This week I am honored to speak with Francis Cholle!
Francis is best-selling author, an international business consultant, and engaging speaker. He helps companies rethink business in ways that conventional strategic management cannot. Now he is bringing his expertise to the world through his new book: “SQUIRCLE: A New Way to THINK for a NEW WORLD”!
Download the Episode Notes Here
More is not always better.
As the world starts to open again, we will all be faced with many demands and obligations. This episode is designed to help you have a simply successful life.
Steps to Success for Simplicity
PDF Transcript for Simplicity!
[THEME MUSIC PLAYS]
DENISE: Welcome and thank you for joining into today’s Positive Forward Motion. This is your host, Denise Scattergood.
Each week I discuss a topic that is designed to help you get more of what you do want, and less of what you don’t want, both personally and professionally.
My goal is to add value to other’s by sharing a topic in 8 minutes or less. Topics that will empower, motivate, and inspire you to have more happiness and success.
[THEME MUSIC FADES]
DENISE:
Today’s topic is simple – as in simplicity.
And I am going to start this episode with a quick story:
A businessman was vacationing on a beautiful island when he came across a fisherman lying lazily beside his boat, relaxing and soaking up the sunshine.
“Why aren’t you out fishing?” said the businessman.
“Because I have caught enough fish for the day” said the fisherman.
“Why don’t you catch some more?” said the businessman.
“What would I do with all the extra fish?” said the fisherman.
“You could sell them to earn more money” said the businessman.
“Oh, why would I do that?” said the fisherman
“Then you could buy a bigger boat and go deeper in the ocean and get more fish and sell more. You could hire a crew and buy more boats. You could build a fishing empire and be a rich man like me!” said the businessman.
“Oh, what would I do then?” said the fisherman
“Then you could really enjoy your life. And vacation on the beach in a beautiful island!” said the businessman
Heh, well that story explains it. More is not always better.
And we have certainly had some major changes in our lives over the past four months, and for many of us we have learned how to do without.
As the world is starting to open back up, my wish for you is that you take note and reflect on what really matters, and that you continue to find joy and happiness with less stress
Today’s topic is designed to help us remember that no matter what life throws at us, we can have less stress and find more joy and peace. And We can do this by focusing on the simple things in life and on what really matters.
So today I’m going to give you 7 ways to do just that. Keep your life simple so we can have more joy, love, and peace both personally and professionally.
So, Number One is to be careful to not fill your calendar of unwanted and unnecessary activities and obligations.
Practice saying no to excessive demands.
This is something I learned a long time ago when my kids were in grade school. The business I owned at the time kept me away from my family on the weekends and I felt guilty about that, so I would say yes to every request to volunteer at my children’s school. Cause I was thinking that I was making up for lost time.
Well, all this did was create more stress and you know what? It actually backfired because it gave me even less time with my children. As soon as I learned to gracefully and graciously say no, I was free of worry and stress, and I actually had more quality time to spend with my family.
Number Two: Get OUTDOORS!
When your mind is busy and your starting to feel overwhelmed and stressed, simply taking a walk, or sitting in nature is like hitting the reset button for your brain.
Number Three: Put distance between you and your critics.
Our lives become extremely simplified when we don’t have to defend ourselves to anyone. Evaluate your relationships and only give your time and energy to the ones that are caring, nurturing, and empowering and loving.
Number Four: Schedule free time for yourself…and stick to it!
So, I wonder, during the pandemic did you you maybe learn how much you enjoy your quiet Friday nights all alone? Well, if that’s the case then keep that time for you! Because solitude can be soothing, and you deserve it.
Number Five: Collect time and not things.
Be careful of purchasing things that will clutter and complicate your life. A really good practice here is if you think you must buy that (whatever it is), walk away from it. wait a week or 2 and then see how much you really, really need it. Okay? Because we are much better off when we have less things to worry about and more time to enjoy our life.
And Number Six is: Slow down.
Now that life is opening up again, ask yourself if you really need to fill every waking hour doing. This reminds me of that saying that we should be human beings, because we are human beings, not human doings.
Find ways to slow down and receive all that life has to offer. Go fishing, Meditate, go for a walk, read a book, write a letter, plant a garden, cook a meal from scratch.
Number Seven: Put play in your purpose.
Your work can be fun! Find ways to be silly with your colleagues. Be silly with your children. Have fun! Play and play some more. Our lives become so much more simplified when we learn to laugh and be silly, so give yourself a break and have fun.
As life begins to go back to somewhat normal, ask yourself: What have you learned? What have you learned that you can do without?
Find ways to continue to simplify and slow down so that you can really enjoy your time on this earth.
And I am going to end with a quote from Socrates:
“I have lived long enough to learn how much there is I can really do without”
[THEME MUSIC FADES IN]
DENISE: If you would like a free PDF worksheet of this episode’s action steps, you can find a downloadable link under each podcast episode on my website, DeniseScattergood.com.
Don’t forget to stay in the loop of all things Positive Forward Motion by following me on Instagram and Facebook @DeniseScattergood, and you can find me on Twitter @AlertTrainers.
To add even more positivity in your life, you can text the word positive to 313131, and you’ll have special messages from me sent directly to your phone.
If you like this episode, please review and share the podcast to help us spread our message of Positive Forward Motion around the world, and don’t forget to tune in every Wednesday for a brand-new episode!
As always, I am wishing you continued success and happiness both personally and professionally and remember to keep up the Positive Forward Motion!
