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Saturday, October 30, 2010

Oops, I forgot my keys!

I've been waiting all year for this day and it's finally, finally here:  Checklists Day!  Right now, I have a checklist for packing which comes in handy.  I made up the list because I got tired of having to create a packing list every time I was traveling. 

This morning, though, I thought of some additional actions that could be checklisted -
Time based occurrences - daily, weekly, monthly, yearly events/obligations

Long term projects/goals

Reminders before leaving the house - make sure you have keys, wallet, needed material; electricity is off

Packing a gym bag

Preparing for an errand

Grocery shopping

Moving

Visits to the doctor - have medical card; lists of medications, questions and health concerns with you

If you're in business, you could also create checklists for marketing yourself, maintaining your social media presence and so on.

More info on this day and the art of checklisting, can be found here http://checklists.com/checklists-day.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Internet Day!

source: virtuallowmemory.com/



According to my calendar, today, October 29, is Internet Day.  Here's the scoop from Answers.com:
"The first connection on what would become the Internet was made on this day when bits of data flowed between computers at UCLA and the Stanford Research Institute."  http://www.answers.com/topic/internet-created

Some coaching questions in honor of Internet Day:

Do you remember how you felt when you first began using a computer--scared, excited, frustrated?


Did you learn to use the computer on your own or did someone help you?


How much do you know now compared to when you first began using the computer?


What qualities--patience, persistence, curiosity, creativity--have you demonstrated while using the computer/Internet?  How can you apply these qualities to other areas of your life?


Is your current Internet use balanced with your other life activities?

Can you think of ways that the Internet can help you to achieve your business or personal goals?


Appreciate how accomplished you've become with using the Internet. In the future, keep this in mind when you're similarly faced with a new challenge.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Business Ready - Post 4 "It's a Cinch!"

This afternoon, I worked some more on my marketing plan.  Quite an interesting exercise.  I didn't think I'd care too much for "marketing," but it's actually more fascinating than I expected. 

A while ago, while trying to learn more about blogtalkradio.com, I clicked on one of the featured links http://www.cinchcast.com/.  Thankfully, I was able to connect to the site with my Facebook account.

After about 5 "takes," I finally had an audio recorded.  If this link http://www.cinchcast.com/user/default.aspx doesn't take you directly to the recording, then you can find it on my page "Shannon McQueen."

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Tuesday's Tip - 3 Questions on the 5-Minute Habit


source: © Royalty-Free/Corbis
This is a lengthier version of an entry which I did on Facebook a couple of months ago.

The 5-Minute Habit....What is it?  Who has it?  How much does it cost?  I'm going to roll up my sleeves and tackle these ever so urgent questions one-by-one.

What is it?
The 5-Minute Habit is a simple way of working on your goals.  You can absolutely spend more than 5 minutes working on a goal but for those of you who are living jam-packed lives. The 5-Minute Habit is an simple way to make consistent progress on your goals. 

Since the 5-Minute Habit depends on the goal that you're working on, it's important that you first specify what your goals are.  Next, you think of some small way of working toward your goal.  For instance, I'm launching a life coaching business.  My 5-Minute Habit is to brainstorm on a topic that relates to my business.  I can brainstorm on the same topic, e.g., My Ideal Client, Marketing Strategies, or a different topic depending on my need.

The 5-Minute Habit allows me to daily move toward my goal.  It's easy and quick enough for me to do that even when I'm tired-tired, it's hard for me to persuade myself to not do it.

The following are some additional 5-Minute Habit suggestions -
To read about a topic that interests you--politics, finance, health, time management, finding a job

To add 5 more minutes of cardio or stretching to your exercise routine

To write on a theme that interests you

To slow down your eating pace and focus on the texture,taste, smell of your food

To meditate

To straighten your room/desk

To arrive at work earlier so that you don't feel rushed

To prepare to leave work earlier so you leave on time

To listen to a foreign language

To learn a new word and use it in a sentence or practice saying it

To be more aware of your surroundings...smells, sights, sounds, temperature

To do a gratitude journal

To list you successes for the day

To plan and prioritize your day

To practice listening deeply to someone - words used, pace of speech, tone of voice

As always, these are just suggestions and I'm confident that are lots of other 5-Minute Habits that could be created.

OK, now for the remaining questions: 
Who has it?  I do (that's kinda obvious)...and hopefully, you'll have a go at the 5-Minute Habit.

