Download Monday: Be Cool...and Organized

Another Monday at The Daily Saint and another free resource to jumpstart your week.  Today's freebie is called "Be Cool. Be Organized." and is an adaptation of an article that I've had published in two different journals.  Enjoy!

Download BeCool.pdf

GTD Cafe: Alternative Ways to Learn GTD

Each Wednesday I'll be hosting the GTD Cafe, an opportunity to reflect on some of the finer points within the GTD system.

I've just returned from two days of high adventure retreat at River Valley Ranch in northern MD.  While we had a super time and did some dangerously fun things (800 foot zip line, 45 foot giant swing, etc.), we always try to do a post-game and ask: how effective is a one day retreat?  My answer is always the same.

There is only so much you can do, comprehend, "get" out of one day.  This of course got me thinking- how do we learn GTD?  Perhaps we attended the GTD Roadmap seminar or have signed up for GTD Connect or maybe it's just been a catch-as-catch-can process via the internet.

Imagine some alternative learning styles for getting GTD to stick:

• GTD Bootcamp: a one week GTD retreat in which fun and relaxation is mixed in with serious, morning seminars on GTD



• GTD Breakfast clubs: a Saturday morning 'group' that meets in your geographical area



• GTD Regional Conferences: a weekend experience of networking and training in a large venue setting



• GTD Licensed Coaching: as FranklinCovey certifies folks to teach their 7 Habits material, would David Allen's group ever consider widening the net so as to allow others to teach GTD in an official manner?

Quote for the Road
"Productivity is going to be a critical issue. And
it's not just about getting more time for professors in the classroom.
It involves reexamining the learning experience and restructuring
faculty and the use of faculty time."
~Roy Romer


Resources for the Road
Kelly Forrister, has a great piece called "Can People Get GTD In One Day?".
Mark Horne on learning GTD

Slowdown Friday: The Tipping Point Principles of Change

Having just finished The Informant by Kurt Eichenwald via morning commute, a 20 CD journey, I've turned my attention to Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point, How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference.  This book is a "wow" and has cracked my top ten. 

For today's Slowdown Friday, an excerpt from the conclusion of Gladwell's groundbreaking book,

In the end, Tipping Points are a reaffirmation of the potential for change and the power of intelligent action.  Look at the world around you.  It may seem like an immovable, implacable place.  It is not.  With the slightest push- in just the right place- it can be tipped.

Essentially, the book deals with small, seemingly minute actions which, over time, can lead to serious change.  The change can be social and within a town or city or it can be within oneself. 

As we head into the weekend, let's be mindful of the seemingly quiet, anonymous habits that may be noticeable to you alone but can add up to some serious success. 

Slowdown Strategies for the Weekend

• Take 15 minutes to read quietly.

• Take a  slow walk around your neighborhood and notice homes and yards that you've always glanced over.

• Spend some time in meditation or prayer, in the early morning hours.

• Write a note of affirmation to someone who really needs a pick-me-up.

• Leave a quarter in the parking meter or vending machine for the next guy who just might need it.

Here's To Your Health: Allergies and How They Affect Our Mindset

My son, now three, was diagnosed early in his life with a severe peanut allergy.  "What's a peanut allergy?" I asked the physicians at Johns Hopkins.  Not only was I clueless about what a food allergy was but I had never even known someone with a food allergy.   For better or worse, I now know more than I ever dreamed of knowing about food allergies.

Turns out my son has a "score" of 95 out of 100.  If he was in math class, I would be thrilled.  Unfortunately when it comes to peanut allergies, a 95 is bad, very bad.  The higher the score, the worse the allergy.

We've come to cope with this and he is a genuine trooper.  It could be worse and we realize this but I've come to see allergies in a new light.

As allergy season is here, I came across Laura Stack's excellent post on how allergies affect us.  Her research included such items as the following:

• 71% of health professionals agree that allergies can dramatically impact the quality of one's life on a regular basis



• Allergies impact ALL areas of one's life, including sex drive, workplace productivity and attitude

What can you do if allergies are getting you down?

1. See an allergist to pinpoint the problem.   I know, I know, most of us don't like to go to the doctor but go for it and get it done sooner than later.



2. Don't ignore your situation.  Medications and the simple avoidance of certain areas and foods can really improve quality of life.



3. Be thankful. This sounds crazy but any affliction we have is an opportunity to see context.  I'd rather have a food allergy than cancer, etc.  I've traveled to Peru, Jamaica and Dominican Republic and my guess is that many of the poor and destitute would take an allergy any day over the severe conditions in which they live.

Quote for the Road

The greatest wealth is health.  ~Virgil

Download Monday: 13 Tips to Streamline Your Work

Each Monday I post a free resource that will help to jump start your week.  Today I've posted a resource that I often use with groups called "13 Tips".  You'll find bite-sized tips such as:

• Leave the briefcase at work



• Taking time for silence



• Let someone else run the meeting

Each tip is focused on streamlining work so that you can get more done in less time.  Enjoy!

Download 13_tips.pdf

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