The Time Finder with Paula Eder

Find Time to Recharge Your Creativity

Paula — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:07:17 +0000

I received a wonderful question from a reader of The Time Finder last week, and I’ve been looking forward to answering it here ever since!

Mutuo Mbilla is an article writer, and she asked about the following quandary — one that confronts many of us in our writing work:

Paula,

Thanks for your great tips on time finding. I have a question for you, which I struggle with almost every week. I am a writer, and as a writer, I need creative energy. I have noticed though, that after putting lots of creative energy in, I am drained and on some days, just can’t work myself into putting down a single creative line. Sometimes this can happen for two days in a row. Is this bad? Of course it means I don’t get to achieve all my goals, but I am not sure whether its good or bad, and if I should stop it, how I should go about it.

Regards,

Mutuo Mbilla

The first piece of advice that I have for you, Mutuo, is to try to not think about these things as either good or bad. It’s normal to feel drained after spending a lot of creative energy. The key is not to be critical of yourself, but to find solutions — because that kind of self-judgment will just slow you down and also eat up even more of your energy!

Second, I would suggest that you build into your writing schedule a number of regular, small breaks. Step away from your desk and do something to relax your mind and also let your body and your energy move.

Using a timer may be very helpful for you in giving yourself breaks. Especially when one gets on a creative “roll” it can be tempting to keep going – ignoring breaks as you try to ride the creative wave. This is often the beginning of the path to the kind of exhaustion that you describe. So try to discipline yourself to take your scheduled, small breaks no matter what. This will sustain you for the long haul!

You mentioned your goals in your question. My third piece of advice is to take a look at your goals and see whether they are truly realistic. Are there ways that you could make them more flexible for yourself, so that you can take into account your energy levels? It’s okay to back off from time to time. Small chances to refresh yourself will enhance your creative energy over the long term.

I hope you find this helpful, and would love to hear how it goes for you. Have you tried any of these ideas already? Maybe it’s time to take another look at them. Best of luck to you in your creative endeavors, Mutuo!

Other Time Finder readers … do you have suggestions for Mutuo … we’d love to hear!

What if you could find another hour every day? You can! You are invited to sign up for your FREE Finding Time Success Kit. It puts 3 key tools for your time success right into your hands! Grab it and see how you can recharge your energy, reduce overwhelm and frustration, and come to learn that 24 hours really ARE enough!

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time to Deal With All the Paper!

Paula — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:21:31 +0000

Finding time to deal with clutter is a challenge we all face … and for many, paper is right at the top of the list! As someone who accumulates paper, I keep coming back to that question – “How Do I Deal with All the Paper?”

Here are 3 tips that I have found very helpful, as I work to let go of the paper that can sometimes build up and clutter my workspace.

I’m a big recycler, and I’ve learned that recycling can be a very helpful intermediate stage in letting go, for me. I put paper that I’m finished with it my recycling box by my desk. There it usually sits for a couple of weeks, until the box is full enough to dispose of. If I haven’t needed one of the pieces of paper that’s in my box in those two weeks, I feel much more comfortable letting go. And if I do need it, in the interim, I know right where to find it!
A second step that I am considering as an aid to letting go is the idea of scanning certain key documents. Being able to categorize and store things on my computer is new to me, and I’m exploring it with some trepidation! I can see the potential, though. The key here is to make sure that you’ve got a really good backup system. You certainly don’t want to throw out any key documents unless you’re sure that you’ve got them saved and secure and well backed up.
A third tip that has been helpful for me in letting go has been to remember that even small accomplishments “count.” I try to get rid of a few pieces of paper a day and validate my choices each and every time I let go! This slow, steady progress builds on itself. I am gratified by the results, and am gradually creating new habits for myself!

Is letting go of paper a challenge for you? Are there systems that you have in place to help you with it? Any tips you’d like to share? I know that I, for one, would love to hear!

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time to Move Your Body No Matter What!

Paula — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:19:56 +0000

Find time for a little exercise every day – it’s really important, and it’s been my mantra for quite some time now!

