Mother Of Invention

When we come under pressure and experience a need we start to think about our options and our alternative paths of action. We come up with new ways to solve problems which we never would have thought about earlier. Creativity comes to our aid. The proverb says that necessity is the mother of invention. It is, because necessity forces us to think creatively and generate more new ideas. Creativity is the true mother of invention.

Find The Time To Read

We have talked about the time management technique of layering of activities before. One great opportunity is to read while sitting in the bathroom. I have short chapter books saved for those occasions myself and I realized that if I continuously read a few pages every day, in total, over a year, it equals seven additional books to my library! See if you can find similar opportunities yourself.

Display Congruent Behaviour

When you possess a skill or an attitude it is good to let the world know about it. Think about how you are being perceived by others. Seeming to have a quality oftentimes is as important as actually having it. The important thing here is to be congruent; both possessing the quality and seeming to possess it. For example; If you are full of energy put an extra spring into your steps and if you are happy, tell your face about it.

Always Follow Up

As a manager if you ask someone to do something for you, be sure to always follow it up afterward. It sends a powerful message that you remember and know what you are doing, and that you think is important. I have a "waiting for" folder on my computer with the things I have delegated to members of the team. Ever so often I request updates on outstanding pieces information. It takes some discipline but is well worth it.

Learn From The Day

I have found it is good to spend a little thinking time alone each day. Pause and take a few moments to reflect on your day in the evening. Ask yourself: "What did I do right?" and "What would I do differently?" Try to learn from the day as you ponder these two questions. There are always lessons to learn for the inquisitive mind.

Total Self Esteem

As I was travelling recently I saw a baby at an airport. I looked at him and smiled and we connected. I was amazed at how long an infant can hold eye contact - and with a total stranger. Then it hit me; humans are born with total trust, self confidence and self esteem. As we grow up we loose some of that along the way and sometimes we struggle to re-gain it. Let's make it our quest!

Buy Yourself Time

You can buy yourself time in different ways. Either you delegate or outsource a task and have someone else do the job for you, or you dismiss the task altogether and decide not to do it at all. In either case you have the opportunity to spend your freed up time on higher value activities. You can always buy time but you can never save it for later.