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Friday 31 December 2010
Wednesday 29 December 2010
Friday 24 December 2010
Tuesday 14 December 2010
Encouraging Entrepreneurship in Your Children
Deep down, nearly every one of us wants to be an entrepreneur. However, forgoing your weekly paycheck to follow your true passion takes lots of self-confidence. Many of us lack that confidence. Therefore, a great portion of our lives may be spent working to build someone else's wealth.
If that confidence was instilled within us at a younger age, we might all have the courage to open up a business. Give your children the opportunity to truly be in charge of their lives by encouraging a sense of entrepreneurship in their youth.
Encouraging entrepreneurship within your children can teach them to be:
• Self-sufficient
• An effective leader
• A strong decision maker
• Confident in their ideas and ability to succeed
Raising an entrepreneur is more than telling your child to make money; it's about telling them to go against the crowd and follow their own intuition. Since many parents have instilled this sense of confidence in their children, the sight of self-made wealthy teens is becoming more and more common.
When encouraging entrepreneurship within your children, the only thing you have to fear is the embarrassment of declaring that your 15-year-old son earns a higher yearly income than you!
The Story of Ashley Qualls
Ashley started whateverlife.com, a website that provides MySpace layouts, when she was just 15 years old. Soon after beginning her venture, the website took off. And Ashley was declining buyout offers from savvy investors. Four short years later, Ashley's net worth was over $4,000,000 and growing each year.
The only startup cash necessary was $15 to register her website and a small monthly fee (typically less than $10) to host her website.
Raising a Young Entrepreneur
Teaching your children about entrepreneurship need not require a fat pocket. In fact, the basis of an entrepreneurial mindset is self-sufficiency. Therefore, children can come up with the money to start the business through their own efforts.
If your children are old enough, they can get an after school job or help around the house in exchange for an allowance. Many business ideas can be funded for less than £100.
Once your child has invested time, effort, and their own money into their business startup, they are more likely to see it through and become successful business owners.
They'll learn each step of the way and tweak their business until it becomes profitable. When your child embraces failure as a learning experience rather than a collapse, you'll begin to see a flourishing entrepreneur growing before your eyes.
You can encourage entrepreneurship within your kids by teaching them that:
• Any idea is a valid business idea
• Failure is okay as long as you keep improving
• A profitable business requires continuous learning and tweaking
• Creativity is what counts
• Being innovative makes you stand out from your competitors
Some of your child's business ideas will lead to great success, while others provide little more than a tremendous learning experience. Some ventures will prove to be highly profitable, while others may only produce a few dollars. The key is to teach your children to be resilient and keep moving forward toward their dreams.
If your child's business ideas succeed, continue to encourage them to seek greater levels of success. Along the way, continue to promote self-sufficiency, independent thinking, and confidence within your kids. With these three traits, success is theirs for the taking!
Good luck
Sifu Lee Jacobs
www.martialartsmaidstone.co.uk
If that confidence was instilled within us at a younger age, we might all have the courage to open up a business. Give your children the opportunity to truly be in charge of their lives by encouraging a sense of entrepreneurship in their youth.
Encouraging entrepreneurship within your children can teach them to be:
• Self-sufficient
• An effective leader
• A strong decision maker
• Confident in their ideas and ability to succeed
Raising an entrepreneur is more than telling your child to make money; it's about telling them to go against the crowd and follow their own intuition. Since many parents have instilled this sense of confidence in their children, the sight of self-made wealthy teens is becoming more and more common.
When encouraging entrepreneurship within your children, the only thing you have to fear is the embarrassment of declaring that your 15-year-old son earns a higher yearly income than you!
The Story of Ashley Qualls
Ashley started whateverlife.com, a website that provides MySpace layouts, when she was just 15 years old. Soon after beginning her venture, the website took off. And Ashley was declining buyout offers from savvy investors. Four short years later, Ashley's net worth was over $4,000,000 and growing each year.
The only startup cash necessary was $15 to register her website and a small monthly fee (typically less than $10) to host her website.
Raising a Young Entrepreneur
Teaching your children about entrepreneurship need not require a fat pocket. In fact, the basis of an entrepreneurial mindset is self-sufficiency. Therefore, children can come up with the money to start the business through their own efforts.