You may think it’s a tall order, but note that I said “a little exercise”! That’s because it’s much more important to do something, and do it frequently – then to exercise strenuously and well, but only every once in a while. Not only is that less helpful for your fitness over the long haul, but it also sets you up for possible injury.

But how do you find time to work exercise into your busiest days? And what if you’re sick, or over-tired,or away from home, or just don’t feel like it? It can certainly be a challenge, I know. But for starters, making movement a priority AND being mindful of even your smallest choices can really, really help!

For example:

What if you park at the far end, rather than the near side of the parking lot?
What if you walked back upstairs when you forget your glasses, rather than asking your partner to bring them down to you?
How about walking to the grocery store for the half gallon of milk, rather than hopping into the car?

A lot of the efficiencies that we undertake in our lives are geared towards saving us steps. I’m suggesting that you flip that over for yourself, especially when you don’t have time to go to a gym or do some other form of planned exercise.

Instead of saving yourself some steps, try adding a few. This will get your energy moving, and I guarantee you’ll find it refreshing.

Time choices like these can have the added advantage of diminishing your carbon footprint (less time in the car), modeling helpful behaviors for others in your life, and gaining you some quiet time (those walks to the store) to boot. Even very small increments of time spent exercising present you with lots of bonuses, as you can see!

Of course it’s great to get out for a longer walk or run or bike ride — or to join the Pilates class, or practice yoga, you name it! These things are wonderful and I heartily encourage them.

BUT … even on a day when your schedule is “too full” or you don’t feel quite up to it, you can still work some movement into your moments. Try it! And let me know how it goes – I’d love to hear!

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time to Pen Punchy Headlines and Energize Your Copy on Cyber Monday

Paula — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:40:29 +0000

Finding time to write eye-grabbing and traffic-catching headlines is easier when you can test your ideas, don’t you think?

For some time now at The Time Finder we have been using a nifty tool that allows you to enter a blog post or article title for analysis and feedback. It’s called the Emotional Marketing Value Headline Analyzer.

It’s free and simple to use. You just enter your headline in the box, click “Submit for Analysis” and voila! You’ll next be presented with a score and some additional information about the predominant emotions/qualities in your readers which will be affected by your headline.

In terms of the scores to strive for, they offer, as a guide, the following:

And for comparison, most professional copywriters’ headlines will have 30%-40% EMV Words in their headlines, while the most gifted copywriters will have 50%-75% EMV words in headlines.

A perfect score would be 100%, but that is rare unless your headline is less than five words.

My first headline for this post was “Find Time for Amazing Headlines and Crisp E-mails on Cyber Monday!” and is scored 18.18% in the Headline Analyzer.

Thinking that shorter might be better, I next tried this one: “Find Time for Amazing Headlines on Cyber Monday!” That gave me a score of 25.0% – but I’m aiming higher.

With my third try I wrote: “Find Time to Pen Punchy Headlines on Cyber Monday!” This one netted me a score of 44.44% with the predominant impact being in the “Intellectual” sphere according to their measures. I know I’m on the right track now!

“Pen Punchy Headlines on Cyber Monday!” got me a score of 50.0% – the highest of the day. But I am generally inclined to sacrifice some percentage points in favor of retaining my “Find Time” tags, so I tried this one – the ultimate winner: “Find Time to Pen Punchy Headlines and Energize Your Copy on Cyber Monday” coming in at 46.15%.

What do you think? Can you see the progression and improvement as I bounced my ideas off of this tool? It’s very easy to use and I heartily recommend that you give it a try. It certainly helps me loosen up my thinking and encourages creativity and exploration – all using a very quick, easy, time-saving tool!

Do you have other tools that you use in your writing practice? Any that you’d like to share with other Time Finder readers? We’d love to hear!

Let’s explore time together …

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have no material connection with the brands, topics, or products that are mentioned here, and have not received any compensation for writing this content.

Find Time to Deal with Your Paper-Just Ask Paula (or Maggie)!

