First Things First

Here are a few suggestions that will get you off to the right start on this first day of the work week.

1.Do the least desirable things first.

You probably have a list of things to do today. Some of these things you're looking forward to doing. Some of them you frankly don't want to do. The first things you need to do are the things that you want to do the least. The tendency is to "put off" the disagreeable things until the very last minute. Doing them first, however, has lots of advantages. You'll probably get through them quicker, by doing them when you are fresh and haven't had time to get bogged down in a lot of other things. You'll get them over with, and won't waste time worrying about them all day. You'll be developing an important habit of self-discipline, of going right ahead and doing what needs to be done, no matter how unpleasant it is. And when you do get around to the work that you really want to do, you'll be able to put all your concentration into it, knowing that all the unpleasant "have to do's" for the day are behind you.

2.Confront your fears.

Do something today that you've been afraid to do. Is there someone you're afraid to call? Is there some new skill you're afraid to try and tackle? Whatever your fear, the only way you can overcome it is to meet it head on. Do the thing you fear, and fear will have no control over you.

3.Be extra nice to someone you don't like.

Pretend that you like them, and treat them accordingly. You'll be surprised at how much of your dislike for someone comes from your attitude toward them, rather than their actual behavior. Yes, perhaps a long time ago they did something that ticked you off. And ever since that time, you've been holding a grudge. You now view everything they do in terms of that grudge. That is wasted effort and energy on your part. Try liking someone and see what a difference it makes in your overall attitude. It may even make them more likeable in the process.

4.Do something a different way.

Take a different route to the office. Eat in a restaurant where you've never eaten. Call someone you haven't spoken with for a long time. Get outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to think in different ways. It is easy to get into a rut, and to live our lives on "auto-pilot." You can grow only when you challenge yourself, and one of the best challenges is to put yourself in a new situation.

Try these simple steps today and see for yourself how you feel at the end of the day.

- Ralph Marston