Getting Your Office Together
How many hours a day are you in your office? If it’s more than you care to share, than your office needs to be a place not only of work … but of refuge.
Take a minute and think of 5 key words you’d like to use to describe your office. For example, you might want to describe it as inviting, cozy, tidy, intuitive and organized. These 5 key words are the goals on which you can now take action.
NOW, HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED:
1. CLEAR THE MIND AND CLEAR THE DESK
Excluding your computer and phone, clear off the top of your desk. Put everything in a box (you’ll use this box later so keep it handy!). Wipe your desk down and get rid of all those nasty dust bunnies.
2. USE A WORKING SYSTEM
To keep your desk tidy and useable for the long run, you need a working system. Ask yourself these primer questions. Do you need:
- An area for files?
- An area for incoming messages and “to do’s”? (check out www.1to31.com for help on this!)
- A working area that’s bigger? How big?
Now set up these different “stations” on the top of your desk or in certain areas of your office and keep those spaces dedicated. Remember, overlaps cause confusion and mayhem.
3. THINKING OUT OF THE BOX (LITERALLY!)
Now go back to the box you used in Tip #1 and take out every item and put it in it’s ‘new’ place. File items that need to be filed, toss items that are no longer needed and delegate anything you can.
4. TAME YOUR EMAIL
Take time to organize and purge your inbox. Set up folders for only those areas and subject matter you use most often. If you can, your email folders should correspond with the names of your real world files and folders (this will save you time trying to find things later). Delete emails you no longer need. Unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read. Be ruthless.
GIT Bonus point: Learn how to setup email filters for certain emails that you want to keep but don’t need to immediately access. Have the filter redirect the email to the folders you created in Tip # 4.
5. START AN END OF WORK DAY RITUAL
Now that your office is organized and you have your systems in place, it’s time to institute a new personal policy. Take 15 minutes at the end of each work day to clear off your desk, put things back and set-up for the next morning. This will make your office and desk so much more inviting.
To make this a habit, schedule this as an end of day appointment so you remember to do it! After 20 days, it will be hard not to do!
Don’t let your office become a dumping ground for you or others. Keep those 5 key words handy. Now that you’ve dreamed them – live them!
Don’t delay, start today. Getting started (and Getting It Together) is where it all begins.
Feeling overwhelmed? Contact Rowena List at www.gettingitogether.ca or 604-520-9550 for a complimentary 30 minute phone consultation. Booking a purging and organizing session with Rowena can be done at the same contact info.
Announcements
Watch a podcast!
getting it together with Rowena List
This podcast with Rowena discusses strategies that will help you stay on top of the tsunami of information coming at you in the form of email, voicemail and all those social networking updates.
Referral Program
Whether you are a client or not, Rowena would like to thank you for your referrals by offering a referral fee for any new client you send her way.
She’ll give you a cheque for 10% of the total bill or that same amount off your next newly booked session with her. That means that if you refer a client who books an image organizing session worth $400, then you get $40. That’s a free night at the movies!
This offer is time limited so don’t wait…refer away.
The 1 to 31 Organizing System™
Have you ever wondered how Rowena keeps on top of her hectic schedule. The key to her success is the 1 to 31 Organizing System™. It has been the base for her business and personal life for over 20 years and has proven to be a great asset.
Because of this, she wants to bring this organizing system to all you Moms, entrepreneurs, business people or anyone who desparately needs to be organized.
One customer said:
“The 1to31 has helped me enormously. I used to have bills, invitations, cards, lists and reminders stuck all over my fridge. I felt overwhelmed by the clutter and would miss important dates. The 1to31 helps me feel in control of my life’s events and keeps everything together. I wouldn’t be without it.”
.
Amanda Baggett
Sales Trainer, Education Services
Research in Motion
The system is so easy to use, that it will become second nature within a few days. Once you get started you’ll wonder how you ever managed (or didn’t manage) without it. For more information click here.
The 1 to 31 Organizing System™ is available now by contacting Rowena here.
Rowena List is an Image Organizer™, motivational speaker, CD author, writer, trainer and mentor in the fields of personal and business development. Based on her own personal trade secrets, Rowena provides training, coaching, tools and support for creating healthy reflections from the outside in. She focuses on “enhancing faces and clearing spaces” to provide the energy, productivity and confidence that are the foundations for her unique approach to Success Without Struggle™.