Paula — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:21:40 +0000

Finding time for dialogue with members of the Finding Time community is one of my favorite things, and last night’s call with Certified Life Coach Maggie McCauley was a great example. Were you there? Maggie shared a boatload of ideas and information about moving “From Chaos to Peace—Creating an Inspired Workspace.” If you couldn’t make it, but had signed up for the call, we’ll be sending you your (free) MP3 of this very special HeartBased and EducationRich teleseminar as soon as it’s available!

We got some great questions on the call, and Maggie also gave listeners the opportunity to contact her via her website – A New View for You – if they have additional, follow-up questions.

I love highlighting readers’ questions here, most Thursday’s, and today I’d like to enlarge on one of the perennial questions about clutter that came up last night … what do we do with all the paper?

Not surprisingly, Maggie had some excellent ideas and tips about how to handle paper, but first, here is a general principle that Maggie shared – one that will help with all of your organizing tasks.

In her work Maggie emphasizes the importance of bringing energy that is open and accepting to our organizing tasks. It’s in an atmosphere of openness (be it embodied in our living and working spaces or in our inner spaces) that our creativity, productivity, AND our prosperity can best flourish!

So, it’s important to NOT bring critical, constricting energy to any of your organizing tasks. The key is not to fall into the trap of trying to develop systems that are “right.” Rather, look to find and implement the ones that work for you. This is a very important and freeing shift in what can often be a shame-laden process for people. Maggie even encourages us to take the further step of coming to see our organizing tasks as gifts! They are ongoing opportunities to create an environment that works for us.

So back to the paper! Here are three quick tips that Maggie shared, just to get you thinking …

Paper is not the enemy! Relax and open … this will free up your creativity as you approach your paper piles!
Did you know that 80% of what we file away, we never look at again? This amazed me, and has me contemplating my files in a whole new way.
Rather than printing out online items that you want to read “someday” try creating a document file on your computer with links and brief descriptions. You’ll still have access, but won’t be adding to your piles.

Have you developed systems for dealing with paper that work for you? Great! How about sharing them with others here … we’d love to hear!

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time for Spring Cleaning!

Paula — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:20:37 +0000

Finding time for spring cleaning is one of my favorite annual rituals … and we are heading into that time of year once again – at least here in the Northern Hemisphere. Yesterday was one of those days when it felt like winter might actually be drawing to a close. Can’t you feel it?

I like to think of spring cleaning as a ritual and a transition point that marks a fresh, new beginning. It’s a time of letting go of the old (those heavy coats and boots) and preparing for what is to come (budding flowers, birdsongs, fresh produce from local gardens). Mindfully undertaken, spring cleaning is, at its root, a celebration … whatever specific tasks it may entail.

Practically speaking, spring-cleaning-time has the added benefit of being a great opportunity to de-clutter your living and working spaces. As you throw open the windows to welcome a new season, consider asking yourself what you can let go of and what changes you can make so that your life flows more smoothly. Every small change that you make to de-clutter and simplify means that you will have more of your time and your energy available for the important things!

The especially good news today is that I’ve got a teleclass coming up tonight that will help you jump start this process! Please join me in my Finding Time EducationRich & HeartBased Interview Teleseries as I interview Certified Life Coach and Professional Organizer Maggie McCauley, LICSW about moving yourself “From Chaos to Peace—Creating an Inspired Workspace.”

Maggie is a gifted and inspiring teacher and coach. She’ll let you in on the secrets to stop letting chaos and clutter drain your time and energy, sap your creativity, and cost you money! Be sure to grab your free seat here: http://thetimefinder.com/Interview.html to join us!

When? Wednesday, March 3 at 7PM ET.
Where? From the comfort of your cozy home!

Imagine how you’ll fly once you’re unshackled from chaos and clutter. Picture what you’ll accomplish once you create the space for your inspiration to soar! Don’t forget to reserve your spot! http://thetimefinder.com/Interview.html

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time to Reclaim Your Energy by De-Cluttering!

Paula — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:34:41 +0000

Finding time to de-clutter, whether it’s your overflowing desk, your bursting files and closets, or your too-full in-box, is a surefire way to access more energy for yourself.

