Tips & Tricks Busy Professionals Can Use to Simplify Their Lives

Compliments of Ribary & Associates, LLC

www.tiaribary.com

July 2009

WANT MORE SUCCESS? MANAGE YOUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE WELL

Do you feel like there is too much to do and not enough time? If so, you are not alone. I certainly feel that way, and so do many of my clients.

It's a common saying that "time is your most valuable resource." I believe that we actually have a more valuable resource than time, and that resource is....(drum roll, please) ENERGY!

Have you considered what time is without energy? It's really nothing but a moment of space. Think of a time you had "time" for a task but not the "energy" to complete it. If time is not tied to your energy being directed toward something meaningful, than it really has no value! For me, this twist is a new angle on an age-old issue and it makes things so much more clear.

Perhaps you've read books on time management or organization, perhaps you've hired a coach to help keep you accountable, perhaps you've hired me to help you get and stay organized. All these things can be helpful. However, if you've always thought of time as your most valuable resource, and time management as the answer to all your struggles, I hope you'll reconsider that point of view after reading this Tip.

HOW TO OPTIMIZE THE TIME ENERGY CONNECTION

If energy is more important than time, what can you do to manage this most valuable resource?

• Ensure you have a vast supply of energy. Energy is a consumable resource that must be renewed on a regular basis. Keep your energy account full by getting enough sleep, eating right for your body, getting regular exercise, taking time for yourself to re-energize your mind and feed your spirit. How much energy you have is determined by your whole self, be sure you take care of every part of you.
   

• Consider your health the greatest investment you can make. Without it, you won't have energy. Without energy, time has little value.

What can you do to be sure your energy is being used intentionally in your life?

• First, assess your priorities. What are the most important things in your life? Is it your family, your business, your spiritual life, your health? (I hope that your health is one of them!) Identify your very highest priorities in each segment of your life. If you'd like a guide to help you, please email me at tia@tiaribary.com. I'll send you a Life Wheel courtesy of Kathie Nelson.
   

• Second, ask yourself honestly, is your energy being directed toward the highest priorities you've identified? If not, it's time to make some adjustments.

For example, one of my clients stated that their family was priority #1. However, they were always at work, or when they were home, they were preoccupied by work. He met with me feeling hopeless about making his life more "balanced". However, once we identified his top priorities in each area, and scheduled time on his calendar to purposefully direct his energy toward those items, he was stunned to learn that he actually could take a day or two off each week, be home for dinner several nights a week, and be present with his kids when they were awake, all while staying committed to his business. What a great feeling that was for him!

• The person I first got this idea from is Dr. Jim Loehr who authored "The Power of Full Engagement." He puts it very clearly - "If you want to be a world-class spender, you've got to have a world-class bank account." Are you making more withdrawals of your energy account than you are deposits? When energy reserves get low, we start to feel overwhelmed and things can appear hopeless. We don't make good decisions in this kind of negative space, nor are we productive. Keep your energy deposits higher than your withdrawals and you'll make better decisions about where you direct your energy.

I hope you now realize how valuable a resource your energy is. If I've made it just a bit easier for you to take care of yourself without guilt, then I feel like I've directed my own energy in an area of high priority for me - making the lives of small business owners better.

Next time you think of time management, instead, think of energy management and ask yourself if you're spending your energy where it matters most.

Wishing you endless success,

Tia

UPCOMING EVENTS

Women Entrepreneurs of Oregon: Tuesday July 14th is WEO's  Annual Fun Event. It is the perfect time to connect with WEO members and guests at the beautiful McMenamins Edgefield and have fun doing it! This event always has a great turnout. Click here for more information and registration.

Incubate and Create Weekend Event facilitated by Carolyn Campbell, MA, CPPC, Core Source Coaching. September 11th - 13th
Are you creating a new vision, product or service? This is a place to focus, dream and create without interruption and get thoughtful, productive feedback.

Looking to have a REALLY YUMMY catered lunch?

TEN 01 is a fabulous restaurant in the Pearl and one I visit often. They have a new lunch catering program! Enjoy handcrafted sandwiches, organic salads, house cured pickles, and home made cookies, all using the best, local produce available. They prefer to focus on businesses in or close to the Pearl. However, the bigger the order the farther they will deliver, so don't hesitate to ask. Click here to visit their website. If you haven't tried this restaurant out, you really should. It's delicious!