5 min read How to Manage Time With 10 Tips That Work

*As originally posted on http://www.entrepreneur.com*

By:Joe Mathews, Don Debolt and Deb Percival

Chances are good that, at some time in your life, you've taken a time management class, read about it in books, and tried to use an electronic or paper-based day planner to organize, prioritize and schedule your day. "Why, with this knowledge and these gadgets," you may ask, "do I still feel like I can't get everything done I need to?"

The answer is simple. Everything you ever learned about managing time is a complete waste of time because it doesn't work.

Before you can even begin to manage time, you must learn what time is. A dictionary defines time as "the point or period at which things occur." Put simply, time is when stuff happens.

There are two types of time: clock time and real time. In clock time, there are 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, 24 hours in a day and 365 days in a year. All time passes equally. When someone turns 50, they are exactly 50 years old, no more or no less.

In real time, all time is relative. Time flies or drags depending on what you're doing. Two hours at the department of motor vehicles can feel like 12 years. And yet our 12-year-old children seem to have grown up in only two hours.

Which time describes the world in which you really live, real time or clock time?

The reason time management gadgets and systems don't work is that these systems are designed to manage clock time. Clock time is irrelevant. You don't live in or even have access to clock time. You live in real time, a world in which all time flies when you are having fun or drags when you are doing your taxes.

The good news is that real time is mental. It exists between your ears. You create it. Anything you create, you can manage. It's time to remove any self-sabotage or self-limitation you have around "not having enough time," or today not being "the right time" to start a business or manage your current business properly.

There are only three ways to spend time: thoughts, conversations and actions. Regardless of the type of business you own, your work will be composed of those three items.

As an entrepreneur, you may be frequently interrupted or pulled in different directions. While you cannot eliminate interruptions, you do get a say on how much time you will spend on them and how much time you will spend on the thoughts, conversations and actions that will lead you to success. 

Practice the following techniques to become the master of your own time:

1. Carry a schedule and record all your thoughts, conversations and activities for a week. This will help you understand how much you can get done during the course of a day and where your precious moments are going. You'll see how much time is actually spent producing results and how much time is wasted on unproductive thoughts, conversations and actions.
2. Any activity or conversation that's important to your success should have a time assigned to it. To-do lists get longer and longer to the point where they're unworkable. Appointment books work. Schedule appointments with yourself and create time blocks for high-priority thoughts, conversations, and actions. Schedule when they will begin and end. Have the discipline to keep these appointments.
3. Plan to spend at least 50 percent of your time engaged in the thoughts, activities and conversations that produce most of your results.
4. Schedule time for interruptions. Plan time to be pulled away from what you're doing. Take, for instance, the concept of having "office hours." Isn't "office hours" another way of saying "planned interruptions?"
5. Take the first 30 minutes of every day to plan your day. Don't start your day until you complete your time plan. The most important time of your day is the time you schedule to schedule time.
6. Take five minutes before every call and task to decide what result you want to attain. This will help you know what success looks like before you start. And it will also slow time down. Take five minutes after each call and activity to determine whether your desired result was achieved. If not, what was missing? How do you put what's missing in your next call or activity?
7. Put up a "Do not disturb" sign when you absolutely have to get work done.
8. Practice not answering the phone just because it's ringing and e-mails just because they show up. Disconnect instant messaging. Don't instantly give people your attention unless it's absolutely crucial in your business to offer an immediate human response. Instead, schedule a time to answer email and return phone calls.
9. Block out other distractions like Facebook and other forms of social media unless you use these tools to generate business.
10. Remember that it's impossible to get everything done. Also remember that odds are good that 20 percent of your thoughts, conversations and activities produce 80 percent of your results.

The 4 Best Strategies For Savvy Self-Publishers

The 4 Best Strategies For Savvy Self-Publishers

By Nikki Woods

My 12-year-old son has crowned himself King of the Checker Board. When you face him you have to be ready because he is always a step ahead of his competition.

I think about him before I launch each project because I’m reminded of how important it is to be strategic if I plan to be successful.

