What DON'T you stand for

"What are your Values?"  This infrequently asked question can be difficult.  What do you stand for?   It can be challenging, and can result in more than a hundred characteristics of general form.  To prepare for this, change the perspective. Maybe the question should start with "what don't you stand for?"  Then, move back to the positive side of the equation.  Do you now have a basis to identify the core values and beliefs that drive you personally and professionally?   Spend some time and mold them into your own value statement.  To borrow from the public radio show,  "This I believe.....".

Digital Preparation for New Year's Resolutions

 Ever fail at honoring those new resolutions you make every year?  How about using technology to bump reminders back to you?

As I prepare for another round of resolutions I am going to take another tactic this year.   I will be setting up personal electronic calendar entries for reminders.   In some instances I will use specific calendar appointments for events (go to gym on Tuesday, etc.).   The beginning of each month will be appointments to review progress.    I think I might use NudgeMail.com as well.

Change your life -- begin with thinking

When you change your THINKING, you change your beliefs.

When you change your BELIEFS, you change your expectations.

When you change your EXPECTATIONS, you change your attitude.

When you change your ATTITUDE, you change your behavior.

When you change your BEHAVIOR, you change your performance.

When you change your PERFORMANCE, you change your LIFE.

I heard this yesterday, and several times prior.   Kudos to at least John Maxwell and Steve Siemens, as well as many others who remind us of these valuable words of wisdom.

Men - stress - meat

Men -- Feeling stressed? Grill a steak, a study suggests. 

A study by McGill University in Canada says meat has a calming effect on men. Scientists say that red meat not only calms the brain, but also boosts the intelligence and memory power.

I think a Tim Allen grunt is about to commence !!!

A quick email reminder solution

Ever been in a hurry and needed to set up a reminder for yourself, but didn't want the paper, no pen handy, didn't want a yellow sticky note, and didn't want to go into your own tracking system?  

Then you need to check out Nudgemail.   It is a quick solution to send yourself a reminder email.  You will receive a reminder email at a specific date and time of your choosing.   Not complicated  & not difficult to use. 

Check it out, nudgemail.com, and consider adding it to your toolbox.

Sorting out best advice for Project Management

Ever feel overwhelmed with advice?  Too many solutions, too much time is required?  Working in a paperwork adverse environment?  Need structure but unwilling management or stakeholders?   An environment that kills you with structure and administration, and you have no time for your own involvement to ensure the project is truly moving in the right direction and will meet its goals?

My recent attitude is developing the following as my baseline:

• Do all that your environment requires, but use common sense to minimize your effort 
• Simple is better than complex
• Don't ever quit learning
• Don't ever be satisfied with the status quo
• Recognize that these may conflict among themselves, and then move on
• And lastly, Laugh a little, or even a lot