Calahan Solutions Media Room

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Contact: Stephanie L. H. Calahan
A: 8 Shoreline Court, Suite 100, Bloomington IL 61704
T: 309.825.7833 (days & evenings)
F: 309.422.7665
E: media@calahansolutions.com
W: www.CalahanSolutions.com
Image: Download slhc_140_140.png

 

AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD - SPECIAL REPORT: PRIORITY SETTING--WORKING ON THE RIGHT THINGS
42 International Professionals Share Their Favorite Tips and Strategies for Making Sure You Are on the Right Track

 

BLOOMINGTON IL -- August 23, 2009 - Productivity Fact:  You can be busy all day and still have gotten nothing done.  As a recovering work-a-holic, Productivity Specialist, Stephanie LH Calahan knows this productivity fact both personally and professionally.  “We know that the 80/20 rule applies in most life situations.  So, let’s look at how that applies to your time.  Consider this, if you have a to-do list with twenty items on it, then four of those tasks will be worth more than the other sixteen combined.”

 

As best selling author Brian Tracy explains, “This means that each of those tasks will be worth at least 5 times more, or will give you a 500 percent return on time invested over doing any of the other tasks on your list, which are of low or no value.” 

 

Today it is more important than ever to make sure that the things we choose to spend our time on are the right things.  Well known author and leaderhship expert, Peter Drucker, encourages us to understand that it is important to decide “what” is to be done first.  Only after that decision is made should we figure out the “how” and “when”.

 

“Efficiency is doing things right, but effectiveness is doing the right things." ~Peter Drucker~

 

Prioritizing tasks is a never-ending struggle for most busy executives and professionals.  Recently, Calahan has recovered from major illness and these facts on prioritizing time ring true to her now more than ever.  As a result, she coordinated with 42 international experts from around the globe to produce a guide that will help readers figure out how to focus on the right things in their lives.

 

PRODUCTIVE & ORGANIZED–-FINDING YOUR WAY SPECIAL REPORT:
Priority Setting–Working on the Right Things

 

Here is a short sampling of 5 tips from the report to help you set your priorities:

 

1 - Setting priorities is about differentiating between obligations and choices. 

When you thin your schedule of unwanted obligations, you are choosing to make room for the activities that are truly important to you and will create lasting memories and a fulfilled life. Your family and business will thank you for it.

 

Also, understand that the value in any activity is subjective.  YOU are the captain of your ship and must follow your own compass.  At different times in your life you will need to focus your time and energy in different ways. 

2 - Make sure to consider your whole life when setting priorities.

Your life consists of Seven Vital Areas:
• Health • Family • Financial • Intellectual 

• Social  • Spiritual    • Professional

You will not spend equal amounts of time in each area or time every day in each area.  But, if in the long run, you are spending a sufficient quantity and quality of time in each area, then your life will be balanced.

 

If you ignore any one of your areas, (never mind two or three!) you will get out of balance and potentially sabotage your success.  Fail to take time now for your health and you will have to take time for illness later on.  Ignore your family and they may leave you.

 

3 - Ask the tough questions.
Organizer and Coach, Kathy Paauw suggests that you ask, "Why am I doing what I'm doing right now?"  

 

This question helps you think about where you are focused and reminds you that when you say yes to someone or something, you are saying no to someone or something else. “There's no room for ‘should’ here. Either choose to say yes or say no -- don't play the victim by saying yes when you don't choose to.”

 

4 - Focus on the Money.
Time and Productivity Coach Paul Burton asks his clients to ask “What is the most (and possibly second most) important objective you have in your work? Is it revenue production, maximizing process flows, client acquisition, etc.?” Once you've defined your primary reason for being at work, you can begin to set your priorities accordingly.

 

5 - Be Objective about New Opportunities.

Business Strategist, Joy Duling, suggests that you should stop and consider each new opportunity.  “Every single time a new idea arises, be sure to assess whether the project really fits with your big picture.”  This evaluation process is much easier to complete if your objectives are in writing.