RELATED CONTENT: 4 Reasons You Need A Business Plan For Your Book

If you’re planning on making your self-publishing experience far above average, here are four strategies that can help:

1. Examine the latest available options and determine which best suits your needs.

Determine your goals and vision for your book. Ask yourself specific questions to help provide clarity and the best way forward in your pursuit. Think about the following:

• What dream do you have for your book?

• What dream do you have for your writing career?

• What exactly would make your book a success in your own eyes?

• Is this a long-term goal or a short-term goal?

• Do you see this a sprint to the top or a well-plotted journey that could take years?

• Who is your ideal reader?

• What kind of books does your ideal reader buy?

• Where are most of those books sold?

• Will you print on demand, digitally publish (e-book), or offset print?

• Will you do everything yourself (including all the technical aspects of publishing), or hire professional help for a complete finished product?

2. Begin today.

As a self-publisher, you are competing with hundreds of authors, blogs, books, posts, tweets and updates on the internet. You have to stand out to get discovered and shared by your potential readers. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Grow your platform. Developing a community of loyal followers takes time. Build your author platform, as a large, loyal platform often translates into book sales.

• Be yourself. Discover your own genuine voice. Don’t try to imitate someone else’s writing voice.

• Target a large market. In identifying your market, pinpoint a group that is focused and easy to reach.

• Get the word out. Think about blogging regularly for your website, sharing useful resources, pitching to national news sources and other popular blogs.

3. Put forward your best.

Your book represents you and your brand, so it is important to get it right. Seek quality editors, designers and printers. Present the most professional product possible: a good, professionally edited book; a striking cover which speaks to your genre; a compelling ad that fascinates your audience; a killer opening that will hook readers who sample; clean formatting to keep readers in the story; and a price readers won’t think twice about. In addition, update your book regularly if you choose to publish on demand.

4. Get on Amazon.

Readers search on Amazon and buy more books there than anywhere else. Keep these tips in mind in getting your book Amazon-ready:

• Get a Bestselling Author for your Forward. Having your book listed among bestsellers, especially on Amazon, will be a big boost to getting discovered in searches.

• Use keywords that are popular with your genre to maximize hits on your book.

• Utilize CreateSpace, as Amazon rewards authors who self-publish with this tool.

• Become a bestseller in your niche. While online marketers offer assistance with this, get references and be wary if the marketer promises that bestselling authors with promote your book.

RELATED CONTENT: 8 Better Ways To Pitch Your New Book Project

You can be a success at self publishing your book but only if you’re intentional and vigilant through out the process.

It’s your move! Keep Writing!

HWHNHWHNHWHNHWHNHWHNHWHNHWHNHWHNHWHNHWHNHWHNHWHNH
Multi-media personality, Social Media and Personal Branding Coach, Motivational Speaker and Voice-over artist, NIKKI WOODS is the senior producer of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, the most successful syndicated urban radio show in history reaching more than 8 million people on a daily basis. 
www.nikkiwoodsmedia.com

7 Courageous Actions to Maximize the Queen in You

WOW!!




We are in the middle of an awesome 2-day tele-summit entitled, "Because I am a Queen" and it is pure awesomeness! Where else can you go as a woman to have every area of your life supported and celebrated and to TRULY get what you need? Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation!!


This tele-summit is for you to come and seek the answers for your next steps in your greatness. Because I Am a Queen offers practical steps and insights for those specific questions you need to ask yourself to become the confident queen you were created to be.


As I listened to all of the powerful information and saw all of the beautiful honesty, truths, and "Aha" moments posted in the Facebook group, I knew that this is definitely a training I will keep in my self development library as a refresher. We all have those moments when we question ourselves and wonder "Why I am doing this?" "Is it really worth it?" "Am I really equipped to do this?" This telesummit addressed how to handle yourself in those moments and to push past all of the negative people and thoughts that come your way. I am going to give you 7 of the Courageous Action Steps that I am holding onto from the first night of the call.  

1) Who are you? Of course you know your name, where you live, your parents, your occupation, etc,etc, but who ARE you? Do you know the essence of your being? Do you know the specific, individual, quirky, unique, amazing things about you that make you you? Do you know what makes you stand out and most importantly, do you own it? 


2) Why are you here? Once you know who you are, you can get clear about what you were created to do. We are each birthed into the world to solve a problem. You are on purpose.