[THEME MUSIC INCREASES]
[THEME MUSIC FADES OUT]
This week I am honored to speak with Pierce J. Brooks!
Pierce was supposed to be playing in the NBA by now, but instead he decided to pivot. Now Pierce is a TEDx Speaker and recently launched his business “Empowered Storytellers” with the mission to empower others beyond trauma.
Together we can make positive change!
This week we are revisiting a previous episode that is a great reminder. Discover how to flip your mindset about a negative situation you are against and use your anger as fuel to make positive change that you are FOR.
[THEME MUSIC PLAYS]
DENISE: Welcome and thank you for joining into today’s Positive Forward Motion. This is your host, Denise Scattergood.
Each week I discuss a topic that is designed to help you get more of what you do want, and less of what you don’t want, both personally and professionally.
My goal is to add value to other’s by sharing a topic in 8 minutes or less. Topics that will empower, motivate, and inspire you to have more happiness and success.
[THEME MUSIC FADES]
DENISE: For today’s episode, I’m relaunching my topic titled “FOR” F – O – R!
This episode was originally launched about 8 weeks ago as a reminder for us all to focus more on what we are for rather then what we are against. Because focusing on what we are FOR, rather than what we are against, is a powerful way to not only stay passionate and inspired, but it also helps us to make positive change happen.
Being against something brings forth feelings of anger and frustration. And while I believe these feeling are helpful because they can create a spark, that gets us fired up and wanting to make change, I have also seen that same spark of anger burn out of control, especially when we are focusing all of our energies on what we are against.
I feel it is important to revisit this topic, because right now the American people are rightfully angry at the senseless acts of injustice against black people.
I too am against this injustice and my wish is that we forge forward creating positive change by focusing on what we are FOR.
Please join me in being FOR justice, FOR equality, and making sure black lives always matter, lets stand together and be FOR positive change and becoming a better society. Let’s work together to being FOR putting in place new resources and regulations that benefit those who have been systemically disadvantaged and neglected.
I hope this relaunch of FOR sparks a reminder that when we harness the power of our anger and use it to spread our light of love, and passion for human rights, equality, and positive reform we can make great things happen.
Today’s topic is Focusing on what we are FOR, rather than what we are against.
So back in February, I was at a Convention in Las Vegas when I was inspired to do this topic. I met Amy and Matthew, they are a husband and wife team who own a Volkswagen dealership in Auburn, Washington.
And a few minutes into our conversation, we connected immediately. And we got excited talking abut all the positive things that we like to do for our organizations, our team members, and our community.
And they shared an amazing story of forgiveness and the power of focusing on what they are for, rather than against.
So, their dealership got involved in a fundraiser for a young woman who was battling cancer. The fundraiser was a super great success, plus they learned so much about the illness and how they can help. Then, the unimaginable happened.
It came out that the girl who claimed to have had cancer, was not telling the truth. I was like… Wait WHAT?! Oh my god, you must have been furious!
Well, they kind of smiled and looked at me and said, no we were not. We chose to focus on what we were for and why we started to help in the first place.
They shared that they focused on the good, like the money that was raised, it all went to research. How their organization and community was so much more aware about this illness and how to help and they even offered to get this young girl into therapy and the help that she needed.
Matthew and Amy never waivered what they were FOR. They were for helping others, they were for focusing on the positive, they were for compassion, understanding, and so much more.
And, you know, the world, jeez it certainly has changed since I was at that convention in Las Vegas. And right now, during this global crisis, focusing on what we are FOR is a good way for us to stay positive, and to keep up the positive forward motion.
And my challenge for you is that you change your against to what you are for. Let me give you a couple examples and a way to look at this:
Rather than fight against cancer, how about we all be for a cure?
How about rather than being against homelessness, we are for finding a way to help assist and empower others to regain their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
How about rather than being against someone that is different than you, you are for diversity and embrace our differences with excitement and understanding?
How about rather than being against unfair pay for women, we are for equal pay for ALL?
How about rather than being against violence, we are for love, peace, and compassion?
How about rather than being against those that break or do not follow our current quarantine guidelines, we are for leading by example?
When we let our brains get lazy and focus too much on negativity, it grows in our mind and it makes us only see the negative things in life.
Practicing positivity is not always easy, it actually takes work, but with practice we can learn to focus on the good and give the attention to what we are FOR rather than what we are against.
So, I have gathered ways to help you start focusing on what you are for and paying attention and letting go of what you are against.
So, Number one is: Focus on the good. Train your brain to find the good, even if someone betrays or hurts you just like in the story I shared. There is always good to be found!
#2: Replace the negativity in your surroundings. So, identify three top sources of negativity in your life. If it’s bad news, well then don’t be against the bad news and keep watching it. Be FOR finding good news, be FOR finding positive stories!
If it’s a person in your life that you’re against. Rather than focus and complain about what you don’t like or appreciate about them, find new positive people and remember, like attracts like. So, if you notice you have a lot of negative people in your life, you probably need to do some positive work on yourself as well. So, I am happy you are here listening to a positive podcast!
If you’re unhappy with your job or where you live, rather than being against it, that’s not going to change anything! Write a list of what you are looking FOR in a job, what are you looking FOR in a place to live? And start working towards that goal.
And #3, Focus on the present. You cannot do anything about what is behind you. But you can do a great deal about what lies ahead of you. So be FOR your future, not against your past.
And #4, avoid judging. When you judge others, you are against their uniqueness. So instead, replace your judgement with phrases like “WOW, that’s something new and different!” or “WOW they sure are different than me!” Then smile and remember that THAT’S what makes life so amazing!