For article permissions, more information on Image Organizing™, on booking Rowena for a presentation or a one-on-one or on Getting It Together please contact her here.
Getting It Together for Healthy Eating
Top Ten tips
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Wash all vegetables as soon as you get home from shopping and before you put them away in the fridge. Cut up carrots and celery in ready to go containers.
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Have “master” shopping list. Make copies of the blank master and store in your 1to31 Organizing System™.
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Prepare large portions of soups and stews and freeze in smaller portions appropriate to your family’s needs.
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Make lunches the night before.
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Plan meals for the week and put them on your weekly plan sheet. (Check out the 1to31 Organizing System™ for more information on this.)
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Buy bulk nuts, seeds and dried fruits. Put together small portions to have on hand at work or for school lunch bags. Having snacks at works will stop you from being tempted by the vending machines.
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Organize and fill your water bottles the night before.
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Write the date on the lid at the time you open your condiments. This will really help you out when clearing out your fridge of expired items.
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Take 15 minutes to clear out your spice cabinet of all old unused spices. Keep only the fresh ones.
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Take 15 minutes and clear out your pantry of all old outdated items, any old junk food, any old partially opened packages and any items that you are not sure what they are.
For more detailed information on how to get organized or how to be more organized contact Rowena List.
Announcements
The Out-Smarts – Smart Strategies For Outstanding Internet Marketing Podcast
This podcast with Rowena discusses strategies that will help you stay on top of the tsunami of information coming at you in the form of email, voicemail and all those social networking updates.
Referral Program
Whether you are a client or not, Rowena would like to thank you for your referrals by offering a referral fee for any new client you send her way.
She’ll give you a cheque for 10% of the total bill or that same amount off your next newly booked session with her. That means that if you refer a client who books an image organizing session worth $400, then you get $40. That’s a free night at the movies!
This offer is time limited so don’t wait…refer away.
The 1 to 31 Organizing System™
Have you ever wondered how Rowena keeps on top of her hectic schedule. The key to her success is the 1 to 31 Organizing System™. It has been the base for her business and personal life for over 20 years and has proven to be a great asset.
Because of this, she wants to bring this organizing system to all you Moms, entrepreneurs, business people or anyone who desparately needs to be organized.
One customer said:
“The 1to31 has helped me enormously. I used to have bills, invitations, cards, lists and reminders stuck all over my fridge. I felt overwhelmed by the clutter and would miss important dates. The 1to31 helps me feel in control of my life’s events and keeps everything together. I wouldn’t be without it.”
.
Amanda Baggett
Sales Trainer, Education Services
Research in Motion
The system is so easy to use, that it will become second nature within a few days. Once you get started you’ll wonder how you ever managed (or didn’t manage) without it. For more information click here.
The 1 to 31 Organizing System™ is available now by contacting Rowena.
Rowena List is an Image Organizer™, motivational speaker, CD author, writer, trainer and mentor in the fields of personal and business development. Based on her own personal trade secrets, Rowena provides training, coaching, tools and support for creating healthy reflections from the outside in. She focuses on “enhancing faces and clearing spaces” to provide the energy, productivity and confidence that are the foundations for her unique approach to Success Without Struggle™.
For article republishing permission, more information on Image Organizing™, on booking Rowena for a presentation or a one-on-one or on Getting It Together please contact her here.
Getting Your Mail Together
Dedicated to all the people who
would like to simplify their lives just a little bit more
Have you ever suddenly remembered you had to do something or pay a bill, and couldn’t find the information anywhere in that pile of papers on your counter or desk?
It is amazing that in this highly electronic age we still receive physical, hard copy mail. But since we do, we thought we’d offer up some Together Tips on how to deal with those papers that seem to lie around and pile up.
When it comes to your mail you will want to adopt the “Deal with it, delegate it or dump it” philosophy.
Deal With It
Let’s start with the first one. Collect your mail from the box when you have 2 minutes to deal with it. Let’s face it you can not leave your mail in there all week so you may have to set aside time twice a week that you are going to collect your mail and deal with it.
Try to handle each piece of mail once if at all possible. Recycle all junk mail right away if you have not signed up for the “Red Dot” program. Next you will want to file your bills, birthday invitations etc in a system that you have set up for yourself.