 3) What’s holding you back? Ok, so you know who you are and why you are here, but you haven't taken action. Why? Because momma said it's not realistic? Your boyfriend said it's going to take too much time? Has your husband told you maybe later when you can fit it in the budget? Or maybe you told yourself you wouldn't be a good mother if you pursue it. Whatever "IT" is, recognize it and put some positivity on it. Positivity breeds progression. Allow yourself to honor your commit to your Creator by making a way to do what you are called to do.

4) 2There are 2 mindsets- Fixed and Growth- When you make the commit to move forward in your purpose, know that THAT is the moment when the work begins and it starts in the mind. It's ok. We all have to train those brain muscles to think about something other than math and history. You have to work the "I Can" brain muscle. We often fall into routines of living within boundaries that are set by others. sometimes we set our own unnecessary boundaries based off of what we see in other people. That "fixed" mindset says, "I can't. It won't work. That's not realistic." As we work that brain muscle and challenge it, we can create the "Growth" mindset that says, "I can. I will find a way to make it work because it is realistic." Have the growth mindset to realize there is more and go get it. And remember to build a community around you who support your "Growth mindset."

5) Get clear about what you want. This world is full of opportunity and options. It is completely true that everything is not for everybody. So what is for you? What are those desires of your heart? What motivates you? What keeps you going? Just as you are clear about your purpose and why you are here, get clear about what you want that will keep you here. Those things that bring joy and value to your life, those relationships, that lifestyle, that dream fulfilled, get clear about them and stay focused on them. Remind yourself of your goals, your dreams and your WHY. Great things come your way when you ask for what you want and what you need.  

6) Lift as you climb- I absolutely love this! As you grow, so does your community. The support system around you will get the trickle down of your efforts. There is room for everyone at the top, BUT, they must be willing. Don't be afraid to reach back and pull others up along with you. Know that someone is always waiting for you, and most of them you have never met. 

7) Don’t ask for permission. Give notice. BOOM!!! It doesn't get much realer than that! Stop waiting for someone else to say it's ok to live your purpose. Stop asking if someone will help and simply tell them how they can help. This is your life and your vision. No one else will ever do this thing like you so do it up and play full out!! 

I am so excited about what is in store for Part II of Because I Am a Queen. If you missed it, last night, do yourself a favor and make it a priority to join us tonight, July 22, 2015 at 9p EST. Register at www.hwhn.org and step into your royalty.


You are worth it.!


Kristin M. Young, “The Marriage Enthusiast” is a proud supporter and staff member of Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation, Inc. She is committed to supporting women in their journey to wholeness as individuals and in their marriages. 

5 Steps to Transform Your Gloom to BOOM

“Don’t let today’s disappointments cast a shadow on tomorrow’s dreams.” ~Unknown

How many times have you gotten yourself super psyched about a new dream? You see it in your mind. You feel yourself running through that finish line. You hear the introduction before you go on stage. You see the direct impact you make on a community from the generous gift you donated. You call your closest girlfriend and share your well thought out plan and you have her full support. You sit down and put your pen to the paper, your fingers to the keyboard and your ear to the phone. You are in hustle mode and no one can stop you! Except…. You. 

But, it’s not really you, because it’s really those 6 organizations you called who said they cannot support you at this time. As well as the two banks that denied your loan and of course the dear family members who made it clear that what you are doing is outrageous and you need to be more realistic.

Ma’am, I am here to remind you that no one can stop you except you. Your vision is your vision. Your actions are your actions and your will is your will. You are here with a divine appointment to act on the gifts, strengths and visions that are inside of you. So I am going to give you a five step strategy to press pass the gloom to focus on your BOOM.

1. Acknowledge potential challenges and attack them.

Finances, time, degrees, children, transportation, education, fear of rejection… list them all. Any and everything you foresee as a roadblock, write them down and create a plan to turn them into hurdles. Get the support you need. It’s harder to stray from a well written plan than a great idea in your mind. 

