Time Management – Yikes!

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By Terry Orr

Time management, in one form or another, impacts nearly every aspect of our lives and those around us.  The challenge is facing most of us – getting the important things done.

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There are many people who make a living helping others with Time Management.  There are many Books, Blogs, Web Sites, Seminars, Conferences, Coaches, Trainers, and many other means of assisting others how to manage their time better.

Top 5 Time Management Tips By: Anastasiya Day

1.     To do list

2.     Know when you work best

3.     Make it east to get started

4.     Postpone unnecessary activities until the work is done!

5.     Organize and schedule time for emails

I like Anastasiya’s list for several reasons, first they a logical, streamlined and easy to remember. Second, it took my years to figure out #2 – know when you work best – I would just showed up to work and went at it. Later in life, I learned that there are times through the day in which different skills/traits were best than others. Thirdly, #4 was all too easy to escape from the boring task I was working.  And finally, emails!  Texting is also another area where I need to get a handle on.  I check my email three or four times per hour – a habit from my earlier days in project and line management.

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Jessica Miller-Merrell [blogging4jobs] offers two additional helpful tips: 1) Use Technology to your advantage and 2) Ask for the Agenda.  They are excellent points and Jessica provides meaningful descriptions in her article.

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In closing, the one person who I was able to connect with and follow his principles was the late Stephen R. Covey. They rang true, made sense and have worked for me.

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Good luck and let us know what method of ‘time management’ works for you. Thank you and wishing you a wonderful day.

References and Links:

http://www.ad-virtualassistance.com/top-5-time-management-tips

http://blogs.payscale.com/compensation/2012/12/5-time-management-tips-you-must-do-in-2013-.html

http://butterflyeffectcoaching.co.uk/time-management-tips/

Be Prepared

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By Terry Orr

Preparedness refers to the state of being prepared for specific or unpredictable events or situations. Preparedness is an important quality in achieving goals and in avoiding and mitigating negative outcomes. It is a major phase of emergency management, and is particularly valued in areas of competition such as sport and military science.

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September 2012 marks the ninth annual National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the US Department of Homeland Security. One goal of Homeland Security is to educate the public about how to prepare for emergencies, including natural disasters, mass casualties, biological and chemical threats, radiation emergencies, and terrorist attacks.

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10 Ways YOU Can be Disaster Prepared (from Cal EMA)

1. Identify Your Risk
2. Create a Family Disaster Plan
3. Practice Your Disaster Plan
4. Build a Disaster Supply Kit for Your Home
5. Prepare Your Children
6. Don’t Forget Those with Special Needs
7. Learn CPR and First Aid
8. Eliminate Hazards in Your Home and Work Place
9. Understand Post 9/11 Risks
10. Get Involved, Volunteer

I really like how Cal EMA has layout getting prepared for disasters, especially item one, ‘identify your risk’. What are the hazards where you live or work? Find out what natural or human caused disasters pose a risk for you. Do you live near a flood plain, an earthquake fault, or in a high fire danger area? Are you prepared for an unexpected human-made disaster that can strike any time? Does your neighborhood or community have a disaster plan?

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Be sure to include the following items in your emergency plan:

• How each person will get out of the house, if needed;
• Where to meet if you must leave the house; and
• Contact information for reaching the designated out-of-area contact person.

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Emergency management, emergency preparedness, and disaster services are common throughout the United States—we take care of each other. By whatever name, these activities encompass mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery related to any kind of disaster, whether natural, technological, or national security. Emergency preparedness means being prepared for all kinds of emergencies, able to respond in time of crisis to save lives and property, and to help a community—or even a nation—return to normal life after a disaster occurs.

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Like a good scout – Be Prepared

References and links:

http://www.ready.gov

http://www.cdc.gov/features/beready/

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/preparedness/

http://www.citizencorps.gov/

http://www.calema.ca.gov/NewsandMedia/Pages/Preparedness-Month.aspx

http://www.emergencypreparednessdepot.net/

https://www.disability.gov/emergency_preparedness#map

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