How does clutter affect your time and your energy? Well, from my own experience, I can attest to the fact that clutter slows me down, and definitely adds to my stress level. Here are a few energy and time-draining facets of clutter that spring to mind:

When your space is cluttered, you often have to take an extra moment or two (at the very least) to find what you’re looking for.
It’s hard to know where to start when you’re in a chaotic space – meaning more lost time and more stress.
It’s just harder to get around when there are piles of “stuff” to contend with.
When your space is cluttered it’s easier to lose things … and to worry about losing things.
There’s stress in not knowing exactly what is there. Is there something key that you are missing because it is at the bottom of a pile?

Do you resonate to this list? As you can see, the down-side of clutter is huge – and its effects are far-reaching. You may not be aware of the low-level stress that you live with, but rest assured that it hobbles your creative efforts and your productivity.

That’s why I am really hoping that you will join me in my Finding Time EducationRich & HeartBased Interview Teleseries tomorrow! I’ll be interviewing Certified Life Coach and Professional Organizer Maggie McCauley, LICSW about moving yourself “From Chaos to Peace—Creating an Inspired Workspace.”

Maggie will be talking about exactly this topic – and giving you the secrets to stop letting chaos and clutter drain your time and energy, sap your creativity, and cost you money!

When is it again? Tomorrow … Wednesday, March 3 at 7PM ET.

Where? From the comfort of your cozy home!

Be sure to grab your free seat here: http://thetimefinder.com/Interview.html to join us! Imagine how you’ll fly once you’re unshackled from chaos and clutter. Picture what you’ll accomplish once you create the space for your inspiration to soar!

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time for February’s Time Finder Favorites!

Paula — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:22:42 +0000

Finding time for Time Finder Favorites is one of the ways that I mark the beginning of a new month. This year, as March comes in like a lion, bringing snow and wind and wintry temperatures, it’s nice to be in my cozy office, reflecting on February and planning ahead for the new month. (And speaking of the new month, don’t forget to sign up for the next installment of my FREE Finding Time EducationRich & HeartBased Interview Teleseries … more information below!)

Time Finder readers were drawn to a pretty wide mix of posts, with the two top vote getters marking an interest in managing change and transition. They are Finding Time by Being Flexible-3 Timely Tips and Find Time for Agility and Nimbleness.

Not far behind was a post written in answer to a reader’s request for more information. It focuses on “the over-ambitions goal” and is titled Find Time to Give Your Dreams Some Landing Gear.

Fourth on our list was another post written in response to a reader’s question. It offers tips to help you use the lists that you create, and is titled Find Time to Remember to Use Your To Do List – Just Ask Paula.

Find Time to Cut Through Clutter and Chaos with Inspiring Insights came in a strong 5th among the Time Finder Favorites for February. This post offers all the information that you’ll need to join me for the next installment of my Finding Time EducationRich & HeartBased Interview Teleseries.

I’m thoroughly excited to be interviewing Certified Life Coach and Professional Organizer Maggie McCauley, LICSW about ways to move yourself “From Chaos to Peace—Creating an Inspired Workspace.” You can read all about it by visiting the post … or you can just go ahead and grab your free seat here!

When? Wednesday, March 3 at 7PM ET.

Where? From the comfort of your cozy home!

Imagine how you’ll fly once you’re unshackled from chaos and clutter. Picture what you’ll accomplish once you create the space for your inspiration to soar! Please feel invited to sign up here and join us at 7PM (ET) on Wednesday, March 3rd!

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time to Manage Change … Just Ask Paula!

Paula — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:15:20 +0000

Finding time for dialogue with members of the Finding Time community is one of my favorite things! We invite readers’ questions and comments – and I love highlighting them here, most Thursday’s. Read on – and please feel invited to join in!

Here’s a question about dealing with sudden change, from Theresa in Chicago:

Dear Paula,

I need your help for a sudden change that my family is confronted with! My partner must relocate to Atlanta within weeks to keep his sales manager position.

He is our main breadwinner, and his saying no isn’t an option in this economy. But I have no experience moving to a new location, and must ready my 2 school-aged children, as well!

My head is spinning, I’ve lost my appetite and I can’t think or sleep. But everyone is counting on me! Can you please advise me how to make it through this ordeal? I hope you can answer this right away.

