Ian's Messy Desk » Lifestyle http://www.ismckenzie.com Helping you get the most out of the 24 hours in your day. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:15:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 How to be Productive While Waiting http://www.ismckenzie.com/7-ways-to-make-waiting-time-more-productive/ http://www.ismckenzie.com/7-ways-to-make-waiting-time-more-productive/#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:01:16 +0000 Ian McKenzie http://www.ismckenzie.com/04/17/7-ways-to-make-waiting-time-more-productive/ Waiting is one of those external time wasters that is often beyond your control. As much as you would like to avoid it, sometime you just have to wait. You wait on hold on the telephone; wait for meetings and appointments; wait for hockey practice to end; wait for a spouse to finish work; and wait and wait and wait.

Waiting can use up a portion of your time. Good time management puts waiting time to use.

Whether at the office, out and about, or at home, here are seven ways to make use of waiting time:

  • Review your lists: Check your to-do lists, your shopping lists or other reminders; add, subtract or rearrange, as necessary.
  • Review your calendar: If you’re waiting and can contact people, set-up, confirm or reschedule items on your calendar.
  • Sort mail: E-mail, paper mail —whether at work or at home— can be organized while on the phone or watching T.V.
  • Personal/professional development: Read an industry journal or a school assignment. Carry a media player and listen to speakers, trainers or podcasts.
  • Use the phone: If you have access to a phone, use the time to make or return calls.
  • Work on hobbies: Carry needlework with you. If you draw, carry a sketch book. Carry a digital camera and snap off a few pictures.
  • Structured relaxing: It doesn’t have to be all about efficiency; read a book, solve a crossword puzzle, or play a game on your PDA.

We do a lot of waiting. We can’t get those minutes or hours back, but we can use the time to be productive. Make it a practice to carry your “tools” with you and you’ll find you never have to sit twiddling your thumbs while you wait.

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]]> http://www.ismckenzie.com/7-ways-to-make-waiting-time-more-productive/feed/ 4 24 Tips and Tricks for Reducing Stress http://www.ismckenzie.com/24-tips-and-tricks-for-reducing-stress/ http://www.ismckenzie.com/24-tips-and-tricks-for-reducing-stress/#comments Tue, 15 May 2007 18:06:08 +0000 Ian McKenzie http://www.ismckenzie.com/05/15/24-tips-and-tricks-for-reducing-stress/ ’s practice focuses on stress management and lifestyle counselling. He has put together a collection of tips that can help you manage stress.

If things are feeling out of control, or you’re just looking for ways to improve your wellness, this is a good place to start. Some of the tips I found particularly helpful:

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]]> http://www.ismckenzie.com/24-tips-and-tricks-for-reducing-stress/feed/ 0 Bits and Pieces – March 16 http://www.ismckenzie.com/bits-and-pieces-march-16/ http://www.ismckenzie.com/bits-and-pieces-march-16/#comments Fri, 16 Mar 2007 15:17:23 +0000 Ian McKenzie http://www.ismckenzie.com/03/16/bits-and-pieces-march-16/
  • How to Make Stikkit into Your Personal GTD Powerhouse – Cranking Widget’s take on turning Stikkit into a powerful GTD tool.
  • Five secret filing hacks from the masters – Working in a “paper-less” environment somehow still requires a lot of filing. Matt has five tips to streamline the process.
  • Fuel the positive with gratitude – Keep a positive attitude by keeping your focus on gratitude.
  • Nagless Reminders – Get the Recipient to Respond On Time and Cut Through their Email Overload.
  • Maryland Ballet Theatre & Arts Company –  – A random inspirational thought for dancers.
  • – Some GTD helps to set as desktop wallpaper.
  • 10 Simple Tips to Start Getting Things Done – Getting started with GTD.

    • Recommended: Zen to Done Productivity eBook The Ultimate Simple Productivity System

    ]]>     http://www.ismckenzie.com/bits-and-pieces-march-16/feed/ 1     191.2 http://www.ismckenzie.com/1912/ http://www.ismckenzie.com/1912/#comments Sat, 24 Feb 2007 16:54:56 +0000 Ian McKenzie http://www.ismckenzie.com/02/24/1912/ The idea of weighing everyday seems odd. There is fluctuation in daily weight that can make one discouraged. I need to look at the loss over a longer period -say a week, and use the daily weigh-in as a motivator to keep me focussed.

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    ]]>     http://www.ismckenzie.com/1912/feed/ 0     195.6 – A Step in the Wrong Direction http://www.ismckenzie.com/1956-a-step-in-the-wrong-direction/ http://www.ismckenzie.com/1956-a-step-in-the-wrong-direction/#comments Thu, 22 Feb 2007 15:38:59 +0000 Ian McKenzie http://www.ismckenzie.com/02/22/1956-a-step-in-the-wrong-direction/ Yesterday and Tuesday were spent on the road, attending dinner meetings and eating poorly. I need to make sure I have an alternate plan in place when work schedules interrupt eating habits.
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    ]]>     http://www.ismckenzie.com/1956-a-step-in-the-wrong-direction/feed/ 0     194 Pounds: My Name is Ian and I’m a Fatblogger http://www.ismckenzie.com/194-pounds-my-name-is-ian-and-im-a-fatblogger/ http://www.ismckenzie.com/194-pounds-my-name-is-ian-and-im-a-fatblogger/#comments Tue, 20 Feb 2007 18:22:03 +0000 Ian McKenzie http://www.ismckenzie.com/02/20/194-pounds-my-name-is-ian-and-im-a-fatblogger/ Three years ago I undertook to lose some weight and kept track of the results on my blog. I lost about 20 or 25 pounds. Since then, I’ve increased by about 30 pounds. Just to put my 194 pounds in perspective, I’m five foot six and should weigh in the 150+ range. I would like to drop 40 pounds and have a goal weight of 155.