2. Get to know you.

What makes you tick? What makes you sick? What turns you on? What stops you in your tracks? What makes your blood boil? What encourages you? We all have those people, places things and thoughts that trigger us to run faster or come to a sudden halt. Write them down and acknowledge them. Which ones are you comfortable with? Which ones do you want to shift? How can you strengthen the areas you want to strengthen? You are entitled to every emotion you feel whenever you feel it, however, it’s up to you to know why you feel it and how those emotions serve you and hurt you.

3. Now you know. A.C.T.

Now that you can identify your triggers, what are you going to do with them? You are going to create a strategy to stand on your emotions instead of losing yourself in them. In life, the actions you take speak volumes about the person you are. Honor your truth and stand in your greatness. You have Acknowledged your challenges and now you are Creating your “Win Strategy” to stay proactive in your thoughts and responses. As you continue to work your plan and focus on the inner work, you will see the Transformation in your daily life and soon realize the fears and the challenges you once endured are part of your history.  Acknowledge. Create. Transform.

4. Celebrate you.

We learn early on that we celebrate major milestones and accomplishments. Graduations, retirements, birthdays, weddings, etc. are certainly worth celebrating, but when we breakdown the essence of each of those celebrations, you are the common denominator. You are the reason the celebration exists. You are powerful and amazing! Why wait for a major accomplishment five years from now when you do great things everyday? Celebrate you! Every goal you complete and every step you take is a power move on your life journey. 

5. Actions speak louder than thoughts.

With all of the planning and strategies you have created, old and new obstacles will show up. Remember, the key to the planning and strategizing is the action. You have to look those fears and those people in the eye and do it afraid. Stick to your plan and stick to your truth. You are only as great as the person you allow yourself to be. Tell that negativity to step aside so you can run on!

You are loved. You are great. You are here on purpose. Show up and show out!

 

Kristin M. Young, “The Marriage Enthusiast” is a proud supporter and staff member of Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation, Inc. She is committed to supporting women in their journey to wholeness as individuals and in their marriages. Let Kristin know your thoughts, share with us on FB or tweet using hashtag #hwhn!

23 Ways to Make Money: Side Hustles

Sometimes you need to supplement your income; you need ways to make money on the side apart from your regular job. Other times you may have gotten furloughed (as so many people have recently with the government shutdown) or laid-off and need to make money to stay afloat until you get back to work. Enter the side hustle. Strap on your entrepreneurial hat and gloves and get to work on different ways to make money. I’ve listed twenty-three below to help you get started.

1) Online merchant. Sell items online at places like Amazon, Ebay, etc. You can sell things you don’t use that are already around your house. Those boots you’ve only worn once that hurt your feet, sell them. The tennis rackets that were only used a few times before being put in a corner to collect dust, sell them. If you have collector’s items of toys, games etc. consider selling a piece or two. If you bought a toy for $5 and it can now sell for $200 online, that’s a nice return on investment and supplemental income.

2) Self-published author. Have you already written a collection of short stories or a collection of poems? Put them together and read it through to make sure there is flow or ask a person you trust to proofread it. Once you’re satisfied, self publish it. Put your new work in the proper format for the site on which you plan to sell it, and give it a reasonable price. This will bring in some passive income, a nice way to make money that won’t require constant work.

3) Freelance writer or editor. If you already have a great knowledge base in your industry you can write about it for others. There are writers and editors for every subject or industry. You can put the word out that you’re available, charge a low introductory price to get feedback and testimonials from the first few jobs to build more credibility. You can also sign-up on sites like elance.com and fiverr.com to promote your services and get clients.

4) Barber or stylist. Styling hair is a great way to make money. If you already have clippers and regularly cut the hair of siblings, friends, or your children then you may be able to expand and make a little money. Let your current “nonpaying customers” know you are looking to expand and what your price point is. You’ll already have positive word of mouth recommendations.

5) Babysitter. I often see ads or hear people asking about babysitters. If you have the patience and the knowledge to watch children then this may be a nice side hustle for you. Determine if you need any certifications to give yourself an extra boost or credibility. Research the going rate so you can be competitive.

6) Dog walker. People love their pets and some would spend all day with their four-legged friend if they could, but they need to go to work. They would love it if you could pop in and take their friend for a walk.

7) Pet sitter or house sitter. Has a friend or relative ever asked you to watch their house or go over and feed their cat? Well this is also an avenue for a side hustle or a way to make money. You could become a freelance pet or house sitter. People will pay for peace of mind and to make sure furry or feathered friends stay in good health.