Thanks so much.

Theresa

And here’s my response …

Hi Theresa

You certainly have a lot on your plate! Here are some ideas for you to consider, as you navigate this challenging time!

The first thing I would suggest is to stop and find a comfortable place to sit, perhaps in a favorite room. Close your eyes and become aware of your breathing. Make sure you are breathing deeply and from your belly.
Next, create an affirmation that you can take with you at all times. For example, “I’ll get through this one minute at a time,” or “Step by step will get me there.” Use this as a mantra and a guide. Also, don’t be shy about changing it as things evolve. You can adapt your tools to your needs at each stage!
Be creative about options, and flexible. Family members may be unsettled for a while. So it may help to relax your expectations a bit until new routines can be established.
Concretize everything in writing, including an ongoing list to record items as they come to you. That frees up your mind for other tasks. Focus on one thing at a time. Validate even the smallest successes. This is key!
Delegate tasks and ask for help. Engage your children in age-appropriate activities. That helps them develop understanding and ownership of the move.

I hope you find this helpful.

Best of luck to you … I’ll be thinking about you as your move unfolds!

Paula

What kinds of sudden changes have you had in your life? How did you cope? Do you have time questions you’d like me to explore here? Please drop me a line at paula@thetimefinder.com – I’d love to hear!

Oh, and don’t forget to join me on Wednesday, March 3 at 7PM ET as I interview Certified Life Coach and Professional Organizer Maggie McCauley, LICSW about moving yourself “From Chaos to Peace—Creating an Inspired Workspace.” Maggie will let you in on the secrets to stop letting chaos and clutter drain your time and energy, sap your creativity, and cost you money! Be sure to grab your free seat and join us!

Let’s explore time together …

Find Time to Cut Through Clutter and Chaos with Inspiring Insights!

Paula — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:01:34 +0000

Finding time to dig out when clutter has overtaken the spaces in your life is a little like dealing with a snowstorm! (Funny how metaphors just spring to mind sometimes!)

This morning, as a mix of freezing rain and heavy, wet snow blankets the Northeast, wreaking chaos, overturning plans, and creating stress … I am extremely pleased to be letting you in on an upcoming Finding Time Special, Virtual Event! But before I share the details, here are a few questions to ask yourself …

Are you ready to explore the ways that you can free yourself from clutter and chaos and move into inspired productivity?
Do bulging file cabinets and overflowing in-boxes send your stress level to the ceiling?
Does your cluttered desk sap your creativity every time you look at it?
Would you love to develop efficient systems that let you use yourtime and energy productively?
… and just what DO you do with all that paper?!

Join me in my Finding Time EducationRich & HeartBased Interview Teleseries as I interview Certified Life Coach and Professional Organizer Maggie McCauley, LICSW about moving yourself “From Chaos to Peace—Creating an Inspired Workspace.” Maggie will let you in on the secrets to stop letting chaos and clutter drain your time and energy, sap your creativity, and cost you money!

When? Wednesday, March 3 at 7PM ET.

Where? From the comfort of your cozy home!

Be sure to grab your free seat here: http://thetimefinder.com/Interview.html to join us!

Imagine how you’ll fly once you’re unshackled from chaos and clutter. Picture what you’ll accomplish once you create the space for your inspiration to soar!

Watch for more information on this exciting and info-packed teleclass in the coming days. I sure hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity. Be sure to click the link and reserve your spot! http://thetimefinder.com/Interview.html

Let’s explore time together …

The Time Finder with Paula Eder

Find Time to Recharge Your Creativity

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Find Time to Deal With All the Paper!

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Find Time to Move Your Body No Matter What!

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Find Time to Pen Punchy Headlines and Energize Your Copy on Cyber Monday

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Find Time to Deal with Your Paper-Just Ask Paula (or Maggie)!

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Find Time for Spring Cleaning!

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Find Time to Reclaim Your Energy by De-Cluttering!

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Find Time for February’s Time Finder Favorites!

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Find Time to Manage Change … Just Ask Paula!

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Find Time to Cut Through Clutter and Chaos with Inspiring Insights!

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