95 out of 100 people never take advantage of shortcuts learned by others' experience

So many of us continue to do things the hard way. often, this is because we don't know that the information we need is available, or where to get it quickly and effectively. Many of us have not learned how to take advantage of the advances in the technology that place an increasing amount of information and know-how at our fingertips. Because we don't take advantage of the shortcuts that are available, we wind up wasting a lot of time and effort. Make it a habit to spend time each week discovering new sources of information that will maximize your effectiveness.

There is always a better way to do anything

If we find out at least one way to improve our jobs every week, that's 52 improvements every year. To see this happen requires constantly analyzing what we are doing and looking for ways to improve. The payoff, however, is when we discover that we have formed a habit of self improvement. At this point, it''s easy to keep things moving upward.

The more you do of what you're doing, the more you'll get of what you're getting.

Many people fantasize about a time when everything will work out great for them, like winning a sweepstakes. but it's more often our habits that determine our futures, not fate. Too many people say they'd change, if only something else would happen first. But that's backward. If you want something different in your life, you'll have to change in some way now. Once you change, then new opportunities open up for you. But if you don't change, then your future will look very much the same as your past!

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.

Results usually depend more on what you do than on what you know. It is not enough to know; you must also act. Knowledge without action is impotent. Good results require more than just good intentions. Someone said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. What you need is the habit of digging in and doing. Instead of saying "Why doesn't someone do something about that?" just go ahead and do something about it yourself.

Organizing is what you do before you do something else so that when you do it, it won't be all messed up

Getting organized is like having a game plan. Any coach can tell you that your chances of winning are better if you have such a plan. Organizing the details of your life is what creates your game plan. Organizing make you productive.

To get better organized, asked youself...
"What do we want to accomplish?"
"What needs to be done?"
"When shoud it be done?"
"How should it be done?"
"Who should do it?"
"How long will it take to do it?"
"When should it be started?"

We have met the enermy, and they is us

Too often our personal order for the day is a quick fix consisting of some gimmick that requires no change or commitment on our part. We want something easy to use and guaranteed to work. Something that will solve all of our problems - a panacea; but there is none. We find ourselves blaming others for our shortcomings, when the real culprit is ourselves. All improvement requires hard work, yet most of us aren't very fond of that kind of work. We prefer taking the easy way out. It's our habits that lie at the heart of the issue.

Minutes are precious and once gone they are gone forever. According to Benjamin Franklin, in business, time is money. We have learned an infinite number of ways to measure time, but we cannot stop its inexorable march onward. Neither can we go backwards to recover it. The simple secret to living a life of fulfillment is to grab hold of and cherish the moments you have in front of you, beginning this very second.

Six Things That Time Is:

1. Perishable
2. Expensive
3. Measurable
4. Continuous
5. Irreversible
6. Irreplaceable

Successful people form the habit of doing what failures don't like to do

Call it willpower, discipline, determination or anything else you like, successful people are different. They will do things they don't necessarily like to do in order to get the results they want. Failures, though, will accept whatever results are possible by doing only what they like to do. Successful people are motivated by pleasing results, while failures are motivated by pleasing methods. All of us have to choose real success for ourselves.

Most people are more concerned with doing things right than with doing the right things

Normally people assume that the key to greater productivity is to do whatever we are doing more efficiently, that is do it faster and cheaper. Peter Drucker says that's actually backwards. First, we need to ask, "What are the right things to do, what actions are necessary to reach the goal?" Then ask, "What are the right ways to do them?"

The secret is to focus on doing the right things right!

More people get bitten by mosquitoes than elephants

Most of us don't forget the big issues of our work, it's the little things that tend to slip through the cracks. Yet, overlooking these little things can be as disastrous as forgetting the bigger issues. Little things left undone, or not done at the right time, can jeopardize an entire project.

Sometimes, a small note is better than memory.

If I had eight hours to cut down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe

Smart woodcutters don't keep chopping away at the trees all day long. They take time to sharpen their axe. With a sharp tool you can get more work done in less time with less effort.

A Positive Attitude Will Always Make Things Work Out Better

Do you think that time works againts you? There aren't enough hours in a day and it is running out and you won't make it? Instead, say to yourself that you have enough time. Time can be on your side and you will make it. Good time management begins with a positive attitude - - believing that you can manage it well.

Ask yourself often: Will what I am doing right now help me to achieve my goals?

Whatever you do will either help or hurt your efforts to accomplish your goals. Time is precious, once your time is spent, it can't be recovered.
Ask yourself: Is the activity you are doing right now move a step forward to your goals? If the answer is 'NO', then you must switch to something that will contribute to your goals. Ask this question often, you'll achieve greater accomplishments than at any other time in your life through a renewed sense of purpose.

The Only Problem With This Job Is People

If you work in an office, you probably have people dropping in on you all day long. Some are worthwhile visits, but many are probably a waste of time. In anticipating your daily schedule, be sure to allow enough of time for those interruotions and other unscheduled events. Most of us need to allow at least 25% of the day for these interruotions. If you allow for them in your day, you will be less frustrated when they do occur. Also, allow for some quiet time when you make youself unavailable for an hour or so. Use this quiet time to work on the important jobs that require concentration.