So be FOR diversity and differences in our world, because it really is what makes our world a wonderful place. And be FOR kindness, compassion, peace, and love!
I am FOR positivity and know that it can be found in the darkest of places. Train yourself to find the light, and I promise you will find more brightness and light everywhere you look.
[THEME MUSIC FADES IN]
DENISE: If you would like a free PDF worksheet of this episode’s action steps, you can find a downloadable link under each podcast episode on my website, DeniseScattergood.com.
Don’t forget to stay in the loop of all things Positive Forward Motion by following me on Instagram and Facebook @DeniseScattergood, and you can find me on Twitter @AlertTrainers.
To add even more positivity in your life, you can text the word positive to 313131, and you’ll have special messages from me sent directly to your phone.
If you like this episode, please review and share the podcast to help us spread our message of Positive Forward Motion around the world, and don’t forget to tune in every Wednesday for a brand-new episode!
As always, I am wishing you continued success and happiness both personally and professionally and remember to keep up the Positive Forward Motion!
[THEME MUSIC INCREASES]
[THEME MUSIC FADES OUT]
When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
This week discover how to stay productive and motivated even on days where you aren’t feeling 100%. Enjoy this final instalment of the “How to Be Productive” Series!
DENISE: Hello, and welcome to the Positive Forward Motion podcast. This week’s episode has been pre-recorded, but before it continues I want to relay a very important message
I understand that I will never understand. However, I stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. It is important to educate ourselves, do what we can to support, and be more than “not racist”. We must be actively Anti-Racist and confront racial injustice at every opportunity!
If you are looking to help and do not know where to start, there is a link that lists all the verified places to donate, as well as where you can sign, call, or text to see what you can do to help. That link is https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/ I will also list this link in my show notes.
Additionally, The Anthony Graves Foundation is dedicated to meaningful criminal justice reform that promotes fairness, equality, and humanity. You can learn more about the Anthony Graves Foundation at www.anthonygravesfoundation.org and I’ll be sure to also list this link in my show notes as well.
Anthony Graves has previously been a guest on my podcast, and his foundation’s mission is giving the underserved and left behind, a choice and a chance to live happy, productive lives, and become the powerful, new foundation of our communities.
Our mission is to take a Positive Forward Motion step in the right direction no matter how small you may feel it is at the time. Little by little becomes a lot, and together we can make a Positive difference!
[POSITIVE FORWARD MOTION THEME MUSIC PLAYS]
DENISE: Welcome and thank you for joining into today’s Positive Forward Motion. This is your host, Denise Scattergood.
Each week I discuss a topic that is designed to help you get more of what you do want, and less of what you don’t want, both personally and professionally.
My goal is to add value to other’s by sharing a topic in 8 minutes or less. Topics that will empower, motivate, and inspire you to have more happiness and success.
[THEME MUSIC FADES]
DENISE: Today’s topic is How to Be More Productive Part – Four!
Here we are at the final episode of how to be more productive! I hope you have been following along and finding success in this 4 part series.
In the spirit of Positive Forward Motion, please remember that it is always a great idea to go back and re-listen and follow the steps until you have reached your goal.
So, let’s recap.
In Part One we created a firm foundation to being more productive by practicing and following these 3 things:
#1 was to identify and do the hardest task first.
#2 was to identify our distractions that keep us from accomplishing those hardest tasks.
#3 was to remember how important it is to write your tomorrow to do list tonight!
In Part Two we learned how to manage our time better by learning and practicing these 3 things:
In part Three, we reviewed how to ask for help by using positive delegation.
And now here we are in part 4, and in this episode we are going to focus on how to get started and, most importantly, how to keep up the Positive Forward Motion! Especially when we just don’t feel like it.
Because no matter what the goal is you’ve set out for yourself… you’re gonna hit roadblocks. You’re gonna feel unmotivated and quite frankly, you’re just gonna want to throw in the towel, and that happens to the best of us.
And I can tell you is this: That’s very normal because all of us, if you’ve even asked the most successful people, they will all tell you openly and honestly that they have felt this same way at one time or another.
Many times, what makes us a success is not specifically the completion of our goal, but the journey and the lessons that we get to learn along the way!
So today I’m gonna give you 7 things to keep in mind that will help you not only get started, but will also help you keep going!
#1 is think about your mindset. You must first believe if you are going to achieve.
#2 is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable cause it’s not always gonna be easy, but I promise it’s gonna be worth it.
And #3, replace perfection with progress because the tiniest step in the right direction is still progress!
S is for “Say It”. Write out two positive affirmations, one about yourself and one about why you’re working on your dream. Now say them out loud. Say it like you mean it!
T is for “Today”. Identify one small thing that you can do today and do it!
A is for “Able”. You are able. Write down three things that you like about yourself, and what positive attributes do you have that will allow you to reach your goals?
R stands for “Ready” and Ready is set go!! Remember you are ready to start, so be careful not to get in the get ready to get ready to get ready mode. Just get ready, and go!
And T equals “Try”! Reward yourself for trying and don’t worry about failure because you know what? We all fail at one time or another! And if you’re not failing, then you know what that means! You are not trying!
I am so happy you followed along in this 4 part series, and I hope you found it helpful. Remember, you are important and so are your dreams and goals. I believe in you and what I wish most for you is that you continue to believe in yourself!
[THEME MUSIC FADES IN]
DENISE: Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please rate and review and share this podcast to help us spread out message of positive forward motion!