8) Personal assistant. Busy executives and professionals may need an assistant outside of work to assist with everyday errands such as picking up drying cleaning, grocery shopping, etc. If you don’t mind running around a bit this may be a great way to bring in side income. Some people use the term gopher, but I like the term personal assistant. I’ve seen some charge about $50 per hour for these services. Now just starting, I don’t suggest this pricing until you’ve gained positive referrals and recommendations.

9) Personal shopper. Some people just don’t have time to go shopping. You can do it for them; yes they will pay you for it. Say they need a great outfit for the important meeting or office party, they’ll let you know what they’re looking for and you have to hunt it down. So if shopping is something that you like to do then try this out.

10) Seamstress or quilter. If you’re good with a needle, you can make some money. If you sew, crochet or knit you can sell your creations on sites like Etsy.com where people buy homemade items such as hats, blankets, scarves, gloves, doilies etc. If you sew particularly well you could also tailor clothes for individuals.

11) Scheduler. Busy people who aren’t great with organization or just feel they don’t have the time will pay you to create their schedules. If you’re familiar with programs like Google calendar or Outlook, you can try this side hustle. I’ve seen many ads on craigslist for this.

12) Tutor. People are always looking for others who have mastered a subject to tutor themselves or their children. If there is a subject in which you have higher than average knowledge you can tutor in that subject. The most common subjects are math, science, English and test prep (SAT, GRE, MCAT). However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of opportunities for other subjects like foreign languages.

13) House cleaner. If you don’t mind scrubbing and using a little elbow grease then you can try house cleaning. House cleaners or housekeepers are still quite common. Do the same mentioned above to gain credibility and get the word out.

14)  Lawn care specialist. Cutting grass and hedges around the house is often outsourced to others. So if you know what you’re doing and have the tools then this may be an option. You could also do things like rake, bag and haul leaves. Clean out gutters etc.

15) Photographer. Already have the equipment and have taken pictures at friends’ events for free? You could start making money here. Turn your hobby into a moneymaker. This is definitely for the person who is already doing photography as a hobby and has the necessary equipment and skill. I do not suggest offering to take pictures at someone’s special event without some experience.

20) Clinical trial subject. You can sign-up for clinical trials that are offering compensation for participation. The description will tell you what is expected of you and the time commitment that is required, usually the longer the commitment the higher the compensation.

21) Workout coach or personal trainer. If you’re really into fitness and health and offer advice to friends and family anyway, you can begin to get paid for this also. Many individuals who are ready to get started working out, want an accountability partner who knows what he/she is doing…and yes they’ll pay you for it.

22) IT troubleshooter. Technology is very important in our daily lives. When it works awesome, when it doesn’t …well you know. So if you’re technologically savvy and know how to fix most problems or problems tied to a specific device or machine then people will definitely pay you to help them.

23) Landlord. If you have an extra bedroom or a part of your house than can be used as a mini apartment, then rent it out. Renting out rooms can bring you in an extra couple hundred a month. Be careful and make sure to check backgrounds and other items to maintain your safety.

A few notes:

As you may have noticed there is a running theme throughout this article. If you have a hobby or a passion that you’re already involved in, you have the knowledge necessary to make money from it. Be creative and think outside the box. Start with an introductory rate and get great recommendations and testimonials.

For every site mentioned check the rules and fees to make sure that it is a lucrative option for you. For each side hustle, do your research so you’ll know exactly what it entails (advantages and disadvantages), how to get started, how you can be competitive and will know what you need for credibility. You can also look up companies that are already hiring freelancers and sign up with them.

Prepare to pay taxes on your side hustle. Fill out a 1099 estimated income tax form to state how much money you’ve earned from your side hustle. Unfortunately or fortunately (depends on how you look at it) the government wants to get paid too.

Do you have a side hustle? What is it and how did you get started? I would love to hear from you.

About the author: Maria James has a compassion for people that makes her involvement in Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation a sure fit. She is a biomedical scientist who is public health conscience and has always worked for the betterment of others. Maria is the founder of Pocket of Money, LLC which provides tools and tips to help you take control of your money and live your best life. Dr. James is our resident Money Scientist.