 

Duling goes on to say, “If there’s not a good fit, don’t be afraid of letting the opportunity pass. Keep in mind that trying to do it all leaves you spread too thin to do anything well. Re-center yourself with your big picture vision.”

 

It's easy to get lost in the multitude of tasks that cascade down on us each day. Using a high-level filter--your primary professional objective(s)--gives you a terrific way to identify those things that are truly significant from those things that are "wish list" items.

 

In today’s fast paced, information rich, do it now, society this becomes even more important.  According to Basex's latest research , information overload costs the U.S. economy a minimum of $900 billion per year in lowered employee productivity and reduced innovation. 

 

If you liked the tips that you read here and would like others, download the free special report: Priority Setting – Working on the Right Things. You can get the free report here: http://www.bit.ly/PrioritySetting

 

“Every day, I talk to clients and prospects that are stressed and time-drained,” stated Calahan. “When you consider your system for setting priorities, you must focus on doing the right things, rather than simply doing things right.” 

- END -

For more information:
Contact: Stephanie L. H. Calahan
T: 309.825.7833 (day/evening)  309.826.5263 (alternate)
F: 309.422.7665
A:  8 Shoreline Court, Bloomington IL 61704
E: media@calahansolutions.com
W: www.calahansolutions.com
Media Room: www.CalahanSolutions.net
Bio: www.StephanieCalahan.com

Fall 2009 - Stephanie is quoted in "Got Clutter? Even your chronically cluttered spaces can become clean and organized" by Dana Mancuso of American Concierge Magazine (Illinois USA) Download or Open PDF of Article

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Contact: Stephanie L. H. Calahan
A: 8 Shoreline Court, Suite 100, Bloomington IL 61704
T: 309.825.7833 (days & evenings)
F: 309.422.7665
E: media@calahansolutions.com
W: www.CalahanSolutions.com
Image: Download slhc_140_140.png

 

Time Management 101: Back to School Tips & Tricks for the Busy Parent

8 Tips to Eliminate School Time Stress

BLOOMINGTON IL -- August 3, 2009 - As the carefree days of summer are coming to a close, it’s time to start thinking about sending the kids back to school. While some parents are jumping for joy, others view this time of year as hectic and stressful. Many a busy parent can tell you how fighting to stay organized and up-to-date with the wide array of activities, appointments, meetings, and special events is a very strenuous task.

Now is the time to pave the way to a good school year by setting up an organized routine and house.  Stephanie LH Calahan of Calahan Solutions, Inc. shares her favorite tips.

1. Check your dates

By now, most schools have mailed out their annual calendars (or have them posted on the web.)  Take 5-10 minutes to review the school schedule and add all of the activities/events onto your calendar now.  This way, as the year progresses, you won’t accidentally double book your schedule. 

2. Take time to make time

If your family like planning the traditional paper-planner way, dedicate a certain time at the start or end of your week to make family plans and go over your schedule for the upcoming week. 

If your family is tech savvy and likes to stay updated on the go, consider these planning options:

· Send an Outlook Calendar Invite: In our household, I go through the schedule and send Outlook meeting invites to my husband.  This way, we both have the information on our calendars/phones.  If your child needs immunizations or a physical completed don’t forget to jot down the scheduled appointment.

· Remember the Milk (http://www.rememberthemilk.com/)  While it was originally created to manage grocery shopping lists (thus the name) the company has expanded its capabilities to help you stay on top of all of your to-do lists.

· Spring Pad (http://www.springpadit.com/) If you need an online spot to store your planning and organizing thoughts, this could be a good option for you.  They have many pre-designed forms, or you can create your own.

3. Are your child’s medical/dental records up-to-date?

Many states update their immunization requirements for school age children at this time of year.  In addition, many states have dental check-up requirements for certain grades.  Check your local Department of Health or your school’s nurse for requirements and make sure to get your child’s appointments completed and documentation updated. 