And don’t forget, you can follow me for more daily doses of positivity on Instagram and Facebook @DeniseScattergood, and you can find me on Twitter @AlertTrainers. You can also opt in for my daily text messages by texting the word “Positive” to 313131.
And remember, each episode comes with a free worksheet to help keep you on track. It’s simple! Just go to DeniseScattergood.com, you can find a free PDF download link under each episode. And be sure to tune in every Wednesday for a brand-new episode, and remember no matter how small your step is, as long as you’re taking it in the right direction, that’s what I call Positive Forward Motion!
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There is a right and a wrong way to ask for help
Positive delegation will result in getting positive results. This week learn how to communicate your needs and wants effectively so you can move forward and be more productive.
This is Your Episode Worksheet!
[POSITIVE FORWARD MOTION THEME MUSIC PLAYS]
DENISE: Welcome and thank you for joining into today’s Positive Forward Motion. This is your host, Denise Scattergood.
Each week I discuss a topic that is designed to help you get more of what you do want, and less of what you don’t want, both personally and professionally.
My goal is to add value to other’s by sharing a topic in 8 minutes or less. Topics that will empower, motivate, and inspire you to have more happiness and success.
[THEME MUSIC FADES]
DENISE: Today’s topic is How to be More Productive – Part Three!
In Part One, I reviewed the importance of and how to create a firm foundation and in Part Two we focused on time management.
I must say creating this series is really helping me to reset and be more productive myself because just like anything in life, we can fall off, lose our focus, get uncomfortable, and start to feel a little overwhelmed. And when this happens, I find it to be great news because it reminds us that something needs to change.
And this week we are going to focus on being more productive by learning how to positively delegate and ask for help.
Many of us can get so overwhelmed and stressed out before we even try to tackle a project. And it’s understandable…. Especially because there’s so thing often that we don’t even know how to do “yet” or if we feel that we are in this alone. Which is usually not the case.
Let me ask you if this inner dialogue sound familiar ….. “I don’t know how I am ever going to get this done, I have so much on my plate, I’m so overwhelmed, no one ever helps me, no one understands, Oh I am under so much pressure!”
Well I can confidently say that and admit to being here at one time or another in my life. And when our inner dialogue sounds like that, what the heck do you think you are projecting to others? Well, I’ll tell what you’re doing. You’re probably pushing away people that could and would help you.
And that’s why today we are going to talk about positive delegation. And when we ask for help and delegating tasks, it’s a great way to help us be more productive. It also helps us to be more likeable too.
First let me share with you 3 reasons why learning how to delegate is beneficial:
Next, let’s review the top 3 reasons why people neglect to delegate:
So let’s move on to 6 steps to help you successfully delegate:
#1: Identify tasks to delegate by asking yourself some simple questions:
Step #2 is to identify and ask for help before you are overwhelmed and frustrated.
#3: Delegate positively. When you follow Step 2, you will have a calmer demeaner so when you ask for help, you will do so without sounding demanding, impatient, and unreasonable.
#4: Explain why you are asking for help and be clear with your instruction and time frame for completion.
#5 Be thankful. When you delegate a task and the person completes it for you, be thankful and encouraging. And let’s say you find that it’s not perfect. Well, first find the good and share what you appreciate about them helping you. Then, if appropriate, inspire them to be their best by showing and sharing with them a way that it could have been done a little bit better, this way you’re both in it together.
And #6 Don’t take advantage. Just because someone was willing to help you and they did a great job does not mean you can take advantage of their time and expertise.
This week as you practice delegating, be mindful of how others ask for help, and most importantly how they make you feel.
Delegating from a position of demands or barking orders may seem to work for a short while, but is a sure way to have a negative effect on your relationships with others.
All great leaders, whether it be at home or at work, are effective communicators and delegate positively. When you learn to delegate positively at home and at work, you are helping, teaching, and inspiring others along the way.
I promise you, when you practice positive delegation you will have a stronger connection with your co-workers and family, and you’re gonna be more productive!
[THEME MUSIC FADES IN]
DENISE: If you would like a free PDF worksheet of this episode’s action steps, you can find a downloadable link under each podcast episode on my website, DeniseScattergood.com.
Don’t forget to stay in the loop of all things Positive Forward Motion by following me on Instagram and Facebook @DeniseScattergood, and you can find me on Twitter @AlertTrainers.
To add even more positivity in your life, you can text the word positive to 313131, and you’ll have special messages from me sent directly to your phone.
If you like this episode, please review and share the podcast to help us spread our message of Positive Forward Motion around the world, and don’t forget to tune in every Wednesday for a brand-new episode!
As always, I am wishing you continued success and happiness both personally and professionally and remember to keep up the Positive Forward Motion!
[THEME MUSIC INCREASES]
[THEME MUSIC FADES OUT]
The key is TIME MANAGEMENT.
Last week we discussed the foundations for being more productive. This week discover how to make the most of your time by unlocking the secrets to time management. Follow along with this multi-part series to learn how to be productive!
Downloadable Steps for This Week’s Episode!
Downloadable Transcript for This Week’s Episode!
[POSITIVE FORWARD MOTION THEME MUSIC PLAYS]
DENISE: Welcome and thank you for joining into today’s Positive Forward Motion. This is your host, Denise Scattergood.
Each week I discuss a topic that is designed to help you get more of what you do want, and less of what you don’t want, both personally and professionally.
My goal is to add value to other’s by sharing a topic in 8 minutes or less. Topics that will empower, motivate, and inspire you to have more happiness and success.
