Posts under ‘Personal Development’

Most of us firmly believe that if only there were a few more hours in a day, we could actually complete our extensive to-do lists and find more time for fun. However, the factor robbing you of your productivity isn’t really time itself; it is your own behaviors that waste precious minutes and keep you from completing tasks.

The good news is that those behaviors can be modified to help you manage your time wisely and get the most out of every day. Peruse these proven time management tips and get your schedule back in your own control once again.

• Imagery

  Anticipating situations where you may be angry can help to prepare for them. Imagining yourself saying what you want to say or imagining how you can handle problems in a better way may be helpful in the actual situation

• Recognizing early warning signs of anger

  Recognizing signs is the first big step in stopping destructive anger. Warning signs include muscle tension, shakiness, chest pressure, yelling, and saying things that are not true.

• Time Outs

  Taking a time out involves removing yourself from the situation you are in. It allows you to reclaim control over yourself and the situation.

A weekly activity schedule incorporates:

• Writing down your activities for each hour of the day

• For each hour, rating your mood

• Trying the activity schedule for one week

The advantages are that you will understand:

• Patterns

  By keeping a log and noting when the mood change occurs and how, you can begin to notice a pattern.

• Why

  Certain activities can affect mood, so schedules can often tell you the positive or negative impact that activity had. For example, on your busy day when you were working did you feel better or worse?

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression symptoms (such as disruption in sleep, fatigue, loss of appetite, sadness), it is important to talk with a psychiatrist regarding counseling and/or medications. It is important to ask the doctor the following questions:

• How long will it take before the medication kicks in?

• What are the side effects of medications?

• Will I become addicted to the medication?

It is also important to understand that taking medication does not you are crazy. Depression is linked to natural brain chemicals (serotonin and/or norepinephrine) levels being decreased. Antidepressant medications work to increase these levels for a healthy balance.

It has been about 6 weeks since I started a home fitness program called P90X. I can already see the progress it has made for me physically, but it has also taught me some personal development tips as well.

1. Importance of routine and schedule

   Whether it be with fitness or work-life, it is important to keep up a routine. P90x is set up so that you do one of exercise a day. Having a schedule and routine helps to commit and manage time more effectively.

1. Comeback

   American speed skater J.R. Celski had a horrible accident 6 months prior to the Olympics. His blade cut into his thigh and he had to get 50 stitches. In the beginning doctors were not even sure whether he could walk or not. Through rigorous rehabilitation, he not only was able to walk, but once again returned to speed skating in the Olympics and won bronze in both the 1500m and 5000m relay.

2. Creativity

   Shaun White, renown snowboarder once again gets gold in the half-pipe. He is creative with what he can do snowboarding, even debuting his new move, “back-to-back double cork.”

I always enjoy watching the Olympics. It is captivating to watch a variety of athletes competing both mentally and physically. Here are some athletes that have caught my eye and taught me about personal development.

1. Strategy and strength

   Evan Lysacek, American figure skater won the gold, not by doing what is perceived to be the most difficult move (”the quad”), but by putting together a program that highlighted his strengths.

2. Courage through difficult times

   Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette lost her mom days before the performance. It took tremendous strength for her to channel grief into a beautiful performance. She skated beautifully, connected with the fans, and skated amazingly for the memory of her mother.