Leadership Resilience Archives - Page 18 of 26 - Motivational Speeches and books by Snowden McFall

I’ll Do it Later, & Other Reasons We Procrastinate

The Illusive Someday….

We all have things we put off, whether it’s the laundry, key tasks at work, filing, etc. And we have perfectly good reasons, like “I work better under pressure,” “I’ll get to it later,” “It’s not high priority.”

The thing is, enough of those things we have not done pile up into large incompletions, which sap your energy and pull away from what could be much more significant. Incompletions are a form of self-sabotage which can create anxiety, worry and tension.

Why do we procrastinate and what can we do? Here are three reasons and solutions….

1. Perfectionism. Let that go. As my friend Paul Evans says, “Done is better than perfect.”

2. “I work better under pressure.” Most of us don’t really, and it creates unnecessary stress. Map out 90 minutes of uninterrupted time and get the high level high leverage activity done!

3. Overwhelm. Chunk the project into small steps that you can easily tackle. Note your progress, record your successes each step of the way and the project can get done smoothly and efficiently. Learning to manage your time more effectively can have so many benefits, from greater personal satisfaction to increased income to more time with your family.

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What’s Your Peak Performance Time?

When Are You at Your Best Productivity?

Do you know your peak performance time? For most of us, it is early morning. Many people’s biorhythms drop in the afternoon, and some are night owls. Track yourself if you don’t know and pay attention to when you seem to have the greatest clarity, vitality and mental acuity. You will want to apply that to your most important priorities.

Once you do know, schedule your day like this. Block out 90 minute chunks with absolutely no interruptions to work in-depth on your highest priority. (The one with the biggest ROI for you.) That means no calls, no emails, no people coming into your space: total quiet and concentration time. Work for 90 minutes on that one priority and after 90 minutes, take a renewal break. Stretch, connect with others, drink 8 oz. of clean water, eat some nourishing food and look at nature. If you’ve been sitting at a computer, get up and gaze off long distance, to refresh your eyes. If you can, get some physical exercise, as too much sitting can be dangerous. (see earlier blog post.)

After a restful break, you’ll be refreshed and ready to tackle your next 90 minutes. Try this technique and see how your productivity soars. For more information on this concept, check out Tony Schwartz’s book, Be Excellent at Anything.

©2012 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. 
No duplication or reprinting without permission and author reference

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Are You Out of Time?

Time Management for Superstressed People – Part I

In this age of constant information, over scheduled lives and frenetic activity, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that you DO have control over your own time. If you’re a parent, you probably don’t feel that way, but there are definitely steps you can take to make the difference in your life and schedule.

First, as Tony Jeary writes in his book, Finding 100 Extra Minutes a Day, ask yourself “What is the greatest use of my time right now?”several times throughout the day. Make sure it is the highest leveraged, biggest ROI activity you can make it. And that does not mean necessarily a financial ROI. It could be an emotional ROI where you spend much needed time with a neglected loved one.

Prioritize your week’s schedule according to your top priorities, which have the biggest leverage. Make everything else work around those priorities, whenever possible. If you know you have to take your son to soccer practice two days a week, plan to bring your laptop or iPad and do work while waiting. Maximize your time so when he comes off the field, you can focus on him.

Get in the habit of saying no. Don’t over schedule yourself. My brother had been shuttling his son to 2-3 different sports throughout the week, taking up way to much time. They let him pick the sport and now it is down to one. My brother and his wife have much more time to tend to their priorities. You will, too, once you make decisions that support what is best for the entire family.

Part 2 on Wed.

©2012 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. 
No duplication or reprinting without permission and author reference

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Don’t Sit on Your Anger- Let it Go

Keeping It In Can Be Very Unhealthy

Anger can make you ill. When small children have a temper tantrum, they get it all out and are fine half and hour later. Adults tend to not be so lucky. They site and fume and let the anger build until they explode, often at a loved one. This is clearly not the way to build healthy relationships.

Your body reacts in all sorts of ways when you get angry:
• your muscles tense up
• your heart rate increases (average heart rate of 80 climbs to 180 beats per minute)
• your blood pressure soars (120/80 quickly rises to 220 over 130)
• your blood sugar drops (dangerous for diabetics or hypoglycemics)

Prolonged stress and anger can lead to many health disorders: heart attacks and stroke, memory impairment, stomachaches, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. Don’t sit on your anger; defuse it.

Here are 3 ways to release it safely:
1. Write it all down and then tear up the paper into teeny pieces and flush it. Or burn it in a fireplace. This is very satisfying.

2. If you want to hit something, hit a punching bag at a gym or pound pillows. Stand with feet hip width apart and raise your hands over your head to really put the anger into the pillows.

3. Use empathy. Put yourself in the shoes of the other person and try to see from their viewpoint. Have compassion and use forgiveness to process through it. Forgiveness is always the best healing agent.

Ask yourself, what is the anger costing you? Usually, it isn’t worth it. Let it go. You’ll be healthier and happier.