If your children are old enough, they can get an after school job or help around the house in exchange for an allowance. Many business ideas can be funded for less than £100.
Once your child has invested time, effort, and their own money into their business startup, they are more likely to see it through and become successful business owners.
They'll learn each step of the way and tweak their business until it becomes profitable. When your child embraces failure as a learning experience rather than a collapse, you'll begin to see a flourishing entrepreneur growing before your eyes.
You can encourage entrepreneurship within your kids by teaching them that:
• Any idea is a valid business idea
• Failure is okay as long as you keep improving
• A profitable business requires continuous learning and tweaking
• Creativity is what counts
• Being innovative makes you stand out from your competitors
Some of your child's business ideas will lead to great success, while others provide little more than a tremendous learning experience. Some ventures will prove to be highly profitable, while others may only produce a few dollars. The key is to teach your children to be resilient and keep moving forward toward their dreams.
If your child's business ideas succeed, continue to encourage them to seek greater levels of success. Along the way, continue to promote self-sufficiency, independent thinking, and confidence within your kids. With these three traits, success is theirs for the taking!
Good luck
Sifu Lee Jacobs
www.martialartsmaidstone.co.uk
5 Ways to Maximize Your Weekend Staycation
Who says that you need a fat bank account - or even time off from work - in order to enjoy a relaxing vacation? Break the mold by turning one of your free weekends into a fabulous staycation you and your spouse can enjoy alone.
You can enjoy a romantic weekend in "Hawaii" or even stay at a luxurious "New York City" hotel. The choice is yours! And the best part is that there are no reservations required! Implement some of the ideas below to make your home feel like a pricey destination hotel.
1. Pack away! It won't feel like a Staycation if you're pulling your everyday clothing out of your own dresser. Pack your suitcases like you would if you were leaving for vacation and wear a fun outfit. Pack sunscreen if you have a backyard or patio at home.
• Be sure to keep your "vacation outfit" in line with the theme of your staycation "destination." If your theme is the Bahamas, avoid Hawaiian print shirts and khaki shorts. However, a maxi tube dress is suitable.
2. Give your guestroom a makeover. The excitement of your staycation will fade within seconds if you're waking up in familiar surroundings. Throughout your staycation, make your guestroom your destination of choice. And give it a makeover to stay within your staycation theme.
• If you're going for a beach theme, purchase a mosquito net canopy and hang it over your bed. Place string lighting overhead to make it feel as if you're sleeping under the stars. And finally, scatter candles and seashells throughout the room to finish the look.
• Consider purchasing new bedding for your guestroom to make it feel as if you're in a luxury hotel suite.
3. Create a romantic environment. Nothing brings a couple together like a romantic getaway. Make your home feel like a romantic hotel suite by scattering fresh red rose petals throughout the stairway of your home and throughout your sleeping quarters.
• Make the most of candles. Dine by candlelight. Watch a movie in a room lit solely by candles. And soak in a bubble bath surrounded by slowly burning scented candles.
4. Tropical drinks. It's no secret that most people like to have a little more than wine while on vacation. Daiquiris, pina coladas, Hawaii Kai swizzles and Bahama mamas are popular tropical drinks that just scream, "Island retreat!"
• Use a cocktail shaker rather than a standard kitchen blender to mix your tropical drinks. It's a small detail that will add a sense of authenticity to your little vacation.
5. Utilize your outdoor space. Transform your backyard into an oasis. If the weather allows, spend most of your staycation outdoors. Purchase patio chaise loungers for relaxing. Alternatively, if you're on a super tight budget, borrow a set of beach chairs from a friend.
• Fire up the grill! Try a new tropical grilling recipe and dine outdoors. Remember to maximize your outdoor table setting by using candles, rose petals and a tablecloth to set the mood.
• Splurge on a masseuse. You and your spouse will feel like celebrities when you receive professional massages in the outdoors. An outdoor massage in a private patio or fenced in backyard is ideal. Masseuse rates vary. However, you can expect to pay £50 to £100 per hour for an on-location couple's session.