How much does it cost?  It doesn't necessarily cost money to have a 5-Minute Habit but it will, of course, be a "cost" in time.  Since this is time that you'll be taking to be healthier, smarter, wealthier, calmer or whatever else your goals are, then I think that it'll be a worthwhile investment.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Business Ready - Post 3 "Taking a Risk!"

I've toyed with the idea of having a show on blogtalkradio.com.  I figured it would be kinda interesting to have my own radio show and perhaps to have some guests that I could speak with.  Maybe some family members, friends or another radio host. 

The idea interested me.  I tried to encourage a few people I knew to have an online radio show but no one was really biting or perhaps I wasn't convincing enough.  : )

In any case, I've decided to take the plunge and have an online radio show.  Here's the link to the show, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/shannonmcqueen.  My first show premieres on Monday, November 8 at 7 AM (PST).  Let's hope that my cell phone connects properly and that my voice stays healthy!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tuesday's Tip - Newsworthy?

 
source: flickr.com
I like information. Sometimes too much of it. For many years, I'd watch the news, read the newspapers and magazines in an effort to stay current on what was happening. News on car bombings, celebrity breakups, health fads, kidnappings, environmental changes, fashion trends and so on were on absorbed by my mind.Did some of the news improve my life?  Yeah, some of it did.  For instance, I learned butter is healthier than margarine and I figured installing a water filter would be better for the environment than buying bottled water.

So I'm not saying that all news is bad.  You can be at a disadvantage if you're not aware of the latest news.  On this, I speak from experience.  I'm not advocating complete abstention from the news.  Although if that works for you, then cool.

I do think that people need to trim or examine their interest in the news.  If watching the news, causes you to improve your life, join an organization, donate to a charity or somehow galvanize you to action, then that is great.  For most of us though, we watch the news and passively absorb its content.  Our attention shifts from our own concerns, and suddenly, we're curious about Jennifer Anniston's love life, troubled by an overseas incident, or feverishly hoping that they find the missing child. 

The irony is that often these events have no bearing on our own lives. 


I've seen people who as a result of watching the latest news lose focus on their goals.  Or I've listened to people who say they want to be positive, then they talk about the latest murder.  Firstly, we're all human so I can understand such contradictory behavior and I know that I have my own set of contradictions.  I'm writing this post because it perplexes me when someone absorbs news yet it only makes them feel worse.
So if you have a news habit here are some ideas to consider...

If you're news watcher and wholeheartedly devoted to your habit, at least be more aware of how you feel when you watch the news.  Do you feel inspired, fearful, worried or reassured?  ("Reassured" meaning that some people may watch the news just to strengthen a conviction they have.)

What's your news causing you to think/feel/believe?

What news stories are featured on your morning/nightly news?  Is this honestly the best way to start/end your day?

How does watching or reading the news help you reach your goals or improve your life?  For instance, if you want to learn more about finance or health, then reading about those subjects can keep you up-to-date.

How well can you communicate the information that you've watched on the news?  What was the main point of the news story?  How much do you know about the subject?

How could you benefit by occassionally/indefinitely not watching/reading/listening to the news?  

How could you be selective about the news that you consume?

Could you reduce your news habit to once a day or per week?  Often news shows do a weekly wrap-up on Fridays or Saturdays.

See what it feels like to go one day without the news.  Do you feel more calm?  Out-of-touch with the world?  Did you even notice its absence?

All righty, it looks like I had a lot write on this topic.  ; ) Feel free to post a comment or suggestion on this tip.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Tuesday's Tip - Put Your Cell Phone to Work...Or Not

It's ironic that I'm writing a post about a cell phone because for years I was adamant about not having one.  Now after several years of using a cell phone, I have a like/dislike relationship with it.  Don't worry, I'm not going to write a lengthy tirade about mobile etiquette or cellular intrusion, instead I want to mention some coach-friendly ways of using your cell phone.

Alarm Clock - You can use it as a timer to remind yourself to do something or to stop doing something.  You can also, of course, use it to wake up in the morning.  If you want to watch just 40 minutes of TV or do 40 minutes of reading, you can set your alarm clock as a reminder.

Calculator - If you have financial goals and want to see how much you'd have to earn per month to achieve your goal, then your calculator instantly becomes a convenient tool.  You can also use it to see how much you'd need to save per month to take that longed-for vacation to Costa Rica or to buy the latest computer.