[THEME MUSIC FADES]
DENISE: Today’s topic is How to be More Productive – Part Two!
In last week’s episode “How to Be More Productive – Part One”, we worked on the foundation to being more productive. Because just like building a house that will last, a firm foundation is important when learning how to be more productive.
Here is a quick recap on we worked on:
One: First, we were to Identify the hardest task by taking one personal task and one professional task that you have on your plate
And Step 2 was to as you got started doing, what you were working on was writing down your distractions and also identifying why these distractions continue to pop-up in place of getting your task completed. And I’m curious, did you identify some of your distractions as maybe fear of failure? Perhaps you identified that your personality is to be sure everyone else’s needs are met before you own? Or perhaps you identified that you can just get a little lazy and it’s easier to do all the easy things first, leaving you no time to get the hard tasks done.
And number 3 was to write out your to -do list the night before which we learned will give you a better night sleep, as well as help your brain organize the tasks you have listed.
So, I hope you had success with these and are feeling well rested and ready to take on your day!
This week we are going to work on time management.
Time management does not mean that you fill every waking hour being productive, it means making the most of the time you put aside and to find more time to be productive.
I am going to give you 4 steps to practice this week and focus, so you can spend your time being more productive and less time wishing you were more productive, because as I remember hearing someone say before: “wishing is not a strategy”. If we want to be more productive, we need to start doing.
So, let’s get to work
And This is where my 80/20 rules come in handy …what you are going to do it prioritize your priority list by identifying and circling the top 20% most important things on that list to do first. For example, let’s say you have 10 items on the list. Then you’re going to pick the top 20%, which means 2. Just take two of the ten and get started there. Once you finish those 2, you will repeat these steps and continue repeating, and repeating, and repeating, until you have accomplished your goal.
That’s right, and there have been numerous studies on how our cell phones create what’s called drain brain. The findings even brought up sufficient evidence that just having your phone close to you while you are working on that task can be distracting. So, here is what I challenge you to do: When you are ready to work on that top 20% of your task list, turn your phone off and leave it in another room. Do this for 1 hour at a time, and watch, not only your productivity, but also you focus, and quality of your work will improve immensely.
So, I want you to write a list of what you can cut out of your life to help you reach your goals and be productive.
Here are a few that are very obvious:
So, identify and create your stop doing list.
Identify your areas of opportunity by logging your time for a full week. And I mean from the moment you get up to the moment you go to sleep. For one week, start tracking your time and pay attention to it all.
Once you recognize where you can stop wasting time then you’re going to give yourself more time.
So, here’s an example of what I’ve done and it’s stayed with me for years. When I went back to college, I did this while I was running a company, while I was raising two daughters, caring for a home. In our home we had lots of love and fun and animals… And I would set my alarm to wake up ta 4:30. This would give me 2 and a half hours of uninterrupted quiet time to focus and get my studying done before my house woke up… To this day, I savor this early morning peaceful time of day.
When the world does wake up, I am happy, and energized because I am feeling ahead of the game and I am better equipped to handle the day.
I am super excited that you’re spending your time with me to learn how to be more productive, so here is a quick recap of the 4 steps in a nutshell:
And I’m going to leave you with this quote from Mozart:
“The shorter way to do many things is to only do one thing at a time.”
[THEME MUSIC FADES IN]
DENISE: Thank you for supporting Positive Forward Motion! And don’t forget to tune in every Wednesday for a brand-new episode that will empower, motivate, and inspire you to be your best both personally and professionally!
And as always, you can find a free PDF worksheet of my action steps under each podcast episode on my website, DeniseScattergood.com.
And if you like to stay in the know of all things Positive Forward Motion, like workshops and special events, be sure to connect with me on Instagram and Facebook at Denise Scattergood, you can find me on Twitter: @AlertTrainers.
You can also text the word “Positive” to 313131 and you’ll be opted in for updates and daily doses of positivity.
If you enjoyed this episode, please review and share to help spread our message of positivity, and remember no matter how small your step is, as long as you take it in the right direction, that’s what I call Positive Forward Motion!
[THEME MUSIC INCREASES]
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We all have the same 24 hours each day.
GOOD NEWS: Anyone can learn to manage their time and become more productive, it just takes practice! This week discover the foundations for how to become more productive and follow along with this multi-part series to learn how to make the most of your time!
Worksheet Bonus Content for Part One!
Downloadable PDF Transcript for Part One!
[POSITIVE FORWARD MOTION THEME MUSIC PLAYS]
DENISE: Welcome and thank you for joining into today’s Positive Forward Motion. This is your host, Denise Scattergood.
Each week I discuss a topic that is designed to help you get more of what you do want, and less of what you don’t want, both personally and professionally.
My goal is to add value to other’s by sharing a topic in 8 minutes or less. Topics that will empower, motivate, and inspire you to have more happiness and success.
[THEME MUSIC FADES]
DENISE: Today’s topic is How to be More Productive – Part One!
This episode is one of a series of parts because the first step in being more productive is to break out the steps and focus one positive forward motion step at a time!
For many, practicing focus and being more productive has taken on an entirely new meaning, especially during this time of global crisis. Many are working from home and are learning how to juggle work, home, and family responsibilities all at the same time, all under the same roof, non-stop day in and day out.
Prior to COVID-19 many started their days much different than they do now. Each family member went off to their perspective corners. Kids went off to school and parents went off to work.
