Tag Archive for get things done

Why Do We Avoid Certain Tasks?

July 24, 2023 John Uncategorized 2 comments

You can avoid some tasks but they don’t go away. It’s like a child covering it’s eyes and thinking that will make something go away.

With that in mind GenuLines opens your eyes so you can get things done.

Why Do We Avoid Certain Tasks?

Do you find yourself dreading a particular task in your life every time you must complete it? Do you often wonder why you avoid it?
There are several reasons we avoid completing specific tasks. And the reason why this is can vary from individual to individual.
list of tasks

You Don’t Think You’ll Have Fun

You may not believe you’ll have fun completing it when you think about that task. Or it could be you’ve performed the task before and didn’t have fun.
Humans generally want to avoid doing things that lead to unhappiness. This is especially true when they are especially difficult or complex.

Fatigue

When you’re tired, you will generally avoid certain tasks. Even if they are tasks, you usually have fun doing.
This is because you’re tired and need to get some rest.
If you avoid a task because you feel exhausted, then it’s time to get some rest and try to approach it again later. It’s tough to focus when you’re fatigued.
And that could lead you to become distracted as an avoidance tactic for certain tasks.

You Don’t Think You’ll Do Well

Fear of failure can leave you feeling afraid of embarrassment or looking bad. This fear is quite common and one of the easier ones to overcome.
Usually you can remedy it working on self-confidence and self-acceptance.

Medical Conditions

When everything else fails there may be a medical problem behind your procrastination. If so, get treatment and you see an uptick in your motivation.
The reasons on this list may be separate, but they all boil down to a lack of motivation. If so, you need to own up to it.
Once you realize this, you can find the cause to motivate yourself in the future better.
JohnK 7-25-2023
stick man hears about tasksOverheard: “There is nothing so fatal to character as half finished tasks.
                                     ~David Lloyd George
disclaimer for tasks

5 Benefits of Conflict (Yes, Benefits!)

June 19, 2023 John Uncategorized No comments

The thought of conflict can make you tighten up, ready to deal with trouble. That’s a natural reaction.

But there’s a good side to conflict and today GenuLines shows you how that’s natural, too.

5 Benefits of Conflict (Yes, Benefits!)

When you experience a violent storm, it’s easy to rail against the weather. The wind and the rain can seem terrifying.

Especially when coupled with the thunder and lightning.

picture of conflict

 

But ask any farmer, and they’ll tell you that even storms have their benefits. Of course the rain is necessary for their crops.

But lightning hitting the ground, puts nitrogen into the soil that’s so needed for things to grow.

Likewise, conflict in the workplace has certain benefits. But we don’t always see them right away.

 

 

 

Keep reading to find several of them you might not have considered before now.

1.  Conflicts make us aware of new ways to do things

The very fact that there’s a conflict tells you that someone else has a different point of view from your own. By exploring those conflicts, you’re likewise invited to explore the idea from a new angle.

This might bring out a new solution that wouldn’t have occurred before.

2. Conflicts enable us to verbalize better what we want

It’s through conflict that we decide what’s important to us, and how to put those feelings into words.

3. Conflict drives flexibility

When we’re in conflict, we’re hoping for others to see our point of view. But also in dealing with conflict, we’re forced to see the point of view of those around us.

That’s where we learn how to become flexible, to acknowledge that we’re not always right.

So the conflict teaches you two very important traits.  Being open-minded, and understanding humility.

4. Conflict forces us to listen

The only way to resolve conflict is to listen to the other person. Through listening, we gain wisdom and learn to make better decisions.

5.  Conflict drives solutions

When you deal with conflict, you’re likewise dealing with a problem that needs a solution. Resolving that conflict means finding those solutions, usually in new and innovative ways.

So conflict forces us to solve our problems in a creative way.

At first you might shy away from the idea of conflict, but it’s good to remember these benefits. Without conflict, we stagnate.

In time you’ll be able to see how much you’ve grown and benefitted by that conflict.

JohnK 6-19-2023
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stick man hears about conflictOverheard:  “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph”                                                                  ~Thomas Paine

 

 

disclaimer for conflict

Boost Your Motivation With a Bit of Science

November 9, 2020 John Uncategorized No comments
 
Motivation is a key component of success. Sure, talent, intelligence, and money can play a part.
 
But there’s a science involved as well, and GenuLines wants you to put it to work in your path to success.