If you do not have a system set up then I would recommend the 1to31 organizing binder. www.1to31.com This system allows you to file bills, birthday invitations, school announcements etc under the appropriate date that you will need to DEAL with them.
There is no need to pay bills until the day they are due. By being organized with your mail you will avoid the pitfalls of having piles of unopened mail all over your kitchen counter or top of your desk.
Delegate It
Can you delegate any of the mail tasks? Setting up prepaid authorization payments is the best way of delegating your bill payments. Is there someone in your household that can help you out with some of these tasks?
Dump It
Dump all junk mail. Better yet, sign up for the RED DOT program at www.reddotcampaign.ca and you will never receive junk mail again. While you are at it, why not sign up with Canada Post to have all your bills sent to you electronically. There is a link from the Red Dot site. You may also want to think about taking your name and address off store flyers/catalogues. So much of this information can be found online now. Just think of the trees and money you will be saving too.
Next time you go to your mail box try these simple tips and see how much time you will save. What will you do with that extra time?
For more detailed information on how to get organized or how to be more organized contact Rowena List.
Announcements
Referral Program
Whether you are a client or not, Rowena would like to thank you for your referrals by offering a referral fee for any new client you send her way.
She’ll give you a cheque for 10% of the total bill or that same amount off your next newly booked session with her. That means that if you refer a client who books an image organizing session worth $400, then you get $40. That’s a free night at the movies!
This offer is time limited so don’t wait…refer away.
The 1 to 31 Organizing System™
Have you ever wondered how Rowena keeps on top of her hectic schedule. The key to her success is the 1 to 31 Organizing System™. It has been the base for her business and personal life for over 20 years and has proven to be a great asset.
Because of this, she wants to bring this organizing system to all you Moms, entrepreneurs, business people or anyone who desparately needs to be organized.
One customer said:
“The 1to31 has helped me enormously. I used to have bills, invitations, cards, lists and reminders stuck all over my fridge. I felt overwhelmed by the clutter and would miss important dates. The 1to31 helps me feel in control of my life’s events and keeps everything together. I wouldn’t be without it.”
Amanda Baggett
Sales Trainer, Education Services
Research in Motion
The system is so easy to use, that it will become second nature within a few days. Once you get started you’ll wonder how you ever managed (or didn’t manage) without it. For more information click here.
The 1 to 31 Organizing System™ is available now by contacting Rowena.
Rowena List is an Image Organizer™, motivational speaker, CD author, writer, trainer and mentor in the fields of personal and business development. Based on her own personal trade secrets, Rowena provides training, coaching, tools and support for creating healthy reflections from the outside in. She focuses on “enhancing faces and clearing spaces” to provide the energy, productivity and confidence that are the foundations for her unique approach to Success Without Struggle™.
For article republishing permission, more information on Image Organizing™, on booking Rowena for a presentation or a one-on-one or on Getting It Together please contact her here.
Getting It Together for the Next Stage in Your Life
Here we are – another year. Let us for once not talk about resolutions, instead let’s talk about the next stage in your life.
I have encountered many women who are searching for something more, something different than what their life offers them now. Your life circumstances or situation might have changed, and now you ask yourself, what do I really want for myself?
Are you ready to break out of your current image, and go beyond – even if just a little?
Where are You at Now?
Take time to think about the direction you would like your life to move in. By answering the following questions you will be able to see if it is time to move on:
- Do you lack passion for your job?
- On a day-to-day basis are you just going through the motions?
- Is something gnawing at you?
- Do you have problems letting go of old beliefs?
- Do you often ask yourself “there must be more” or “is this all there is?”
- Do you admire people who have made a bold move?
If you answered ‘yes’ to even one of the above questions it may be time to look at your life and start thinking about making some changes.
Simple Techniques to Get You Going
- Take some time (a vacation, a long walk) and allow yourself to really think about what your life would look like if ___________________ (make it up, what do you really desire?).
- Seek the guidance and help of experts. There are countless programs out there to find out “who you are” and “what you want to do”.
- Write the following on a slip of paper and put it somewhere you will see it often. This will encourage you every day to make the right changes and choices. “Life is not a dress rehearsal so go out there and give it your best shot. The pain of staying the same has to be greater than the pain of change.”