Perhaps you’ve been furloughed and you have more time to work on all the things you’ve been putting off, but you are feeling as if you’re just not as productive and you wish you could be.
Either way, I am happy you are here listening in because we can all use help with being more productive at some point and time in our lives.
So, let’s start by understanding: What does it even mean to be productive?
Well to have a productive day means actually working productively on your highest priority activities. It also means hitting targets and getting results that help move projects and tasks forward.
Being productive does not mean you hurry around doing more and more and more. It means planning and working effectively and efficiently using time as a guide and following a system for success.
You see, we all have the same 24 hours in our day, and while some people can seem to zip through their days effectively and efficiently, being super productive, for some of us it can seem like we run around “doing” all day and when the day comes to an end we don’t feel any more accomplished or productive than we did when we first started.
And I have good news, and that is that learning to manage your time and follow a system to be more productive is something that every single one of us can do, it just takes practice.
And that’s why I’m breaking this episode down into four parts. Each week you’re gonna be given action steps to practice, and once you feel you’ve accomplished the steps, then I suggest you go on to the next episode, and so on.
So, for some episodes it might take a weekly practice, for others it might take you two weeks of practice. It doesn’t matter! Whatever it is for you it’s ok because we all have the same common goal in mind, and that is to be more productive and efficient in both our personal and our professional lives.
And if you’re thinking, “Well, my life is just a little too crazy right now”, I would say just the opposite is true. Because if you learn how to be more productive now while our lives have been thrown off schedule, we will really help us to be centered and focused and positively productive when things get back to somewhat of normal schedule.
So let’s get started with just three things that I’d like you to focus on for this week:
#1. Understanding and pushing through procrastination:
Procrastination is when we put the most important or hardest tasks on the back burner. And there’s a lot of reasons we do this: fear of failure, low energy, a lack of focus. They’re just to name a few.
And doing what is most important or hardest first is difficult, and it’s difficult because it goes against our human nature! It’s in our nature to want to avoid doing difficult things.
And the best way to push through procrastination is to identify the large, important, challenging tasks and KNOCK THEM OUT first. And when I say first, I mean immediately, regardless of what we want to do. Because thanks to our survival instincts, there’s never gonna be a time when we want to do the challenging stuff first. So, we must make ourselves do it.
So, this week I want you to identify just 2 procrastinations that you have. Pick on that is one personal and pick one that is professional.
Let’s say for example your personal could be, you want to clean out the garage, you want to organize your paperwork to get your taxes done, or maybe you just need to have that much needed but tough conversation with your partner.
Maybe your professional procrastination is calling back that upset customer, getting started on that research project, or updating your resume and putting yourself out there for a new job.
When you get to work knocking the hardest things out of the way first, I want you to note how you feel. Also note how much easier the other tasks you have throughout your day become when you tackle the hardest first.
#2. I want you to keep a distraction list!
That’s right, a list of what distracts you. When you understand why and how you put off the most important tasks, it will help you to understand and break your patterns.
So, I’ll give you an example. I had a client that I was coaching, and we identified that every time she sat down to focus on studying for a very important test, she would first pick up the phone, call her friends and family, then she’d clean the house, then she’d go to cooking dinner, then once she realized that even though these things were important to her, she was putting them in place of her own needs and would feel overwhelmed and out of control.
What she recognized is that she had always been fearful of failing, and she felt as if she was a bad test taker. So, rather than buckle down and do what was needed, she created her own distractions.
So, once you identify your distractions, it’s also important to identify why they may be popping up. then cross them off your list and get started on working on what’s important.
And #3. Plan your day the night before:
Waking up, already knowing your schedule and what needs to get done and when, will help you be productive from the moment you start your day.
Research confirms that when we write a list and then prioritize it before we go to sleep, two things happen:
#1. We get a better night’s sleep because our plan has been written on paper which is now out of our heads, and this creates a more restful sleep so when we get up we can tackle our day full of energy, and
#2. While we are sleeping our brains seem to go to work on their own organizing and formulating a plan to help us get through the tasks that we wrote on paper.
So, there you have it; this is your 3 step plan to practice this week, and to summarize for you:
#1. Identify and do the hardest task first
#2. Identify your distractions that keep you from accomplishing those hard tasks
And #3. Write your tomorrow to-do list tonight!
I’m so excited that you’re joining me on this journey to be more productive.
I’m gonna leave you with one of my favorite all-time quotes:
“If it matters to you, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.”
So, I’m super glad that you are here finding a way with me!
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DENISE: If you would like a free PDF worksheet of this episode’s action steps, you can find a downloadable link under each podcast episode on my website, DeniseScattergood.com.
Don’t forget to stay in the loop of all things Positive Forward Motion by following me on Instagram and Facebook @DeniseScattergood, and you can find me on Twitter @AlertTrainers.
To add even more positivity in your life, you can text the word positive to 313131, and you’ll have special messages from me sent directly to your phone.
If you like this episode, please review and share the podcast to help us spread our message of Positive Forward Motion around the world, and don’t forget to tune in every Wednesday for a brand-new episode!
As always, I am wishing you continued success and happiness both personally and professionally and remember to keep up the Positive Forward Motion!
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It’s one of the secrets of inner peace!
Research shows that people who score higher in self-compassion tend to experience less depression, increased motivation, more optimism, greater happiness, and higher life satisfaction. And when you are tough on yourself, you are more likely to be tougher on others as well!
This week discover how to stop judging and learn to live with compassion and love!
Steps to Success for Compassion!