Boost Your Motivation With a Bit of Science

suggestion to motivationWe all have lists of things we
“hope” we’ll do. But how do we
put these things into the “done”
column?
 
 
 
 
 
Let’s take a look at the science of motivation and the ways to harness it to your advantage.

An Improved Approach to Motivation

Dan Pink wrote a best-selling book, “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.” He says that there are three components of motivation that push us to get things done.
 
And he scraps the old carrot and stick types of reward systems.
 
Instead, Pink argues that a scientific approach gives us a better view of the subject. This, he says, helps us come up with strategies to power up motivation.
 
Three Elements of Motivation
Pink says research shows that autonomy, value, and competence drive motivation. Autonomy refers to the amount of control or independence we feel over a task or action.
 
He says studies point to a connection between input on a task and better follow through.
 
The second component of motivation is value. This is the amount of personal significance or importance you place on a matter.
 
In other words, if something matters to you on a personal level, you’ll feel more motivated to take it on.
 
Competence comes from a feeling of mastery as it relates to practice and hard work. This doesn’t mean you have to have natural abilities.
 
Spending time developing competence seems to increase chances of reaching the goal.
 

Strategies to Increase Motivation

Now you have an understanding of what matters most with regard to what motivates us. So let’s look at some strategies to increase motivation.
 
With autonomy as a guide, let’s consider ways to add a sense of control or involvement in activities. One way to do this is to take ownership of a chore or add some aspect of self-direction to it.
 
Let’s say you’re having difficulty starting a project such as submitting a paper. It may help to think of all the ways doing this will set you apart as an expert in your field.
 
You’ll see that turning in the paper is a necessary part of sharing your unique views with your colleagues.
 
To add value to your task, you want to make it meaningful or personal. Find a way to add purpose to that item on your to-do list.
 
This involves changing your perspective or the way you look at that item.
 
Doing your taxes is a chore you might dread. Add purpose to it by focusing on the work you’ve done that’s represented by the numbers on the page.
 
Or the contribution you’ve made to your job and community through your efforts. Paying taxes is a symbol of good citizenry.
 
Finally, there’s competence. Feeling mastery over an act requires practice.
 
Try to look at the job at hand as one in which you are working toward an end goal of skillfulness.
 
For instance, you’ll soon see the treadmill as less of an adversary the more workout sessions you endure. As you get fitter you’ll see exercise as a little easier.
 
And, you’ll get a feeling of accomplishment.
 
Motivation is not always easy to come by. But with a little knowledge of science you can be more effective in moving toward your dreams.
 
In time you’ll be mastering your goals. And that will fuel your motivation in the future.
 
JohnK 11-9-2020
 
Stick figure hears about motivatonOverheard: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
                                   ~Nelson Mandela
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for motivation
 

7 Days To A Better Happier You

March 13, 2017 John Uncategorized No comments
picture of john kobik on being happierStressful times don’t exactly churn out happier people. But, CHI FOR YOURSELF knows that happiness is an inside job. You can bypass society’s noise if you keep some points in mind. These will help you get to your “happy place.”
 
 
7 Days To A Better Happier You
 
So what is the aim of personal development? To make you a better person, or to make you a happier person? Hopefully, it’s both.
 
One of the most important things to realize is that happiness is not something that other people bring you like a birthday gift. It comes from living in line with your own ethical values in a way that brings you closer to your personal goals. 
 
So here are 7 steps you can take to bring you closer to happiness over the next week.
 
1. Know your purpose 
 
Are you wandering through life with little direction – hoping that you’ll find happiness, health, and prosperity? Identify your life purpose or mission statement and you will have your own unique compass that will lead you to your truth north every time.
 
This may seem tricky at first when you find yourself in a tight corner or facing a dead end. But identifying your purpose will help you to find the way out, even when it seems there isn’t one.
 
2. Know your values 
 
What do you value most? Make a list of your top 5 values. Some examples are security, freedom, family, spiritual development, learning. As you set your goals for the year, check your goals against your values. If a goal doesn’t align with any of your top five values, you may want to reconsider it or revise it.
 
3. Know your needs 
 
Unmet needs can keep you from living authentically. Take care of yourself. Do you have a need to be acknowledged, to be heard, to be fed, to be loved in some way that is not being met right now? There are so many people who live their lives without realizing their dreams and most of them end up being stressed or even depressed. List your top five needs and be creative in thinking of ways you could have them be met. It’s never too late!
 
