Well, this isn’t REALLY French, but I came across (via Laura Roeder) a clever, elegant and easy productivity tool called TeuxDeux. (“Deux” is pronounced sort of like “do”.) As you might have guessed it’s an online to-do list that is super easy and clear.
Best part: it’s free!
Best part, part deux: iPhone App for easy syncing.
Watch the Video!
New Genetic Coding
It seems that we humans can so easily see what isn’t working — as if we’re genetically coded to focus on problems. We’re too good at imagining worst case scenarios, habitually wondering, “What if this goes wrong? What if that goes wrong?”
My coaching clients dream and imagine wonderful things for themselves, for their loved ones, and for the planet. Yet many have a difficult time staying with these positive imaginings. They find themselves worrying about what negative thing might happen, rather than anticipating what wonderful thing might happen.
If you are most often focused on what could go wrong, worrying about the future, then you are feeding your energy to those potential bummer futures. If, however, you are most focused on what could go right, anticipating a brilliant future, then you are feeding your energy to those optimal brilliant futures.
Here’s a simple yet powerful tool that can strengthen your imaging muscles AND give you an energy boost It’s called, “What if…? UP” and you can use it in a generic way (just to boost your energy and feel good) or in a specific way (about a certain project, relationship, or aspiration).
1. With a Journal or Keyboard, complete the question with something positive; something you’d like to see happen. For example:
“What if my presentation goes better than I expected? And, what if my audience likes it so much they ask all sorts of buying signal questions? What if they are so interested that I make them a great offer that they accept on the spot? And, what if that “great offer” is even more lucrative for me than the original offer I had in mind? And, what if they turn out to be my biggest and best client? And, what if I find working with them is so easy, fulfilling, and exciting? And, what if I discover how to work fewer hours while generating more revenue?…”
2. Let your imagination fly. Some of your answers to the question, “What if…?” will be realistic and probable. Some will be fantastical and that’s good, too, because it helps you stretch your imagination and open to possibilities that you otherwise wouldn’t consider. The rules of good brainstorming apply here: no editing, just let it rip.
3. Use this tool regularly. Daily.
A few months ago, a client asked for some help setting and attaining goals. She had outgrown the process of using so-called S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, & timely) goals, so I offered her this process instead:
Slowing Down to Get Clear
Step One: Stop. It can seem weird to start with stopping; however, it is important to stop for the purpose of getting grounded in what you want, in what you are about, and in your conviction. This will come more from your heart than your head. This will help you harness and focus your energy. And, if you don’t stop to do this, you run the risk of being scattered and burning out and them bumming out.
When I was in my early 30′s I felt trapped — stuck in a corporate HR leadership role that I thought I had always wanted. I had aspired to this position, worked for the promotion. I’d practically campaigned for it! However, like many of my colleagues, I felt the classic emptiness that comes with chasing an Ego’s goal. I lacked any sense of personal power and sought a cheapened version of it by hiding behind my big corporate title. Inside I was terrified of being found out. I was terrified of my own heart’s desire and my soul’s insistent pursuit of true joy and authentic personal power.
A Reading Test: I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod culaclty uesdnatrnrd waht I was rdgnieg….
THE PAOMNNEHAL PWEOR OF THE HMUAN MNID
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabridge Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
Amzanighhuh?
In the book Living with Joy, (See booklist on right), there are a number of fabulous exercises. Here’s one:
1. List 7 things you love to do, that you feel joyful when you do them, that you haven’t done in the last several months. They may be anything — lying in the sun, taking a trip, getting a massage, accomplishing a goal, exercising, reading.
One of my favorite books is Living with Joy (see list of books to the right). Here’s a quote that I love:
“The Path of joy involves valuing yourself and monitoring where you put your time.”
A couple of months ago I decided to review my calendar with new criteria. For each item, I asked myself: Do I
[Source unknown] The time to change is when you don’t have to, when you are on the crest of the wave, not in the trough.
1. PASSION RULES: The best surfers don’t spend a lot of time on the beach, talking about surfing. They love the water and no matter how rough or calm it is they are out there looking for a wave.