- Jot down your thoughts and feelings to the following questions:
- Think about if money were no object, how would you spend your days?
- Ask yourself “what is holding me back from making a change?”
- Above all, ask yourself this: “If I knew I could not fail what would I do?”
This is the time of year that is best for you to go out and make a change. You are motivated, you are ready. Seek support amongst your family and friends, hire professionals to help you get organized, and most of all, trust in yourself. It’s worth it; you only have one lifetime to live your dreams.
For assistance with developing your thoughts a little more in this area feel free to contact Rowena at 604.436.6008 to book an Image Organizing™ session.
Announcements
Referral Program
Whether you are a client or not, Rowena would like to thank you for your referrals by offering a referral fee for any new client you send her way.
She’ll give you a cheque for 10% of the total bill or that same amount off your next newly booked session with her. That means that if you refer a client who books an image organizing session worth $400, then you get $40. That’s a free night at the movies!
This offer is time limited so don’t wait…refer away.
The 1 to 31 Organizing System™
Have you ever wondered how Rowena keeps on top of her hectic schedule. The key to her success is the 1 to 31 Organizing System™. It has been the base for her business and personal life for over 20 years and has proven to be a great asset.
Because of this, she wants to bring this organizing system to all you Moms, entrepreneurs, business people or anyone who desparately needs to be organized.
One customer said:
“The 1to31 has helped me enormously. I used to have bills, invitations, cards, lists and reminders stuck all over my fridge. I felt overwhelmed by the clutter and would miss important dates. The 1to31 helps me feel in control of my life’s events and keeps everything together. I wouldn’t be without it.”
Amanda Baggett
Sales Trainer, Education Services
Research in Motion
The system is so easy to use, that it will become second nature within a few days. Once you get started you’ll wonder how you ever managed (or didn’t manage) without it. For more information click here.
The 1 to 31 Organizing System™ is available at www.1to31.com or by contacting Rowena here.
Rowena List is an Image Organizer™, motivational speaker, CD author, writer, trainer and mentor in the fields of personal and business development. Based on her own personal trade secrets, Rowena provides training, coaching, tools and support for creating healthy reflections from the outside in. She focuses on “enhancing faces and clearing spaces” to provide the energy, productivity and confidence that are the foundations for her unique approach to Success Without Struggle™.
For article republishing permission, more information on Image Organizing™, on booking Rowena for a presentation or a one-on-one or on Getting It Together please contact her here.
Four Surefire Steps to Getting (and Keeping) It Together this Holiday Season
Do you get so stressed-out about the holiday season that you can’t even enjoy it?
Do you wish there were more hours in the day?
Do you wish there was more money in the bank (especially in January)?
Do you wish you could just run away from it all?
Do you feel bombarded by the commercialism of the holidays?
The holiday season need not be this way. As December gets closer you start to feel the pull of the holiday season. It is possible to think of it as a beautiful, precious time of the year – a time spent with family and friends. Let’s look at ways to embrace these festive times in a positive way.
Getting It Together believes you can have a stress-free, jolly, and peaceful holiday season. Here are four surefire steps to getting and keeping it together this holiday season.
Step 1 – Make a Plan and Prioritize
This plan will specifically state how you would like to spend the holidays. It may not be realistic to have everything you want or wish for, so make a plan and then prioritize each item.
For example, you may not be able to do all the baking or cooking; this is an area where you can ask for some help. Yes, allow yourself to get help. Why not do a cookie exchange with a few of your friends. This is a fun, stress free way to spend 2 or 3 hours catching up and visiting with friends while baking. This will create loads of extra time for enjoying your holiday entertaining and more time spent with out-of-town guests or relaxing.
Step 2 – Set Up a Master To-Do List
Now that you have your plan, make a Master To-Do List that is divided into subjects like shopping, a grocery list, menu ideas, activities and errands. Break your Master To-Do List down into small manageable “To-Do’s” and look at your priorities. What can you do? What can someone else do? What really does not have to be done? Let’s face it; people have way too many items on the never ending list.
Step 3 – Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
What on your Master To-Do List can you delegate?