4. Know your passions
 
You know who you are and what you truly enjoy in life. Obstacles like doubt and lack of enthusiasm may hinder you, but need not prevent you from becoming the person you ought to be. Express yourself and honor the people who have inspired you to become who you are.
 
5. Live from the inside out 
 
Increase your awareness of your inner wisdom by regularly reflecting in silence. Commune with nature. Breathe deeply to quiet your distracted mind. At times it’s hard to even find the peace and quiet we want, even in our own home. You may choose to meditate, to walk in a quiet place or to sit and listen to gentle music. Silence does not necessarily mean no sound at all but it does require a certain inner silence.
 
6. Honor your strengths 
 
What are your positive traits? What special talents do you have? List five of them – if you get stuck, ask those closest to you to help. Are you imaginative, witty, good with your hands? Find ways to express your authentic self through your strengths. You can increase your self-confidence when you recognize your skills and use them to teach or share with others.
 
7. Serve others  
 
When you live authentically, you may find that you develop a sense of being connected with all forms of life. When you are true to who you are, living your purpose and giving of your talents to the world around you, you are expressing your spirit, your essence. At the same time, you are able to connect with the essential good in others. At this point, serving others is no longer a chore.
 
We can’t change others. We can only change ourselves and thus live more peacefully and happily with the circumstances of our lives. 
 
JohnK 3-13-2017
 
 

Clipart image of overheard on happier lifeOverheard:   “To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others.”                                 ~Albert Camus

 
 
 
 

Tips to Get Through Winter and Get Things Done: Day 5

February 24, 2017 John Uncategorized No comments


picture of john kobik for how to get things doneThis Day 5 of our “Get Things Done” series wraps up the week’s offerings. As promised there are some actionable steps, too. And some reading for you if you want to look further into this topic. 

Your transformation is what CHI FOR YOURSELF is all about. So, use this information. And know that you’ll be seeing more in the weeks to come. If you subscribe to GenuLines you’ll get these types of posts along with info on CHI FOR YOURSELF guests and show details. Just go to the top right side of this page and leave your email address in the box provided. 

Be well!

 

TOP TIPS

Do you want to be more productive? The following tips are easy to implement and can help you increase your productivity immediately. Being more productive will help you achieve your goals and success more quickly.

 

9. Relax: This may sound counter-intuitive but relaxing does help increase your productivity! Learn how to relax and spend regular periods of time out during the day. This personal time will give you the opportunity to focus on yourself and your needs. They will lessen stress and anxiety.

relax but get things done

10. Be an Early Riser: The most successful people tend to be early risers. They have discovered that by getting up earlier they not only achieve more in their day, the day
starts in a more controlled and productive manner. Use the time to meditate, exercise, read or learn something.

You can become more productive if you use the tips above. If you’re not sure where to start, then complete the action points below right now.
tips to get things done

FURTHER READING

 

1. The Productivity Project: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345815777/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_i l_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=0345815777&l inkCode=as2&tag=chiforyoursel-20

2. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KWG9M2E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin _il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=B00KWG9M 2E&linkCode=as2&tag=chiforyoursel-20

3. How to be a Productivity Ninja: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1848316836/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_i l_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=1848316836&l inkCode=as2&tag=chiforyoursel-20

4. Extreme Productivity: Boost Your Results, Reduce Your Hours: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062188534/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_i l_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=0062188534&l inkCode=as2&tag=chiforyoursel-20


5. The 5 Choices: The Path to Extraordinary Productivity: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1476711712/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_i l_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=1476711712&l inkCode=as2&tag=chiforyoursel-20

 

JohnK 2-24-2017

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Tips to Get Through Winter and Get Things Done: Day 4

February 23, 2017 John Uncategorized No comments

picture of john kobik for how to get things doneReady for day 4 in our Get Things Done series? Today we quiet your environment and clarify your intentions. This can be tough to do given all the distractions that surround us. And it’s one reason why you’re getting these tips in “two’s.”

Keep in mind that on Day 5 you’ll have a total of 10 Get Things Done tips. You’ll also have several actionable steps you can put into place right away!

 

TOP TIPS

 

Do you want to be more productive? The following tips are easy to implement and can help you increase your productivity immediately. Being more productive will help you achieve your goals and success more quickly.