Maximizing your Staycation is all in the details. Small finishing touches like candlelight, changing your sleeping quarters and enjoying tropical cocktails in the moonlight can make all of the difference. With some ingenuity, you can feel like you're on a cruise to the Bahamas.
And, the best part of a staycation is the financial savings over expensive travel.
Why spend thousands of pounds on an elaborate vacation when you can experience enjoyment and pleasure right in your own backyard? With a little planning, creativity, and an open mind, you can create an inexpensive staycation full of memories that will last a lifetime.
Enjoy
Sifu Lee Jacobs
www.martialartsmaidstone.co.uk
You can enjoy a romantic weekend in "Hawaii" or even stay at a luxurious "New York City" hotel. The choice is yours! And the best part is that there are no reservations required! Implement some of the ideas below to make your home feel like a pricey destination hotel.
1. Pack away! It won't feel like a Staycation if you're pulling your everyday clothing out of your own dresser. Pack your suitcases like you would if you were leaving for vacation and wear a fun outfit. Pack sunscreen if you have a backyard or patio at home.
• Be sure to keep your "vacation outfit" in line with the theme of your staycation "destination." If your theme is the Bahamas, avoid Hawaiian print shirts and khaki shorts. However, a maxi tube dress is suitable.
2. Give your guestroom a makeover. The excitement of your staycation will fade within seconds if you're waking up in familiar surroundings. Throughout your staycation, make your guestroom your destination of choice. And give it a makeover to stay within your staycation theme.
• If you're going for a beach theme, purchase a mosquito net canopy and hang it over your bed. Place string lighting overhead to make it feel as if you're sleeping under the stars. And finally, scatter candles and seashells throughout the room to finish the look.
• Consider purchasing new bedding for your guestroom to make it feel as if you're in a luxury hotel suite.
3. Create a romantic environment. Nothing brings a couple together like a romantic getaway. Make your home feel like a romantic hotel suite by scattering fresh red rose petals throughout the stairway of your home and throughout your sleeping quarters.
• Make the most of candles. Dine by candlelight. Watch a movie in a room lit solely by candles. And soak in a bubble bath surrounded by slowly burning scented candles.
4. Tropical drinks. It's no secret that most people like to have a little more than wine while on vacation. Daiquiris, pina coladas, Hawaii Kai swizzles and Bahama mamas are popular tropical drinks that just scream, "Island retreat!"
• Use a cocktail shaker rather than a standard kitchen blender to mix your tropical drinks. It's a small detail that will add a sense of authenticity to your little vacation.
5. Utilize your outdoor space. Transform your backyard into an oasis. If the weather allows, spend most of your staycation outdoors. Purchase patio chaise loungers for relaxing. Alternatively, if you're on a super tight budget, borrow a set of beach chairs from a friend.
• Fire up the grill! Try a new tropical grilling recipe and dine outdoors. Remember to maximize your outdoor table setting by using candles, rose petals and a tablecloth to set the mood.
• Splurge on a masseuse. You and your spouse will feel like celebrities when you receive professional massages in the outdoors. An outdoor massage in a private patio or fenced in backyard is ideal. Masseuse rates vary. However, you can expect to pay £50 to £100 per hour for an on-location couple's session.
Maximizing your Staycation is all in the details. Small finishing touches like candlelight, changing your sleeping quarters and enjoying tropical cocktails in the moonlight can make all of the difference. With some ingenuity, you can feel like you're on a cruise to the Bahamas.
And, the best part of a staycation is the financial savings over expensive travel.
Why spend thousands of pounds on an elaborate vacation when you can experience enjoyment and pleasure right in your own backyard? With a little planning, creativity, and an open mind, you can create an inexpensive staycation full of memories that will last a lifetime.
Enjoy
Sifu Lee Jacobs
www.martialartsmaidstone.co.uk
Wednesday 8 December 2010
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Saturday 4 December 2010
Friday 3 December 2010
Thursday 2 December 2010
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Wednesday 1 December 2010
Tuesday 30 November 2010
My good lady sent me this text, whilst giggling. A group of primary school infants go on a trip to Ascot races to learn about horses. When it's time to take the children to the toilet it is decided that the girls will go with one teacher and the boys with the other. The teacher assigned to the boys is waiting outside when one of the boys comes out to tell her that none of them can reach the urinal. Having no choice, she goes inside and helps the boys with their pants and begins hoisting the boys up one by one holding there willies to direct the flow. As she lifts one boy she can't help but notice that he is unusually well endowed. Trying not to stare she says "You must be in year four". "No love" he replies, "I'm riding silver shadow in the 2.15!'
