, “One more thing before you go.” Be respectful but take control. Remember that this is your office and you’re responsible for the time here.
42
Get rid of extra chairs in your office. You can always pull one from somewhere else if you need it.

43
Arrange your office so that your desk doesn’t face the door. People are less likely to interrupt if they can’t see your face.
44
Keep track of the origins of your interruptions. Don’t be surprised to find your biggest interrupter is your boss! After getting over the shock, sit down with your boss and see if you can find ways to decrease the number of interruptions so that you can be more productive.
45
Schedule “one-on-one” sessions with your staff and boss. Gather everything you need to talk about and take care of it at one sitting rather than interrupting each other the minute something comes up.
46
When you don’t want to be disturbed, put your candy dish away. It is an interrupter magnet!
47
Give yourself a break! You can accomplish 60-minutes’ worth of interrupted work in just 20 minutes of non-interrupted work. Is there a better investment of your time?
48
Want to make a positive difference in the time investment of your company? Ask your peers and subordinates, “What do I do that wastes your time and hinders your performance?”
49
Henry Ford was always dropping into the offices of his company’s executives. When asked why he didn’t have them come to him, he replied, ‘Well, I’ll tell you. I’ve found that I can leave the other fellow’s office a lot quicker than I can get him to leave mine.
“Guard your own spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson