Relearning How To Play

Living two blocks away from an elementary school, I see kids every morning. Wearing their new tennis shoes and backpacks they set out for the day. Some run while others trudge along at a snails pace. I remember my early school days. I can still see the hallway to my classroom and the smell of the cafeteria already preparing for the lunch bell just a few hours away. I remember my favorite lesson that would play a big part in my education. Recess!! Running out to play as hard as I can for a few minutes without any thought of my next lesson.

Much research has proven many times over the importance of short recreational breaks in the development of a child's education and well being. The same has been shown in adults. All work and no play makes Jack and Jill lethargic and less productive. A short recess from work whether at home or office gets the blood flowing which is especially important if you're sitting behind a desk or computer all day. Corporations worldwide are catching on because these "time outs" actually increase creativity in there employees. Many have there own gyms or offer paid memberships to one.


"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."  - George Bernard Shaw


 We must learn how to play again. It doesn't matter what it is. For fifteen minutes just play. Go for a brisk walk around the block or whatever exercise you can comfortably and safely do. Used home exercisers are fairly inexpensive. Maybe you live close to a park. Call a friend and have them "play" along with you. However you decide just play with the total abandonment and glee of a child.

 Thank you for visiting my playground. If you enjoyed this post please share it with your friends - I'm trying to get together a kick-ball team.

4 Advantages of Having a Mentor

Years ago I hit a wall.  I couldn’t see it but I knew it was there. I felt like a hamster in a wheel. I was stagnant.  Going nowhere.  I had pushed myself as far as I could go on my own. I was afraid in 30 years I would still be the same.  If you're like me admitting this goes against the grain of being a self made man. But I was desperate and swallowed my pride. I sought after someone who had been in my shoes. Who had been in my situation and broken through this invisible wall. I needed a mentor.

 

Asking for help was difficult for me but it was the best decision I ever made.  In fact as of right now I have 3 mentors. One each for a particular area in my life. I'm not talking about "life coaching".  That always seemed a little vague to me.  I didn’t need Dr. Phil or Oprah.  I needed mentors that specifically have had great success in their field. My goals matched to their achievements.  Since that day my whole life changed and a great burden has been lifted. I can never explain to you the tremendous benefits of having a mentor. No one is a self-made success. It's simply impossible.  Let me show you why.

On the left is the learning curve of you with a mentor.  Imagine your path is clearly lit. The thickets have been cleared.  Stepping stones are laid in front of you.  You can see your destination. On the right is you without a mentor. There is no clear path. You have to fight the brambles alone. You're unsure of your steps.  It's impossible to see your destination. You are blind and will continue to make mistakes over and over. Having a mentor is the ultimate life hack...free experience.  Here are just 4 advantages.

     1.  He Knows Where You Are. After all he's been there. It's impossible for you to see yourself objectively. Your mentor does. He measures your progress and makes adjustments along the way. He won't coddle you or blow smoke up your ass. If you need pampering call your mother.

     2.   He can see undiscovered strengths as well as weaknesses. He will help you replace old bad habits with good ones. Your mentor can show you a different perspective in how you think. He will instill in you greater confidence and self-esteem.

         

     3.  Your mentor is a great source of encouragement. You will make mistakes along the way and may feel awkward at times.  He sees your struggles. It's perfectly normal in your growth process. He will reassure you and get you back on track.

     4.  Your mentor has clout and connections. (My favorite)  He can open doors for you that otherwise would never open on your own.  He can introduce you to colleagues in his circle of influence. After all luck is simply when your preparation meets an opportunity.  This alone gives you a much greater advantage over your peers.

I'm sure there are many more but these four had the greatest impact in my life.  Hopefully by now you're at least a little curious and wonder what your next step may be. The important thing is to define your goals. What skills do you have that might need sharpening to achieve them?  Is there someone you admire and respect who is successful in the same area? If you do then you're off to a good start. Your mentor need not be a one on one relationship. Social media and the internet give you a tremendous advantage over someone 30 years ago. Use it.

I want you to burn that infograph into your mind. A week or a month from now will you be the one on the left or on the right?  I hope you choose wisely.

    

    

 

 

 

The Myth of Multitasking

 We see "them" everyday. Usually at the office. We stand aghast marveling at their aptitude and productivity. They can leap over 5 projects in a single bound with coffee in one hand, a tablet in the other, and a muffin in their mouth. They have it all together. So proficient. So productive. We try to be like them. We view multitasking as a badge of honor. Unfortunately it is an illusion. They appear to be multitasking but realistically it's just not possible. The word itself was originally coined for computers not humans. Yet somehow it secretly integrated itself into the business community and our lives. We gladly received it and embraced it much like a Trojan horse.  We all know how that story ended.


 Let's assume you have 5 tasks at hand. Can you focus on all 5 at once? Obviously not. Even if it were possible would you devote 20% of your focus to each one? Probably not. Our brain can only truly focus on one. When you attempt to multitask it usually doubles not only the time to accomplish it but the number of mistakes. And these mistakes you can't simply dismiss. More time is now required and more often than not more money.


The research is almost unanimous that people who chronically multitask show a huge range of deficits. And trying to do many things at once causes the brain to lose the capacity to focused thinking all together. It can even be dangerous such as texting or driving while on your cell phone. Even eating while driving. In some states all of these are illegal. Health factors come into play also. Multitasking causes stress. And who needs more of that? We can lose our concentration, attention, and memory. So what can we do?

 Now what is really happening in your brain is "multi switching". During the day we may be interrupted while performing one task and we must change our focus on to another. That is expected but in itself is difficult to do. It takes your brain a little time to readjust. Much like changing a camera lens for instance. We take one lens out and snap in another. Do we automatically start shooting right away? Of course not. We have to refocus. Your brain may need a few minutes to readjust but that’s much better than just blindly jumping on your next task right away. By focusing on that one project you will be much more productive than your "multitasking" co-workers.


 Here's some things you might do to help you focus totally on the task at hand. Get to work a little earlier and prioritize your work for the day. De-clutter your desk as well as your mind. Remove as many distractions as possible. If you're on a computer shut down unnecessary windows. Forget email, Twitter, Facebook or any other social media that would distract you. Interruptions may come but try to eliminate any you have control over.


 Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope it at least encourages you to make some tweaks into your work habits. After clicking like please click share. Most likely you have friends that may benefit from this post. Thanks again and I look forward to your comments.