How to Become Strong Leader
A leader is not born.
A leader is created and the whole process starts inside the most dangerous place you'll ever encounter - your own mind.
How can you become a strong leader who inspires others, drives people toward excellence, holds people accountable, and instills a sense of trust? Learning what makes a great leader is your first step.
Here are some things you can do to become the leader you've always wanted to be:
1. Control yourself. Every great leader in history has had to become a master of self-discipline and willpower in order to stay focused on the big picture. If you don't have a goal or the drive to achieve it, you can't lead others to attain theirs.
• Follow through in everything you do. As challenging as it may be, you need to be disciplined enough to be where you need to be, when you need to be there, whether you want to or not. By being strong in your resolve and resisting temptation to give up, you are setting an example for others to live up to.
• Choose your emotional response to a situation carefully. Sometimes you'll need to practice the art of silencing your inner thoughts when they're not appropriate in order to set a positive example.
2. Project your goals. If the people you're leading don't completely understand the deeper meaning in their work, they won't share your vision or work ethic. Every step of the way, communicate with your team to make sure they're on the same wavelength and know what you expect of them.
• Get your team involved in the planning process and the implementation of your ideas. This gives everyone a greater sense of ownership toward the end result.
3. Praise highly and criticize constructively. The way you praise and criticize others can make all the difference in being able to lead effectively.
• Make sure you publicly praise the people who do excellent work for you. You'll give the person a sense of accomplishment and the drive to do even better.
• When someone does something wrong, offer constructive criticism and do it privately. Suggest solutions on how they can improve and take the time to answer any questions. They'll accept your input more willingly if they know it's done to help and not to harm.
4. Know your people. You can't truly lead a group of people unless you truly understand their hopes, dreams, struggles, pains, and goals. All the good intentions in the world mean nothing unless you have a true sense of the people you're working with.
• Talk to your team and get to know them. Getting to know each other on a personal level will strengthen the bond between you. They'll want to do better for you because you're more than just a "boss."
• Be their leader, first, and their friend second. You're their leader and that means that you have to make difficult decisions from time to time. These decisions cannot be affected by personal relationships.
5. Make the hard call. There are times when you have to bite the bullet and make some unpleasant decisions. Firing, demoting, and holding people accountable for their actions can be very hard at times. As a leader, it's your responsibility to handle these matters.
Regardless of where your leadership role takes you, believe that you can be a strong leader. Remember that in order to lead others, you must be disciplined yourself. After all, your actions will speak louder than anything you can say.
In order to gain the respect of others, strive to lead by example in every area of your life.
When you follow these simple guidelines, you'll be well on your way to becoming a true leader!
Yours in growing and learning
Sifu Lee Jacobs
www.maidstonekungfu.com
www.kungfumaidstone.com
www.martialartsmaidstone.com
www.wtmaidstone.com
A leader is created and the whole process starts inside the most dangerous place you'll ever encounter - your own mind.
How can you become a strong leader who inspires others, drives people toward excellence, holds people accountable, and instills a sense of trust? Learning what makes a great leader is your first step.
Here are some things you can do to become the leader you've always wanted to be:
1. Control yourself. Every great leader in history has had to become a master of self-discipline and willpower in order to stay focused on the big picture. If you don't have a goal or the drive to achieve it, you can't lead others to attain theirs.
• Follow through in everything you do. As challenging as it may be, you need to be disciplined enough to be where you need to be, when you need to be there, whether you want to or not. By being strong in your resolve and resisting temptation to give up, you are setting an example for others to live up to.
• Choose your emotional response to a situation carefully. Sometimes you'll need to practice the art of silencing your inner thoughts when they're not appropriate in order to set a positive example.
2. Project your goals. If the people you're leading don't completely understand the deeper meaning in their work, they won't share your vision or work ethic. Every step of the way, communicate with your team to make sure they're on the same wavelength and know what you expect of them.
• Get your team involved in the planning process and the implementation of your ideas. This gives everyone a greater sense of ownership toward the end result.
3. Praise highly and criticize constructively. The way you praise and criticize others can make all the difference in being able to lead effectively.
• Make sure you publicly praise the people who do excellent work for you. You'll give the person a sense of accomplishment and the drive to do even better.
• When someone does something wrong, offer constructive criticism and do it privately. Suggest solutions on how they can improve and take the time to answer any questions. They'll accept your input more willingly if they know it's done to help and not to harm.
4. Know your people. You can't truly lead a group of people unless you truly understand their hopes, dreams, struggles, pains, and goals. All the good intentions in the world mean nothing unless you have a true sense of the people you're working with.
• Talk to your team and get to know them. Getting to know each other on a personal level will strengthen the bond between you. They'll want to do better for you because you're more than just a "boss."
• Be their leader, first, and their friend second. You're their leader and that means that you have to make difficult decisions from time to time. These decisions cannot be affected by personal relationships.
5. Make the hard call. There are times when you have to bite the bullet and make some unpleasant decisions. Firing, demoting, and holding people accountable for their actions can be very hard at times. As a leader, it's your responsibility to handle these matters.
Regardless of where your leadership role takes you, believe that you can be a strong leader. Remember that in order to lead others, you must be disciplined yourself. After all, your actions will speak louder than anything you can say.
In order to gain the respect of others, strive to lead by example in every area of your life.
When you follow these simple guidelines, you'll be well on your way to becoming a true leader!
Yours in growing and learning
Sifu Lee Jacobs
www.maidstonekungfu.com
www.kungfumaidstone.com
www.martialartsmaidstone.com
www.wtmaidstone.com
Monday 29 November 2010
6 pillars of self-esteem
1. Living Consciously
2. Self-Acceptance
3. Self-Responsibility
4. Self-Assertiveness
5. Living Purposefully
6. Personal Integrity
---------------------------------
1. Living Consciously: Respect for facts; being present to what we are doing while we are doing it; seeking and being eagerly open to any information, knowledge, or feedback that bears on our interests, values, goals, and projects; seeking to understand not only the world external to self but also our inner world as well, so that we do not act out of self-blindness.
2. Self-acceptance: The willingness to own, experience, and take responsibility for our thoughts, feelings, and actions, without evasion, denial, or disowning -- and also without self-repudiation; giving oneself permission to think one's thoughts, experience one's emotions, and look at one's actions without necessarily liking, endorsing or condoning them. If we are self-accepting, we do not experience ourselves as always "on trial," and what this leads to is non-defensiveness and willingness to hear critical feedback or different ideas without becoming hostile and adversarial.
3. Self-responsibility: Realizing that we are the authors of our choices and actions; that each one of us is responsible for our life and well-being and for the attainment of our goals; that if we need the cooperation of other people to achieve our goals, we must offer values in exchange; and that the question is not "Who's to blame?" but always "What needs to be done?"
4. Self-assertiveness: Being authentic in our dealings with others; treating our values and persons with decent respect in social contexts; refusing to fake the reality of who we are or what we esteem in order to avoid someone's disapproval; the willingness to stand up for ourselves and our ideas in appropriate ways in appropriate circumstances.
5. Living purposefully: Identifying our short-term and long-term goals or purposes and the actions needed to attain them, organizing behavior in the service of those goals, monitoring action to be sure we stay on track -- and paying attention to outcome so as to recognize if and when we need to go back to the drawing-board.
6. Personal integrity: Living with congruence between what we know, what we profess, and what we do; telling the truth, honoring our commitments, exemplifying in action the values we professes to admire; dealing with others fairly and benevolently.
Yours in fulfillment
Sifu Lee
www.martialartsmaidstone.com
2. Self-Acceptance
3. Self-Responsibility
4. Self-Assertiveness
5. Living Purposefully
6. Personal Integrity
---------------------------------
1. Living Consciously: Respect for facts; being present to what we are doing while we are doing it; seeking and being eagerly open to any information, knowledge, or feedback that bears on our interests, values, goals, and projects; seeking to understand not only the world external to self but also our inner world as well, so that we do not act out of self-blindness.
2. Self-acceptance: The willingness to own, experience, and take responsibility for our thoughts, feelings, and actions, without evasion, denial, or disowning -- and also without self-repudiation; giving oneself permission to think one's thoughts, experience one's emotions, and look at one's actions without necessarily liking, endorsing or condoning them. If we are self-accepting, we do not experience ourselves as always "on trial," and what this leads to is non-defensiveness and willingness to hear critical feedback or different ideas without becoming hostile and adversarial.
3. Self-responsibility: Realizing that we are the authors of our choices and actions; that each one of us is responsible for our life and well-being and for the attainment of our goals; that if we need the cooperation of other people to achieve our goals, we must offer values in exchange; and that the question is not "Who's to blame?" but always "What needs to be done?"
4. Self-assertiveness: Being authentic in our dealings with others; treating our values and persons with decent respect in social contexts; refusing to fake the reality of who we are or what we esteem in order to avoid someone's disapproval; the willingness to stand up for ourselves and our ideas in appropriate ways in appropriate circumstances.
5. Living purposefully: Identifying our short-term and long-term goals or purposes and the actions needed to attain them, organizing behavior in the service of those goals, monitoring action to be sure we stay on track -- and paying attention to outcome so as to recognize if and when we need to go back to the drawing-board.
6. Personal integrity: Living with congruence between what we know, what we profess, and what we do; telling the truth, honoring our commitments, exemplifying in action the values we professes to admire; dealing with others fairly and benevolently.
Yours in fulfillment
Sifu Lee
www.martialartsmaidstone.com
7 Tips to Help You Meet Any Deadline
Regardless of how much you love your job, there will always be times when you have trouble motivating yourself to work. It happens to everyone from time to time. And, during the slow times, you're able to slack off a bit. However, a too-relaxed attitude begins to cause waves when a deadline is looming and you have a project to finish.
Use these seven tips to help you to meet any deadline:
1. Slow and steady wins the race. Unless you're dealing with a last-minute project, it's likely that you're given adequate notice about the deadline. Break each project into manageable increments and chip away at the project one manageable step at a time.
• When you break a large project down into manageable steps, you increase your chances of successfully meeting your deadline exponentially. In fact, if you work at your project consistently instead of rushing to complete it at the last minute, you'll likely be able to turn in high quality work well before the deadline.
2. Create measurable goals. Working towards a deadline without measurable goals is like trying to lose 10 pounds in a month without checking the scale. Create predefined daily goals that allow you to receive feedback on your progress.
• Provide further incentives for your efforts by indulging in a small reward (like a cappuccino) each day you meet a goal. The incentive may give you the extra boost of motivation you need to stay on pace to meet your deadline.
3. Overestimate the timeline. Rarely does a project run according to plan. There are always unanticipated obstacles to overcome. If you anticipate that you'll need three days to complete a project, tell your boss or client that you'll need four or five days instead.
• If you do happen to complete the project before your quoted deadline, your employer or client will likely appreciate that you've "gone the extra mile" in order to turn the project in before it was due.
4. Hold yourself accountable. A strong sense of accountability is 50% of the battle in meeting deadlines. You've made a commitment to turn the material in by a certain date; it's your responsibility to ensure that you turn it in by the agreed upon deadline. When you're tempted to procrastinate, remind yourself about the consequences of being deemed unreliable.
5. Put yourself in your client's or employer's shoes. Let's say you're getting married and you hire a bakery to create your wedding cake. If the bakery stated that your cake would be at the reception site by 3:00pm, you'd expect to see your cake by the agreed upon time, right? You're counting on that cake, and its late arrival can ruin your wedding day.
• In the same way, you're providing a service that someone is counting on. Depending on the task, you could cost your company or client thousands of dollars by not meeting your deadline.
6. Let it burn. If you tend to procrastinate, get the job done by lighting a fire under yourself. Do whatever you must to motivate yourself to get moving and stay moving. And generally, the more you have to lose, the more motivation you'll find to meet your deadline.