©2012 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. 
No duplication or reprinting without permission and author reference

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More Vacation Days = Better Productivity

More Time Off Means Better, Happier, Healthier Workers

Did you know that if women aged 45-64 took two weeks of vacation a year, they would cut the incidence of heart attacks in half! That’s right, the simple act of going on vacation can save your life. (Boston College study)

According to Expedia, 34% of employed Americans return from vacation feeling better about their jobs and are even more productive. 53% say they come back feeling rested and rejuvenated.

At Red Frog, the CEO gives his employees unlimited time off. That’s right- unlimited time off. And it’s never abused or taken for granted. Because more time off means greater productivity. You have time to recharge and renew; creativity abounds and you return to work with a good attitude, ready to take on challenges.

In 2011, 70% did not take all their allotted vacation time. Managers: take note- this is not a good idea. Encourage your people to take all their time off, and consider giving them more. You may just find you have even greater success and better results.

 ©2012 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. No duplication 
or reprinting without permission and author reference

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Do You Know the Poisons in Your Milk?

I am passionate about staying healthy and I know many of you are, too. I’ve been growing organic vegetables on my patio for years, because of all the pesticides used on commercial vegetables. But even I was shocked to see how far Monsanto would go in the name of genetic modification. You have to watch the video to see all the information. It’s scary and disgusting. And it has huge implications for the health of anyone drinking milk, eating US cheese. etc.

Check it out for yourself. http://ow.ly/92Qdx

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What Lights Your Fire?

Get Fired Up! By Doing What You Love

When I wrote my first book, Fired Up!, in 1996, it was born from a deep seated passion. I truly believe there is a fire inside each of us that gets ignited when we do what we love. And that fire spreads and is contagious, igniting the flames in others. That natural enthusiasm is rare. ? While Fired Up! is a practical how-to book, it is filled with stories of people who have succeeded in living their dreams. Because that is what encourages me. Every time I see someone go for it, really risk and take action on a their vision, it fires me up. Every time I hear a story of someone overcoming tremendous obstacles and thriving, I am uplifted. Over 63,000 copies have been sold worldwide, and while that is humbling and exciting, it speaks to the power of dreams and inspiration. What fires you up and helps take you to the next level? Whatever it is, tap into it often to maintain your motivation in a sometimes cynical world.

If you’d like to know more about Fired Up! How To Succeed By Making Your Dreams Come True, go here

 ©2026, 2012 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. No duplication 
or reprinting without permission and author reference

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Expect the Best of Others at Work and at Home

Are Looking for the Good or the Bad?

Remember the astonishing statistic that 88% of American workers NEVER receive thanks for the work they have done? Some managers expect the worst of their employees. They are constantly micromanaging them, looking for errors, hoping to catch them in a mistake. Resilient leaders understand pressure and are able to support their people, regardless of the stress they are under. This is one of the most destructive ways to lead. Daniel Pink’s book Drive cites studies that show employees want autonomy, competence (the ability to improve) and a sense of purpose to their work. State very clearly in writing what you expect of your people, review it with them so they understand. Show them the purpose and meaning behind their work. Support and empower them to do their jobs and expect them to succeed.

The same is true at home. Expect the best of your children; don’t be suspicious and fearful. Let them know you believe in them, and their abilities. Become their cheerleader in all areas. You’ll be astonished at the results.

 ©2012 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. No duplication 
or reprinting without permission and author reference

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Track Your Success on Any Goal

The Key to Discipline is Tracking

Most of us in business know we have to track our hours, track our sales efforts and measure our achievements for superiors, clients, etc. But in your personal life, tracking can be equally effective. Successful weight loss companies know this well. They have their people track calories, food portions, food weight, etc. And you can do the same thing with any goal or target by measuring your results.

I do this myself to see how many push-ups I’ve done, how long I meditated, which exercise I did, certain readings I do, and any other specific goals I have. It works so well- the kid in me loves seeing the checkmarks, stars or stickers I use to measure the behavior. If you’d like a blank chart (30day grid) to add your goals, email me at orders@firedupnow.com and I will send you one. Keep me posted on your progress-
I’d love to hear from you.

 ©2011 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. No duplication 
or reprinting without permission and author reference

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The Power of Inspiration

What or Who Inspires You?

Inspiration is an amazing thing. It can lead terrified soldiers into battle, spur on great action in times of duress, and move mountains of prejudice and negativity.

One of the the greatest sources of inspiration in my life has been Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I had the privilege of attending an event in his honor in 1999, where a symposium on reconciliation and peace was being held in Atlanta. There I met and was moved by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, his lovely wife Leah, and John Hume of Northern Ireland. Coretta Scott King and Andrew Young were also there. It was one of the most powerful events of my life, because all of these people were dedicated to peace. They had every reason to hate, resent, turn against, and yet they shared incredible compassion, forgiveness and love. Dr. King would have been proud to be honored in such a way. They all inspired me to do more to create peace and love in my world, through understanding and forgiveness. Who and what inspires you?

 ©2011 Snowden McFall All Rights Reserved. No duplication 
or reprinting without permission and author reference

To sign up for Snowden’s ezine newsletter on stress, happiness, marketing and motivation, go to: http://firedupnow.com/firedupemailregister.html