Negative vs Positive Thinking

Miracles happen every day and in that split second everything can change. In the darkest periods of my life, I remember calling out to GOD asking for a miracle to change my circumstance. With a face full of tears, knees weak with shame and disappointment, I prayed for a blessing. I wept for a saving grace.  At one point I remember when I prayed to be saved from myself because the way I was heading there was nothing left to destroy but me.

Mentally, physically, emotionally, financially I have been torn. I have been defeated. But eventually when I got tired of what my grandmother calls having my “own personal pity party", I would surface from my hours, weeks and sometimes months of self-inflicted agony and decide to give my life everything I had left. I always rose from the living dead with the "what's the worst that could happen?" fighting spirit and then and only then would I start speaking life back into myself. When I started speaking life back in to my situation GOD would send a Blessing. 

The hardest part is to believe in yourself when you feel there is nothing left to believe in. You have to do the hardest job on the planet and truly believe in yourself and do the work to elevate your circumstances and continue to push for all the things you desire in the mist of your mess. I promise you, there is a blessing in your storm. All you have to do is BELIEVE IT and not the fairytale belief when you sit and wait on the lawd but the Belief that your work is not in vein.

The Belief that your actions will produce favor.

The Belief and Power of Positivity and Action.

Seasons do and will change but are you prepared for what the next season of your life will look like?

A negative mind will NEVER give you a positive life. Change your mind. Change your LIFE. 

About the Author: Monokia Nance is a powerful award winning speaker, author and brand manager, with more than a decade of experience working with some of the top brands in the nation. Her acclaimed strategies are impacting the masses for a lifetime, not just for a moment. Her life's work is to help women (and some 5 star men) to identify and deliver their life’s purpose, dominate their marketplace and create millions. Monokia is not only the CEO of Monokia Brand Management she is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation Inc. 

Is Your Money Prepared for the New Season?

Summer is coming to a close. Every year you prepare yourself for cooler temperatures, getting children ready for school, school buses on the road, and to rake leaves and warm the car in the mornings. As you prepare for the changes to your routine you also need to get your money prepared for new expenses and do a financial fitness check up.

1) Check your home. Check the insulation on windows and doors. No or insufficient insulation will allow heat to escape and your heating bill to climb unnecessarily. Can we say major money leak. Also check the insulation in the walls of your home, that is important to trap the heat too. If you're renting have your landlord do a check. I once had two months of a $300 gas and electric bill. The culprit? A living room window was cracked at the top and was letting my heat escape. If you see a crazy jump, something is wrong, start checking.

2) Do a financial check up. There are several things that would be good to check during this time. Do at least these three.

Net worth. You've been steadily working on growing your money for several months. Calculate your net worth to see how you're doing. Is the number a little bigger? If so you're moving in the right direction.

Spending plan. How well is your spending plan working? Determine if you need to shift your plan, such as increasing or decreasing target amounts for specific categories. Did you plug all money leaks? Perhaps you decided to keep a subscription when you made the plan, but looking back realize you really haven't been using it. Well then cancel it, cut it from the plan and shift the money towards something else. Put the money towards a category you're struggling with sticking to the allotted amount, savings, paying down debt or investments.

How much closer are you to your goals? The numbers will show if you're making progress towards your goal. Are you on track to complete your goal by the deadline that you set. If not what can you adjust to stay on track.

3) Shop smart. We know the best times to purchase clothes is at the end of a season when there are big discounts as stores prepare for the change in inventory for the new season. However, if it is unavoidable and you have to buy new fall gear for yourself or family members try this. Shop at thrift stores and discount chains. You'll be able to find cool new things at a much lower cost. Many times there will be items with the tags still on them. You just have to dig around a bit. Look for online deals and coupons. Don't use your credit card. I repeat don't use your credit card. 

About the author:

About the author: Maria James has a compassion for people that makes her involvement in Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation a sure fit. She is a biomedical scientist who is public health conscience and has always worked for the betterment of others. Maria is the founder of Pocket of Money, LLC which provides tools and tips to help you take control of your money and live your best life. Dr. James is our resident Money Scientist.