Ian's Messy Desk

Give yourself some time

People have no problem filling their schedules and to-do lists with a million things, but never leave time for themselves. Give yourself some time; say an hour per day. Use the time to go for a walk, read, listen to some music or whatever it is you love to do. Treat this appointment as your most important of the day.

Posted by Ian McKenzie at 09:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Last week Time Magazine ran a cover story on The Multitasking Generation. Writer Claudia Wallis takes a look at the effects of technological multitasking on young people. Along the way, she also offers some tips on de-cluttering your life.

• Create uninterrupted time for concentrating.
• Manage your in-box.
• Plan on face time.
• Manage your desktop, both real and digital.

Read: TIME.com —Four Tips to Unclutter Your Life

[composed and posted with BlogJet]

Posted by Ian McKenzie at 09:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

You can spend 40 to 50 percent of your waking time in an office or cubicle. Wouldn’t it be nice to add some simple touches to personalize that space? Of course, before you call Debbie Travis or even hang a picture, you’ll want to check your employer’s policies on workspace décor.

Some things you can easily do to add a personal stamp to your workspace:

1. A couple of small family photos, but avoid a wall of pictures devoted to all your relatives.
2. Some artwork, perhaps even something special a child has made. Avoid putting up every drawing your kids have ever done.
3. A custom chair, though company policy might limit selection.
4. A scented/aromatherapy candle or air freshener, but be sensitive to your neighbours’ noses.
5. A motivational quote or personal mission statement posted on your bulletin board.
6. Personalized mousepads, wallpaper and screen savers can dress up your computer. Watch out for inappropriate content.
7. A fruit bowl or candy dish not only dresses up your office, but makes you popular with co-workers.
8. A plant or fresh cut flowers, but throw them in the bin if and when they die.

Posted by Ian McKenzie at 02:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

You know, things like a $12,000+ diamond-encrusted iPod case.

Tech Manifesto » Top Twelve Dream Gifts of 2005

Posted by Ian McKenzie at 06:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Do you need a little help for the holidays? Use these idea and planning resources to stay organized!

Christmas Planning at About.com

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This is Dale Carnegie's summary of his book:

Fundamental Techniques in Handling People

Six ways to make people like you

Win people to your way of thinking

Be a Leader: How to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment

1. Begin with praise and honest appreciation.
2. Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly.
3. Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person.
4. Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.
5. Let the other person save face.
6. Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Be "hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise."
7. Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to.
8. Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct.
9. Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest.

Posted by Ian McKenzie at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Reduce your energy usage. Increase your savings.

We’ve compiled this list of energy saving ideas to make your home and business more energy efficient and comfortable. Most of these ideas are easy to do and take only a few minutes to perform. By reducing energy usage in Alberta, we can help you keep your energy costs down as well as benefit the environment.

• For the Spring
• For the Summer
• For the Fall
• For the Winter
• For the Year

From Direct Energy Regulated Services

Posted by Ian McKenzie at 05:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As much as you would like to avoid it, there's no getting away from having to wait. You wait on hold on the telephone or wait for meetings or appointments or wait for hockey practice to end or a spouse to finish work, and wait and wait and wait. If you are not careful, waiting can take control of you time. Good self-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:

• Work your lists: Check your to-do lists, your shopping lists or other reminders; add, subtract or rearrange, as necessary.
• Work your calendar: If you're not on the phone, set-up, confirm or reschedule items on your calendar.
• Sort mail: E-mail, paper mail, 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're not waiting on the 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, play a game on your PDA

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.

Posted by Ian McKenzie at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MSN Money - 10 things you shouldn't buy new

“Why waste money on shiny packaging and a fancy store when you can get it 'pre-owned' for a fraction of the cost? Here are your best buys.”

Posted by Ian McKenzie at 02:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)