For example, if they are old enough have your kids do the gift wrapping (not their own gifts of course!). Remember, it may not be perfect and it may not be the exact way that you would do it, but having it done for you frees up extra time to do other tasks. Plus, bonus…it will make the kids feel important and special.
Step 4 – Keep it Simple
No need to go overboard. The holidays are already special. Keeping yours
simple will allow you to have way more fun, more time, more money and less stress.
Gift Giving
Create a theme for gift-giving. The best and simplest one is the gift of time. Set up dates with friends and family members to go for lunch or a manicure or special holiday play. Get all of your friends and family on-board with this idea and they will love you forever. This will cut down on the pressure to buy and keep everyone clutter free.
As for kids, why not draw names. Most children feel so overwhelmed by the sheer volume of presents that they have a hard time focusing on one thing.
Food
Create a theme for your menus, pick a country or a culture and create all your meals around those traditional foods. This is a great way to learn about other countries and keeps your grocery shopping and meal planning simple.
Another great idea is pot luck. Many people shy away from this during special holidays, but it is at this time that you need it the most. You get tons of variety and what better way to experience a food theme! Encourage your guests to keep it simple and healthy.
Most important to remember: Less is more! Keep in mind the reason for the season, why you are getting together with friends and family and what kind of memories you want to make.
It is really only one or two days of the year so keeping it all in perspective will allow you to have a fun, stress-free, jolly holiday season.
Rowena List is an Image Organizer™, motivational speaker, CD author, writer, trainer and mentor in the fields of personal and business development. Based on her own personal trade secrets, Rowena provides training, coaching, tools and support for creating healthy reflections from the outside in. She focuses on “enhancing faces and clearing spaces” to provide the energy, productivity and confidence that are the foundations for her unique approach to Success Without Struggle™.
Rowena is available for keynote speaking engagements, workshops and one-on-one professional organizing and Image Organizing™.
For more great tips on getting it together and Image Organizing™ you can contact Rowena List here.
Getting That Together Look in 3-Minutes or Less!
You have already finished your skin care routine, using the best skin care products on the market today – from Mary Kay of course – and now you only have 3-minutes to get your make-up done for the day.
Not a problem!
Step 1
Simply start with a small amount of concealer under the eyes and on any blemishes. Pat the concealer with your fingertips to make sure it blends into the skin well. Remember to be gentle with the delicate skin around the eyes!
Step 2
For an ‘all-over radiant glow’ is to brush some of Mary Kay’s Bronzing Beads all over the face and neck. Try adding a little more powder to your cheeks to emphasize your beautiful bone structure! Fashion models do this all the time!
Step 3
To ensure a professional yet feminine look for your eyes, smudge a little bit of Mary Kay’s fabulous eye liner or eye shadow onto the outer corner of your eye lids. Don’t forget to finish off with a rich coat of mascara. Your eyes will appear “brighter” in a matter of seconds.
Step 4
Finally, to perfect your look, dab your lips with any one of Mary Kay’s fabulous lip glosses.
Voila! You are now ready to put your best face forward for the day.
Rowena List is an Image Organizer™, motivational speaker, CD author, writer, trainer and mentor in the fields of personal and business development. Based on her own personal trade secrets, Rowena provides training, coaching, tools and support for creating healthy reflections from the outside in. She focuses on “enhancing faces and clearing spaces” to provide the energy, productivity and confidence that are the foundations for her unique approach to Success Without Struggle™.
For more information on getting your 3-minute look, Image Organizing™ or Getting It Together please contact Rowena List here.
Three Easy Steps To Getting Your Closet Together
Less Stress, Frustration and…Dust
Is your closet a nicely organized one or is it one that looks like it has been hit by a tornado?
Everytime you go into your closet you look at the clothes and find yourself saying: “I have to get rid of these, I never wear them”, “It’s been so long since I wore this, maybe tomorrow or “I know I’ll fit into this next summer after I lose weight”.
Do you find yourself having a hard time choosing what to wear?
Are you having trouble finding items in your closet, or worse finding room for all your clothes?
With an organized closet you always find what you want right away – everything flows smoothly and quickly!
A disorganized closet can store a lot more than clothes and shoes. Stress, frustration, anger and a loss-of-patience can also be hiding in there. And don’t forget the dust!
