June 2004 Newsletter

Analyzing Problems

-Do not wish to be anything but what you are and try to be that perfectly. –St. Francis De Sales

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June 2004

Welcome to Encouraging Words monthly newsletter. You have subscribed because you want encouragement to create a saner, more serene life. Please pass it along to friends you think would like it.

I have been amazed at all the people that have signed up for the New Habit E-course. I hope you have been helped. If you got off track, just start again. And commit to 30 days. You can do it! And we will beginning a new session July 1.

I have been enjoying the summer already. The kids got out of school last Wednesday. We've been to the beach 4 times, rode bikes, played at the park, found frogs and turtles, and laid out in the hammock. All these evening fun has led to me having to be more productive during the day and keeping myself on track with what I need to do. It's amazing how much time for fun you have if you just do a few tweaks in your planning!

Getting Things Done: June 15! Join us for hourly challenges.

"When a problem comes along, study it until you are completely knowledgeable. Then find that weak spot, break the problem apart, and the rest will be easy." -Norman Vincent Peale

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Analyzing Problems

How many times during a day do you say, "Not again, this always happens."? You can't find your keys, you are late for work, the water overflowed, or you are out of toothpaste.

If a problem continuously happens, it's probably time to do something about it don't you think? Complaining about the same thing over and over, but not fixing the problem doesn't help.

Most of the time we put up with problems even though they consistently irritate us. Why? Because we don't take the time to stop, think things through and come up with a solution.

1. Name Your Problem

What problem keeps coming up for you?

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2. Look at your current procedure

Are you late because you go to bed late, wake up late, and then do too many things right before leaving?

Do you lose keys because you don't have a specific place for them or a habit to put them there so you throw them wherever you end up first?

Do you run out of things regularly because you don't have an errand day or a shopping list put up?

3. Is there any way to tweak your procedure?

Can you research online how to get your kids to listen better?

Can you create a habit to help you remember nice things about your hubby instead of criticisms?

Can you make a routine to back up your computer every Friday so you don't lose files?

4. Try out your new procedure for 2 weeks-a month

What's working? What isn't? Is there any more research your need to do? Is there anyone to ask about this problem?

5. Keep tweaking until the problem is solved to your satisfaction

Too many people give up after one try at something, figuring nothing will work and they will have to keep putting up with this problem. Keep at it.

 

Action Plan

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Keep a pad of paper with you this week. Notice problems that keep coming up over and over. Wouldn't it be nice to get them solved?

Make your problem solving plan.

Problem:

Current Procedure:

Research/Ideas/Brainstorm:

 

New Procedure:

 

What is working?

 

What isn't working?

 

New tweaks:

 

Problem Solved

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Sponsor

Write Your Way to a Life You Love: Personal Time Management from the Inside Out

 

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Self-Care Tips for June:

·         Don't complain for 24 hours

·         Lie out in a hammock or lawn chair with a book one cool evening

·         Get a cool pair of sunglasses

·         Make the most out of every moment

"Don't find fault. Find a remedy." -Henry Ford

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Relationship Ideas for June:

·         Picnic under a tree with your love

·         Send a Father's Day card to a Dad

·         Gather some shells with some kids at the beach

·         Do a clothes swap with a bunch of friends

"Do not think of your faults; still less of others' faults. Look for what is good and strong and try to imitate it. Your faults will drop off like dead leaves when their time comes." -John Ruskin