Self Improvement Plan – Week 3

Posted by Scott Cofer in Personal Development on March 3, 2010

Here we are at week 3 already of our 13-week self improvement plan.  How is your progress going?  I think Mr. Franklin would be proud of us. :-)

I noticed a big difference after our week 1 focus on temperance.  I’ve already lost a few pounds and feel much better and more energetic.  And week 2 led to a more positive mind-state and better relationships with my family and business associates.

I guess this plan works!

So moving along, our topic for week 3 is:  Order

Ben Franklin defined order as, “Let all your things have their places. Let each part of your business have its time.”

This is a HUGE one for me!

I must admit to be being a bit compulsive when it comes to tidiness … much to my family’s chagrin.  However, I believe strongly that when things are put back where they belong it leads to much more ‘order’ and far less chaos – which of course leads to a greater sense of peace.  There’s nothing worse than living in an environment that is filled with clutter and disarray, which inevitably leads to the mounting stress caused by looking for things that you need 5 minutes (or less) before you actually need them!

The second portion of Franklin’s definition of order – in my view – falls into the category of time management, which is one of the core self improvement principles I cover here on this blog.  (if you haven’t already, take a few moments to read my time management post)

For me, time management is really the starting point for personal development and productivity, so I’m glad it is part of our ongoing plan here at week 3.

So then, we have our weekly focus – order.  Let’s get organized and productive this week!

To Success,
- Scott

  • Share/Bookmark

,

View Comments

Making Your New Year’s Resolutions Actually Happen

Posted by Scott Cofer in Personal Development on February 26, 2010

So, we are coming to the end of February …. how are your New Year’s Resolutions coming along?  Are you making daily progress, or are you like the majority of folks that commit to a few important goals on January 1st and abandon them out of frustration by the end of the month?

Well, if you’re having trouble sticking to your commitments, I have a simple suggestion that may help you get back on track.

This simple little shift made all the difference for me.  Instead of resolving to not do this or that, which is how many people frame their New Year’s Resolutions, commit instead to a new habit that will replace the old behavior.  Or, put something in your way to make sure you follow through on a new behavior you’ve committed to.

For instance:

- Instead of quitting smoking and wandering the halls of your home or workplace trying not to think about cigarettes, replace the smoking habit with a healthy one like walking, running or biking.  This will improve your health and help get your mind off the old negative habit.

- Instead of simply planning on running three times per week for the New Year, be sure and put your running shoes in front of your door so there is no way to miss them or ‘forget’ to run!

- If managing your time better is one of your New Year’s Resolutions, be sure to write out your 5-6 most important tasks for the day the night before and place the list with your keys or wallet/purse.  This way you’ll be ready to go the next morning and know exactly what you’ll be doing to make it a productive day. (for more tips on this subject be sure to read my time management post)

By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting on track and making your New Year’s Resolutions a reality.

All the best,
- Scott

  • Share/Bookmark

View Comments

Self Improvement Plan – Week 2

Posted by Scott Cofer in Personal Development on February 23, 2010

In keeping with the schedule I laid out in my last post, we will now move on to week two of our 13-week self improvement plan.

But first, how did week one go for you? I did fairly well, although I was on vacation with the family so I must admit to indulging once or twice. :-)

So moving on, our focus in Week 2 is:  Silence

Ben Franklin defined silence as, “Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself and avoid trifling conversation.”

This is such an important concept.  I am a firm believer in constant positive reinforcement through the words we say to ourselves.  We have TOTAL control over this, and our “self-talk” has the ability to empower and invigorate us.  Unfortunately, it also has the power to tear us down from within and destroy our enjoyment of life and our ability to reach our full potential.

Words are extremely powerful — make a conscious effort to choose them wisely!

And just as words have the ability to uplift our destroy our own lives, they also have the ability to do the same to others.  Think about it – how many people do you know that are living lives of internal and external turmoil because of the negative words spoken to them throughout their lives?  Worse yet, these negative comments in many cases were uttered years ago, but still have power over the recipient today … heart breaking.

So be a blessing to others, and only speak words of love and encouragement … you’ll make the world a better place and you’ll feel better by doing so.

And avoid “trifling conversation” and gossip.  It is pointless and ultimately tears you down as well – in mind and in stature.

Onward we go – have a great week!
- Scott

  • Share/Bookmark

View Comments