4. Start adjusting those bed-time and wake-up time routines now

Many families will loosen the bed-time and wake-up time schedules over the summer.  Now is a good time to start easing your child back into a school schedule by having them go to bed a few minutes earlier and wake up a few minutes earlier each day/week.

5. How will your child get to school each day?

If your child needs to take the bus to school, then review the school’s bus schedule to make sure that nothing has changed from the previous year. 

6. Make mornings less hectic - ensure each child has personal tasks

The key a smooth running home in the morning is to have everyone in the household involved in the daily tasks. Encourage independence. Let them help in what ever age-appropriate tasks they can. The more kids are involved in the household, the less strain there is on you, the parents.

The list should include all of the activities that need to be accomplished in order to be ready for a great day at school. The list helps you provide structure with out having to nag your child. Feel free to customize each child’s list by adding or deleting tasks as appropriate.

• Empty backpack – Each child should empty their own backpack into a simple system. Don’t overwhelm your kindergartener with an elaborate filing system. Consider using a plastic vertical file that hangs on a wall next to your backpack storage. Designate a specific spot for each child as well as an “ASAP” spot. The “ASAP” spot is for any paperwork or homework that would require immediate attention (notes from the teacher, items for the parents to sign, permission slips, etc.) This provides you some guarantee that notes and papers get to you in a timely manner. Parents remember to review the files daily!
• Put backpack away – There should be a designated spot in your home for backpacks. This could be a hallway bench, hooks in a garage, shelves in a laundry room or any location close to where the children will be exiting the house. By placing the backpack near the door before bedtime, you eliminate the mad rush backpack search in the morning.
• Do homework & put in backpack – This may seem obvious, but often, kids notify their parents about assignments as they are being tucked in for bed. By including it on the assignment chart, it is harder to overlook. Each child should have a designated study time. It does not matter if you are an adolescent or an adult, you benefit from a routine.
• Make lunch – Even if your child is too young to make his/her lunch by themselves, they should be able to help pack fruit, beverage, dessert or chips. By making lunches the previous evening you will have one less thing to do on the morning.
• Choose clothes – Teach your child to listen to the weather forecast for the next day so that they can pick out appropriate clothing. Make a rule that they must stick with their clothing choice the next morning – no stalling because they did not feel like wearing what they chose the night before.
• Pack for extracurricular activities – This might include sports equipment, band instruments, or field trip extras.

Remember children need to make as many decisions as  possible. Avoid power struggles by letting them make small decisions. Encourage independence. The more kids are involved in the household, the less strain there is on the parents.

7. Have a designated study area

After establishing the morning and evening routines, make sure that your kids have an area set aside to study. Just where and when a child should do their homework depends on the child, but again, it should be a part of the routine. Make sure that each child has a designated study area – not at the kitchen table or the computer desk (when possible). Ensure that they can spread out their materials and preferably it should be away from the T.V. and radio. While some students work well at a kitchen table around noise, most require quiet, low-traffic areas to study. You may need to try a few different areas before you find the one that works best for your child.

8. Supply the study area with all of the resources needed

Make sure that the study area has a dictionary, thesaurus, pencils, erasers, paper, assignment book, glue, stapler, rulers,  calculator, pencil sharpener, tape, scissors, index cards and whatever else he/she needs that is age appropriate. Also make sure that there is adequate lighting for proper concentration.

As you are setting up the area, remember color. Color affects our mood and memory. Let your child pick out the colors for their folders and notebooks. If blue reminds them of science, they will be able to pick out the blue folder right away for their notes.

The time for school is quickly approaching. Getting good habits in place now will be a great start to getting the school year off to a great start.

Once you have put these items in place you should find that your days run more smoothly and everyone gets out the door on a positive note.

 

- END -

For more information:
Contact: Stephanie L. H. Calahan
T: 309.825.7833 (day/evening)  309.826.5263 (alternate)
F: 309.422.7665
A:  8 Shoreline Court, Bloomington IL 61704
E: media@calahansolutions.com
W: www.calahansolutions.com
Media Room: www.CalahanSolutions.net
Bio: www.StephanieCalahan.com