    I’ve decided to pick up on the Jason Calacanis call for Fatbloggers to unite! I’ve never tried a daily weigh-in, but will give my best shot at a weight post every day.

    The Lenten season starts tomorrow. It is my practice to give up something through the forty-day period. This year, rather than specific item(s), I will give up the behaviours of over-eating and under-exercising with the intent of making some personal lifestyle changes.

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    Recommended: Zen to Done Productivity eBook The Ultimate Simple Productivity System

    ]]>     http://www.ismckenzie.com/194-pounds-my-name-is-ian-and-im-a-fatblogger/feed/ 0     Do Good Anyway http://www.ismckenzie.com/do-good-anyway/ http://www.ismckenzie.com/do-good-anyway/#comments Mon, 12 Feb 2007 17:40:44 +0000 Ian McKenzie http://www.ismckenzie.com/02/12/do-good-anyway/ Mother Teresa’s version of :

    1. People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centred.  Forgive them anyway.
    2. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.
    3. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.  Succeed anyway.
    4. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  Be honest and sincere anyway.
    5. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  Create anyway.
    6. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.
    7. The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway.
    8. Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway.
    9. In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway.

    linked from wheresjim

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    ]]>     http://www.ismckenzie.com/do-good-anyway/feed/ 0     Bits and Pieces – February 10 http://www.ismckenzie.com/bits-and-pieces-february-10/ http://www.ismckenzie.com/bits-and-pieces-february-10/#comments Fri, 09 Feb 2007 18:49:07 +0000 Ian McKenzie http://www.ismckenzie.com/02/09/bits-and-pieces-february-10/
  • – Flash-based aggregator, RSS feed reader and more.
  • – distilled from On Writing Well and The Elements of Style.
  • Yes, Please! — Thank You! — You’re Welcome! – Liz Strauss on courtesy and manners.
  •  – a sticky-note system for tracking the to-do list.
  • Web 2.0 explained in five minutes
  • The GTD Mastery 100 – Add up your score monthly and track in your GTD journal. Work with a coach to get to 90 or above.

    • Recommended: Zen to Done Productivity eBook The Ultimate Simple Productivity System

    ]]>     http://www.ismckenzie.com/bits-and-pieces-february-10/feed/ 0     Bits and Pieces – January 26 http://www.ismckenzie.com/bits-and-pieces-january-26/ http://www.ismckenzie.com/bits-and-pieces-january-26/#comments Fri, 26 Jan 2007 19:04:08 +0000 Ian McKenzie http://www.ismckenzie.com/01/26/bits-and-pieces-january-26/
  • Email Etiquette Tips – Kelly Forrister on email etiquette as it relates to productivity.
  • RoadMap Interview With David Allen — Podcast
  • How Being Organized Saves You Money – Mighty Bargain Hunter
  • 20 Questions to Kick start New Thoughts – from Liz Strauss

    • Recommended: Zen to Done Productivity eBook The Ultimate Simple Productivity System

    ]]>     http://www.ismckenzie.com/bits-and-pieces-january-26/feed/ 0     A Message From Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan http://www.ismckenzie.com/a-message-from-commissioner-m-christine-macmillan/ http://www.ismckenzie.com/a-message-from-commissioner-m-christine-macmillan/#comments Tue, 26 Dec 2006 17:33:49 +0000 Ian McKenzie http://www.ismckenzie.com/12/26/a-message-from-commissioner-m-christine-macmillan/ December 2006

    I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family all the best during this wonderful Christmas season.

    It’s been an exciting year that has been full of change and prosperity. Recent reports show that the Canadian economy is ranked by many as one of the best in the world and the generosity of the Canadian public continues to amaze me. Through the support of people like you, The Salvation Army is able to give hope today and everyday to thousands across the country who might otherwise remain invisible. Thank you for opening your eyes and your hearts this Christmas.

    During the 2005 Christmas season, The Salvation Army raised $20 million through its National Christmas Campaign. While the totals for 2006 have yet to be finalized, we are encouraged by the tremendous response in communities across the country. This year during the Christmas season, thousands of vulnerable families and children shared in the joy of Christmas because caring Canadians support The Salvation Army:

    • 86,000 adults and 95,000 children receive practical assistance
    • 330,000 toys are distributed to children across Canada
    • 59,000 food vouchers and hampers given to marginalized families

    Rick from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia knows all too well what it means to go without. An alcoholic living in the bush, The Salvation Army took him in and supported him through a rehabilitation program. Rick now gives hope back to the community by working for the Army’s Community and Family Service Operations in his new life.

    Please remember that our programs continue throughout the year and that the need always exists. Thank you for what you have done, and if you still wish to give, you can do so by following the link below.

    Click here to give hope by supporting the work of The Salvation Army.

    Your continued support is always appreciated, and the spirit of love and hope that accompanies each gift is never taken for granted.

    May God Bless you,

    Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan
    Territorial Commander
    Leader of The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda Territory

    Recommended: Zen to Done Productivity eBook The Ultimate Simple Productivity System

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