• Tell your wife she can spend every dime of your paycheck on a shoe shopping trip if you turn in your work later than the agreed upon deadline. If you lose, you'll definitely learn a valuable lesson.
7. Offer a discount. In your contract, include a clause that states that the client will be granted a 10% discount if the material is turned in after the agreed upon deadline. This will give your clients peace of mind, and it'll motivate you to meet your deadlines so that you're compensated fairly.
Whether you're a business owner, contractor, or employee, your livelihood depends on your ability to efficiently meet deadlines. Therefore, learning how to meet any and all deadlines you encounter is a key factor in maintaining a successful career.
Until next time have a great rest of 2010
Sifu Lee Jacobs
www.maidstonekungfu.com
Use these seven tips to help you to meet any deadline:
1. Slow and steady wins the race. Unless you're dealing with a last-minute project, it's likely that you're given adequate notice about the deadline. Break each project into manageable increments and chip away at the project one manageable step at a time.
• When you break a large project down into manageable steps, you increase your chances of successfully meeting your deadline exponentially. In fact, if you work at your project consistently instead of rushing to complete it at the last minute, you'll likely be able to turn in high quality work well before the deadline.
2. Create measurable goals. Working towards a deadline without measurable goals is like trying to lose 10 pounds in a month without checking the scale. Create predefined daily goals that allow you to receive feedback on your progress.
• Provide further incentives for your efforts by indulging in a small reward (like a cappuccino) each day you meet a goal. The incentive may give you the extra boost of motivation you need to stay on pace to meet your deadline.
3. Overestimate the timeline. Rarely does a project run according to plan. There are always unanticipated obstacles to overcome. If you anticipate that you'll need three days to complete a project, tell your boss or client that you'll need four or five days instead.
• If you do happen to complete the project before your quoted deadline, your employer or client will likely appreciate that you've "gone the extra mile" in order to turn the project in before it was due.
4. Hold yourself accountable. A strong sense of accountability is 50% of the battle in meeting deadlines. You've made a commitment to turn the material in by a certain date; it's your responsibility to ensure that you turn it in by the agreed upon deadline. When you're tempted to procrastinate, remind yourself about the consequences of being deemed unreliable.
5. Put yourself in your client's or employer's shoes. Let's say you're getting married and you hire a bakery to create your wedding cake. If the bakery stated that your cake would be at the reception site by 3:00pm, you'd expect to see your cake by the agreed upon time, right? You're counting on that cake, and its late arrival can ruin your wedding day.
• In the same way, you're providing a service that someone is counting on. Depending on the task, you could cost your company or client thousands of dollars by not meeting your deadline.
6. Let it burn. If you tend to procrastinate, get the job done by lighting a fire under yourself. Do whatever you must to motivate yourself to get moving and stay moving. And generally, the more you have to lose, the more motivation you'll find to meet your deadline.
• Tell your wife she can spend every dime of your paycheck on a shoe shopping trip if you turn in your work later than the agreed upon deadline. If you lose, you'll definitely learn a valuable lesson.
7. Offer a discount. In your contract, include a clause that states that the client will be granted a 10% discount if the material is turned in after the agreed upon deadline. This will give your clients peace of mind, and it'll motivate you to meet your deadlines so that you're compensated fairly.
Whether you're a business owner, contractor, or employee, your livelihood depends on your ability to efficiently meet deadlines. Therefore, learning how to meet any and all deadlines you encounter is a key factor in maintaining a successful career.
Until next time have a great rest of 2010
Sifu Lee Jacobs
www.maidstonekungfu.com
Sunday 28 November 2010
Saturday 27 November 2010
Friday 26 November 2010
How to Regain Your Work Focus After a Vacation
When you're on a blissful vacation, getting back into the 9-to-5 grind is likely the last thing on your mind. However, once you're faced with getting back into the office, the once seemingly simple tasks can seem more difficult than climbing Mount Everest while wearing just a pair of Crocs.
Luckily, by taking preventative measures while still on vacation, you can avoid the post vacation brain fog.
1. Adjust your mindset. After a relaxing vacation, coming back to a larger than normal workload can be stressful and discouraging. Make it a point to maintain a positive mindset to plow through your workload with ease.