Click Here to Download the Episode Transcript!
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DENISE: Welcome and thank you for joining into today’s Positive Forward Motion. This is your host, Denise Scattergood.
Each week I discuss a topic that is designed to help you get more of what you do want, and less of what you don’t want, both personally and professionally.
My goal is to add value to other’s by sharing a topic in 8 minutes or less. Topics that will empower, motivate, and inspire you to have more happiness and success.
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DENISE: Today’s topic is compassion.
I am sure you’d agree that a little more compassion and understanding is something we could all benefit from. Not only giving it but also from receiving it.
How compassionate would you say you are to others? How compassionate would you say you are to yourself?
Well if you are like most people you probably can be pretty tough on yourself. Let me ask you, does this sound familiar? When you mess up you replay it over and over in your head and your self-talk is well… not so nice?
How about when you accomplish something or hit your goals? Do you recognize your achievement and give it the same time and attention as when you maybe miss the mark? Well, Probably not.
Think of it this way, let’s say you are having lunch with a friend who is upset because he just lost his job, what would you say? I’d hope you would be encouraging, reminding him of his talents and that things sometimes happen for a reason, and that he will be working at a better job sooner than later.
How would that conversation go with yourself? Let’s say you just messed up a presentation or you lost your job, or veered off your diet, or you did something as simple as forgetting something. How compassionate would you say you are with yourself?
Well, in an article in Psychology today, research shows that people who score higher in self-compassion tend to experience less depression, increased motivation, more optimism, greater happiness, and higher life satisfaction.
And just as I mentioned earlier, when you are tough on yourself, you are most likely tough on others like your spouse, kids, friends, colleagues, and even complete strangers.
And when we learn to stop judging, and we learn to live with compassion and love in our hearts, we genuinely start to feel closeness and a positive connection to others, even complete strangers.
So today, I am going to give you 6 ways to add more compassion to your life
So, here’s Number One. Give yourself a break! The next time you are about to give yourself a hard time, Stop and ask yourself: Would you let a friend talk to you this way? Then replace those negative words with positive encouragement, and remember to be your own best cheerleader. Because really who spends more time with you than you?? Nobody! And you are a very important somebody so be nice to yourself ?
#2: Practice forgiveness. Holding on to anger and resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die. So, practice forgiveness and start learning to forgive sooner than later, and start small, work your way up to bigger things. So, think of it like this: you know that car that cuts you off on the freeway? Rather than get all mad, pause and remember its not a personal vendetta against you. I mean, what the heck, they don’t even know you! Or how about a fender bender? You know it’s called an accident, right? Not an on purpose. So, practice forgiveness.
And I’m gonna share this one with you which is a true story. I was at the movies a couple months ago; you know when we could go to the movies and do those things. And it was of those theater where you could select your seat in advance. Well the rows and the numbers were very difficult to see, and a man came into the theater and he was about to lose it on a person who was in his seat! I intervened quickly, I let him know that everyone was having trouble see the numbers, and we all mixed up our seats, and no one was traying to cheat him out of the great seat he selected. Well my words and tone were kind and compassionate, and then he turned to the person and apologized, saying he’d just had a stressful day and didn’t mean to take it out on them.
#3: Stop judging. The best way to do this is to replace judging with curiosity, I like to say it like this: put on your on your curiosity hat and take a look at what you are about to judge. Because when we label everything as either “right” or “wrong”, “good” or “bad” it can cause us to overlook situations, and miss out on some really cool learning opportunities, and miss out on opportunities where we can be compassionate and kind to others.
#4 Be thankful and practice gratitude: If you are having a tough time being compassionate with someone who is going through a tough time because, quite frankly, you think well, it’s just not that big of a deal. Then you should count your blessing and be thankful that perhaps you’re stronger and maybe have a better sense of self! Then show them compassion, because remember we all deal with things differently, and this would be a perfect time to help them, rather than condemn them.
#5: Put things in perspective: A five-year old who loses it because he lost his favorite toy is a big deal. Have compassion, because if you all of a sudden lost your car, I’m sure you’d freak out too
#6: Listen, listen, and listen some more. Sometimes the best way to be compassionate is to just listen and not go into fix it mode. And be sure you are an active listener; this would mean that you should also ask questions to better understand how the other person is feeling. And many times, just being a good listener is all it takes to be extremely compassionate.
I once heard the saying “compassion is a verb”, and I couldn’t agree more.
Compassion is an act that involves putting others before yourself, and like all things, it becomes easier with practice.
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DENISE: Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please rate and review and share this podcast to help us spread out message of positive forward motion!
And don’t forget, you can follow me for more daily doses of positivity on Instagram and Facebook @DeniseScattergood, and you can find me on Twitter @AlertTrainers. You can also opt in for my daily text messages by texting the word “Positive” to 313131.
And remember, each episode comes with a free worksheet to help keep you on track. It’s simple! Just go to DeniseScattergood.com, you can find a free PDF download link under each episode. And be sure to tune in every Wednesday for a brand-new episode, and remember no matter how small your step is, as long as you’re taking it in the right direction, that’s what I call Positive Forward Motion!
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How does our environment affect human behavior?
Changing your environment is proven to decrease stress and improve your health. Discover to actively identify and improve your environment which will help you have more happiness and success both personally and professionally!
Click Here for the Downloadable Transcript!
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DENISE: Welcome and thank you for joining into today’s Positive Forward Motion. This is your host, Denise Scattergood.
Each week I discuss a topic that is designed to help you get more of what you do want, and less of what you don’t want, both personally and professionally.