                                                                                                                                     suggestion to get things done 

7. Remove Distractions: If you want to become more productive then you need to remove distractions. Turn off the television and your mobile phone, shut down all social media and email. Set a specific time aside each day when you can you use those things and for the rest of the time, you’ll be more productive as you won’t be constantly disturbed by messages and notifications.

8. Prioritize: Sort your tasks by importance. Do the most important ones first as they are the ones that will play on your mind the most if they are not completed. In business, those tasks that earn you money are considered to be the most important and should be given top priority.

 

JohnK 2-23-2017

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Tips to Get Through Winter and Get Things Done: Day 3

February 22, 2017 John Uncategorized No comments

picture of john kobik for how to get things doneI trust you’re having a good (and productive) week! “Get Things Done” is our theme for this week. Today you’re getting two more of the 10 tips to boost your productivity. A quick count finds that 4 more tips will be coming your way, giving you 10 in all.

 

You’re getting these as a kind of “drip feed” so you can put your full attention on each one. I like to say that what you think about is what you bring about!

 

TOP TIPS

 

Do you want to be more productive? The following tips are easy to implement and can help you increase your productivity immediately. Being more productive will help you achieve your goals and success more quickly.

 

5. Time Block: Identify when you are at your most productive. Are you at your best firstthing in the morning? Whatever time of day it is, schedule your most important tasks for that time. 

woman working to get things done

Photo Courtesy Jan Willem Geertsma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Use an Accountability Partner: Make yourself accountable by telling someone else what you want to achieve. Make sure you give them a target date. Report your progress regularly. By making yourself accountable you are increasing your chance of success. You’ll also have someone to talk to should things go wrong.

 

JohnK 2-22-2017

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Tips to Get Through Winter and Get Things Done: Day 2

February 21, 2017 John Uncategorized No comments

picture of john kobik for how to get things doneBack with another couple of easy to implement tips to boost your productivity so you’ll get things done. We’re taking it slowly so you can think about each one- pretty easy to do on a cold, dark winter day!  

 

As you put your attention on them you’ll keep yourself open for ways to carry them out. By the end of the week, you’ll have 10 tips in all. 

TOP TIPS 

Do you want to be more productive and really get things done? The following tips are easy to implement and can help you increase your productivity immediately. Being more productive will help you achieve your goals and success more quickly. 

3. Delegate or Outsource: Having too much to do can hinder progress as you will focus on those items that aren’t getting done which will cause stress and anxiety.overloaded for get things done articler Wherever possible delegate or outsource anything that is inessential or that you are not interested in completing. Paying a cleaner to look after your housework will save you time, energy and stress. 

4. Plan: You can’t achieve anything without knowing what it is you want to achieve. You need to know your goals. It’s also important to create a plan on how to achieve them. Set yourself daily goals and use a to-do list to help you identify what you need to achieve each day. Tick things off as they are completed.

JohnK 2-20-2017

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Tips to Get Through Winter and Get Things Done

February 20, 2017 John Uncategorized No comments

get things done with john kobikWe’re well into another year, and the big holidays are behind us. Days can feel longer, especially if you live in a colder climate and you’re looking forward to Spring. I know how that feels. I grew up in snow and ice in the industrial northeastern US. But you still have to get things done, both at home and in the workplace. How do you keep your focus on the tasks at hand? 

This week GenuLines will suggest ways to stay in that “good energy” toward making it through the dark winter days and functioning at your best. 

Starting today and all this week you’ll receive a couple of “reminders.” They’re designed to get your attention on simple ways to help your productivity, even when your mind checks out and wants to hang out somewhere in the tropics! 

beach chairs in the sand won't get things done

At the end of the week, look for some actionable steps you can put into practice right away.

 

TOP TIPS

Do you want to be more productive? The following tips are easy to implement and can help you increase your productivity immediately. Being more productive will help you achieve your goals and success more quickly.

 

1. Don’t Multi-Task: Focus on one task at a time. This will ensure that you are giving your full attention to what you are doing and increase your ability to utilize the power of the flow state. Use your to-do list and pick off one item at a time.

2. Stay Hydrated: Make sure that you drink water at regular intervals throughout the day. You can, of course, drink other beverages that contain water such as regular or herbal teas but don’t consume too much caffeine. Maintaining proper hydration will ensure that your brain and energy levels are optimal.

 

JohnK 2-19-2017

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