• Most people psyche themselves out about going back to work while on vacation. Choose to focus your mind on the positive things about your return; it'll keep you in a positive frame of mind well beyond your return.
• Be thankful for your job. Spend time each day thinking about all of the financial blessings you receive from your job. Think about what excites you about your job. Be thankful for your job security, your living situation, and your ability to indulge in a yearly vacation.
• Hold yourself accountable. As a professional, it's important to hold yourself accountable for your own results. Strive for excellence in everything that you do for the company. Your days will be more rewarding and you'll gain respect from your employer when you go the extra mile. The extra effort will swallow your negative emotions about coming back.
2. Keep your caffeine habit. Generally, there are healthier alternatives to fuel your body than caffeine. However, coffee may make the transition back to work more comfortable. Seek to change your work routine as little as possible until you're back in the swing of things. If you're used to that cup of coffee in the mornings, give yourself permission to indulge.
3. Mix business with pleasure. Take part in leisurely activities that relate to your industry while away. You'll keep your "work brain" up and running.
• Now, bringing a full load of paperwork along is unfair to both you and your family. However, bringing a work related self-help book along in order to brush up on your skills can help you recharge and stay career motivated at the same time.
4. Keep the vacation alive. Part of the lure of a vacation is that you're free to do as you please. Nonetheless, with a bit of strategic planning, you can keep the spirit of your vacation alive by enjoying similar leisure activities on weekends long after you return to work.
• Have margaritas with dinner occasionally. Tan privately on your patio. Ask your partner for a massage once in a while. And, enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you. If you look around you, you'll find that total relaxation can be experienced everywhere!
Work often seems like the end of the fun part of your year. But if you implement these tips and keep an open mind, you can harness the excitement and happiness of your vacation and bring it into your everyday life. All it takes is a little flexibility and an understanding that you deserve to feel happy every day of the year.
Until next time have a great rest of 2010
Sifu Lee Jacobs
Luckily, by taking preventative measures while still on vacation, you can avoid the post vacation brain fog.
1. Adjust your mindset. After a relaxing vacation, coming back to a larger than normal workload can be stressful and discouraging. Make it a point to maintain a positive mindset to plow through your workload with ease.
• Most people psyche themselves out about going back to work while on vacation. Choose to focus your mind on the positive things about your return; it'll keep you in a positive frame of mind well beyond your return.
• Be thankful for your job. Spend time each day thinking about all of the financial blessings you receive from your job. Think about what excites you about your job. Be thankful for your job security, your living situation, and your ability to indulge in a yearly vacation.
• Hold yourself accountable. As a professional, it's important to hold yourself accountable for your own results. Strive for excellence in everything that you do for the company. Your days will be more rewarding and you'll gain respect from your employer when you go the extra mile. The extra effort will swallow your negative emotions about coming back.
2. Keep your caffeine habit. Generally, there are healthier alternatives to fuel your body than caffeine. However, coffee may make the transition back to work more comfortable. Seek to change your work routine as little as possible until you're back in the swing of things. If you're used to that cup of coffee in the mornings, give yourself permission to indulge.
3. Mix business with pleasure. Take part in leisurely activities that relate to your industry while away. You'll keep your "work brain" up and running.
• Now, bringing a full load of paperwork along is unfair to both you and your family. However, bringing a work related self-help book along in order to brush up on your skills can help you recharge and stay career motivated at the same time.
4. Keep the vacation alive. Part of the lure of a vacation is that you're free to do as you please. Nonetheless, with a bit of strategic planning, you can keep the spirit of your vacation alive by enjoying similar leisure activities on weekends long after you return to work.
• Have margaritas with dinner occasionally. Tan privately on your patio. Ask your partner for a massage once in a while. And, enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you. If you look around you, you'll find that total relaxation can be experienced everywhere!
Work often seems like the end of the fun part of your year. But if you implement these tips and keep an open mind, you can harness the excitement and happiness of your vacation and bring it into your everyday life. All it takes is a little flexibility and an understanding that you deserve to feel happy every day of the year.
Until next time have a great rest of 2010
Sifu Lee Jacobs
Thursday 25 November 2010
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