My goal is to add value to other’s by sharing a topic in 8 minutes or less. Topics that will empower, motivate, and inspire you to have more happiness and success.
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DENISE: For today’s episode I’m relaunching one of our most popular topics, and that topic is Environment!
Last spring, I released this topic in time for spring, and as many of us are accustomed to, doing our spring cleaning and changing up our environment which we know positively affects our attitude and our behavior. And wow, who would have thought that a year later we would have a much different start to spring?!
With Covid-19 many of us have been in quarantine, which has really brought to the forefront the importance of our environment and how it really does affect our behavior, health, and success. I hope you enjoy this relaunch.
Spring is in the air, and for many of us that may mean de-cluttering, organizing, giving or throwing away things that just don’t service anymore. And when we do this, we’re helping ourselves be happier and more successful, because we are positively changing our environment which also affects our behavior.
So, let me explain.
I’m sure you’re aware that emotional stress can keep us from reaching our full potential. Right? Well environmental stress is just as important! We need to pay as much or perhaps even more attention to our environment because it’s proven that environment affects our behavior which in turns affects our emotional well being.
A cluttered, dirty, unorganized work or home environment, even a dirty car or a messy purse or backpack can have a negative effect on our behavior and daily performance.
The stress of an unpleasant environment has been proven to make us feel anxious or sad, even helpless at times. An unpleasant environment can affect our blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and did you know this? It also is known to suppress our immune system!
So, if you want to be more successful, happier, and healthier, well then, I’m glad you’re here listening today. Because I’m gonna also share with you 6 ways that you can start to improve your well being by improving your environment.
So, let’s start with #1.
And that is to change your outlook. And I don’t mean your attitude, I mean change what you’re looking at! Change your surroundings! Turn off the TV, turn off the cell phone, and the computer, and the gadgets, whatever they may be, and get outside!
Nature is a natural stress reliever. Take some deep breaths, go for a walk, or just spend time sitting on a bench enjoying the sights and sounds of mother nature.
You can also have walking meetings. 20 minutes of fresh air a day helps you feel happier, and it’s a great way to get some exercise into your day.
So instead of sitting in a conference room having a meeting, if you can, go have a walking and talking meeting outside. Walking helps us focus our mind and think creatively. And don’t just use this at work, having walking meetings with your spouse and children? Wow, it really does wonders for your relationship!
#2 is to surround your desk with positive quotes and pictures of your dreams and goals. Put up photos of a vacation you want to take, maybe a car you want to buy, or a home improvement project that you want to accomplish. Putting this up around your environment at work, it’s gonna help to keep you focused and excited, and remind you why you come to work each day!
#3: Get organized and make a commitment to remove clutter from your home and work! And if you need some motivation here, well, I was recently introduced to Marie Kondo’s Konmari method of de-cluttering and organization. And it’s no wonder she has such a huge following! Her message is simple, it’s straight forward, and her techniques will not only help you remove clutter and stay organized, she’s also going to help you identify what items to keep. And she talks about only keeping the items that “spark joy”!
#4: Be careful of the people you let into your environment. Be sure that you’re not wasting your time with people that are just filled with drama and negativity. You want to make sure that you have time to let positive people, people that empower, and motivate, and inspire you, into your life.
#5: be mindful of your group dynamic. Whether you’re in a class, or you’re with a group at your work, and you’re working closely with people in a close setting, take note of your productivity, and pay attention if it’s fallen behind. If it has, it may be because you’re unconsciously following the weakest team member rather than the strongest.
I see this happen many times as I’m training a team. Everyone starts to get comfortable; they start feeding off of one another. For lack of a better word they kind of get lazy. So, be careful not to let your work environment affect your happiness and success. You can’t change the people you work with, but you can change your focus and your productivity.
#6 is your personal space. Whether you’re renting a room, living at home, or you own your own home, your space can be your sanctuary. If it’s unorganized, disheveled, and maybe it’s even stressful, then you need to do something about it. Complaining is not going to change it. You need to take control and identify what it is that you can do to move forward.
So, it may mean saving money so you can move out on your own, or if you’re the leader of your household, then you need to take charge. Lead by example and teach your family how to be more organized and helpful. You will all benefit, I promise you that.
Changing your environment is not something that’s gonna happen on its own or overnight. So, don’t let the thinking about it stress you out. Identify the areas you need to change, then also identify the easiest thing that you can do first.
This will help you get started, and you’ll start to gain some momentum. Then every single day, take a positive forward motion step in the right direction! And don’t worry how small your step is. I mean, it might just be cleaning out your glove box! That’s still taking a step forward. And as long as you’re moving forward, no matter how small your step is, that’s what I call, Positive Forward Motion!
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DENISE: Thank you for supporting Positive Forward Motion! And don’t forget to tune in every Wednesday for a brand-new episode that will empower, motivate, and inspire you to be your best both personally and professionally!
And as always, you can find a free PDF worksheet of my action steps under each podcast episode on my website, DeniseScattergood.com.
And if you like to stay in the know of all things Positive Forward Motion, like workshops and special events, be sure to connect with me on Instagram and Facebook at Denise Scattergood, you can find me on Twitter: @AlertTrainers.
You can also text the word “Positive” to 313131 and you’ll be opted in for updates and daily doses of positivity.
If you enjoyed this episode, please review and share to help spread our message of positivity, and remember no matter how small your step is, as long as you take it in the right direction, that’s what I call Positive Forward Motion!
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