How To Get Started Getting Your Closet Together
Step 1
Would you agree that we generally wear our newest clothes; the clothes that fit us comfortably and the outfits we feel good in? In a disorganized closet, these clothes usually only add up to about 20% of our wardrobe! So why are you keeping the rest? For those “when I lose weight” or “I know I’ll wear it someday” excuses?
A simple way to clear your closet clutter is to first ask yourself:
1. ”Would I buy it again?”
2. “Have I worn it in the past year?”
3. “Does it fit?”
4. “Do I feel fabulous in it?”
Any clothing item that received a “No” answer has got to go!
Step 2
Take it out of your closet and pass it on, with love, to a charity, to a friend or even bring it to a consignment store and have it sold for you. (When giving clothing to a charity, please keep in mind that if you wouldn’t want one of your friends to be seen in that clothing, in public, it might not be suitable for charity either). Eveningwear and/or special-occasion outfits are the only exception to the “one-year” rule.
Step 3
For the items you are keeping:
- Ensure that outfits can be coordinated with the littlest effort possible. Try to make sure that most of the items remaining in your closet can be paired with at least three other items.
- Separate your wardrobe into tops, bottoms and jackets so that you can quickly and effortlessly mix and match the items to make a variety of fabulous outfits. If you choose to organize your clothes in this fashion, your closet will appear clean, tidy and full – but not overstuffed! Just imagine how fast and easy getting dressed will be?
Together Tips
- Use the same style of hangers throughout your closet and have them facing in the same direction. You’d be surprised at the difference this makes!
- What about purses, belts and shoes? How many black bags and black strappy heels does a girl need? That depends on your lifestyle. Just make sure that all handbags, purses, belts and shoes that you keep are in good shape, are comfortable and are in style. A good quality handbag and a pair of shoes can really complete the look of an outfit.
- When buying new clothing take out three items from your closet for every new item that is purchased. Why three you ask? Because if your closet is not organized, there are definitely three items that are good to go!
So what are you waiting for? We all know how valuable free time is in today’s world. Free time is time when you are feeling NO STRESS and NO FRUSTRATION – only calmness & confidence!
The more organized your closet is the less stress you will feel. You won’t catch yourself getting frustrated because you can’t find anything in your closet, or because you simply can’t decide what top to wear with what bottom…and then what shoes and purse to match with it!
Organizing your closet can be fun and fulfilling. However, if after reading this article, you just don’t know where to start or it is too overwhelming and you would like some assistance, please contact Rowena here or call (604) 436-6008.
Rowena List is an Image Organizer™, motivational speaker, CD author, writer, trainer and mentor in the fields of personal and business development. Based on her own personal trade secrets, Rowena provides training, coaching, tools and support for creating healthy reflections from the outside in. She focuses on “enhancing faces and clearing spaces” to provide the energy, productivity and confidence that are the foundations for her unique approach to Success Without Struggle™.
Top 10 Secrets To Success Without Struggle™
Suc-cess (sək-ses)
1. A favorable or desired outcome of something attempted.
2. A successful person, enterprise, etc.
3. Attainment of wealth, etc.
Success is a journey, not a destination.
It takes 25 years to become an overnight success.
—Rowena List
You have heard them all, but what are the TOP secrets to success?
First Steps
Lets find out where YOU are in relationship to these secrets:
- Take the next few minutes and read through this list.
- Rank each one from 1 to 10, where 1 is NEVER DO IT/EXPERIENCE IT and10 is THIS IS MY WAY OF LIFE/THIS IS WHO I AM.
- Note: You can write N/A if it doesn’t apply to you.
Next Steps
Now that you have ranked them all, take a look at the numbers.
- For your 10’s, ask yourself: “What am I doing that makes this so easy?“
- For the 9’s ask yourself: “What one thing could I do to bring these up to a 10?“
- Then, choose one that has the lowest number and see what you can do TODAY to raise it up even one notch.
Rowena List is an Image Organizer™, motivational speaker, CD author, writer, trainer and mentor in the fields of personal and business development. Based on her own personal trade secrets, Rowena provides training, coaching, tools and support for creating healthy reflections from the outside in. She focuses on “enhancing faces and clearing spaces” to provide the energy, productivity and confidence that are the foundations for her unique approach to Success Without Struggle™.
For more information on Image Organizing™ or on Getting It Together please contact Rowena List here.