Calendar - I haven't done this myself, but you can use your calendar to remind yourself of goal milestones that you want to accomplish, in addition to important appointments or birthdays that you need to remember.

Memo Pad - This has a whole multitude of uses.  Some ideas are to note information to later look up; to add your life goals or weekly goals to it so that you can review them easily; to write a daily affirmation or empowering word to keep you inspired and focused.

Timer - If you think you may be spending too much time on a certain activity, you can time it to see how long it really is taking you.  Or if you want to time yourself to see how long you can do a plank pose, this is one way to do that.  http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/videos/m/32071954/plank.htm

Video Recorder - If you're really into goal-setting, then you can attempt to record yourself or have an understanding friend record you stating what your goals are.  You can look at this reminder during those times when you feel distracted or discouraged.

Voice Recorder - You can record your daily affirmation or your life goals into your voice recorder as a handy way of remembering your goals.  Hearing your voice say your daily affirmation, may make you feel a bit awkward at first but it can also make you feel more inspired or accountable.


Power Off/Silence Option - When all is said and done, don't forget that you can also take a break from your cell phone.  While technology is useful, it can be overwhelming at times, so when needed take a break from your phone and enjoy being "free" from technology. 

Just to note...If you decide to go on an extensive mobile "diet", you may want to warn your friends and family members, so they don't worry about any lengthy silence.  Yes, I do speak from experience on this one.  : )

Sunday, October 10, 2010

That Perfect 10


Nadia Comaneci
source: intlgymnast.com

Recently, I've received a lot of e-mails reminding me that today is 10-10-10.  One e-mailer was even so clever to have pre-set his e-mail to be sent at 10:10 AM.  Not wanting to miss out on the 10-10-10 joy, I figured I'd write a quick post for 10:10 PM (PST).

If you're game...and if you have time this week, here's a suggestion on how to make the week interesting.

Review the following assessment http://www.blissciplineaim.com/members/MPC.html  from Day 1 of "30-Day Journey to a Life You Love."  Or consider the following areas:

Physical Health
Emotional Health
Physical Appearance
Physical Home/Car/Office Environment
Finances
Career
Friendships
Family Relationships
Romantic Relationships
Community Involvement/Charitable Work

You can also create your own list of life areas to consider.  Here are some steps to achieve a 10 by this week.
1.  Rate yourself from 1 (really needs work!) to 10 (couldn't get better!). 

2.  Of the areas that are less than a 10, pick one that you'll focus on this week and define what it means to be a 10 in that area.  For instance, if you want to go for a 10 in your Physical Home Environment, your space would be functional, free of clutter and in alignment with your goals.

3.  Next, write your current dissatisfaction about the area and brainstorm some ways to make it a 10. 

4.  Finally, schedule the steps you'll take this week to make it a 10!

Some additional advice...
Be sure to keep working on whatever area you select for the entire week. 
Pick something that is manageable enough to become a 10 by the end of the week.

Wish everyone success with this..myself included!  : )

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Tuesday's Tip - Time to Review

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/meditation/MM00623
Instructions:  All right, before you read today's tip, take 3 deep breaths or do the meditation posted above.  Hopefully, you're now able to focus for the entry beloew.

Often times, the start of a new month is a good time for to review our day, our week, our life, our habits.  Are we still on track with out goals?  Is our life moving in the direction which we'd like it to move in?  Below are some additional ideas to help with this self-review:

Yesterday - What did you do yesterday that you wish to continue or to stop?

The past week - Did you work on your major goals during the week?  Can you even recall the past week?

2010 - Do you have any goals that you wish to accomplish for 2010? Are there some goals that you're finding it difficult to accomplish?  What resources (information/people) can help you with reaching your goal?
This link http://www.blissciplineaim.com/members/MPC.html has an assessment which can be found on Day 1 of their "30-Day Journey to a Life You Love."


Previous blog entries - Is there a past posting that you'd like to work on?  As for myself, I want to try some of the stretching ideas from a previous post.  Have you had a chance to work on your dream goal?  Have you done an inventory of your good and bad habits?

Are you moving your life in the direction that you'd wish it to go in or are you finding it difficult to even think about setting goals?  Are you reviewing your financial goals?

Hmm, after all of those questions, I think now is a good time for us to review that meditation exercise.  : )  So here it is once more...
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/meditation/MM00623