Everybody seems to think I’m lazy…

I admit it. I don’t seem to get too much done. Never have. However, I’m not just sat staring into space. My head is just spinning at the moment with all sorts of ideas. My big problem is getting them started and seen through and in the end nothing seems to get seen through to a conclusion. This is my major, MAJOR, zone that I have to get into - GETTING THINGS DONE.

I’m hoping this blog will help me to focus on what needs to be done and how to get it done. It’s always easier with a little help from my friends. HELP!

(Hey, did you get the Beatles references so far…)

Here’s my “to-do” list at the moment:

Launch zonejumping.com with a re-design and generate some traffic;

Lose 14 lbs through exercise and better diet;

Record my rockabilly album with my good friends;

Launch a really exciting Ebook/blog that draws on my finance experience and qualifications. Definitely have a niche there…

Launch a subscription-based language learning service;

Increase business levels at work by at least 30%.

So you see, I’ve got a load to do – I also have a family and work 50+ hours per week…

Still think I’m lazy? Nah, just seriously ineffective at the moment.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, etc…..

I’ve already mentioned that I’m trying to streamline a lot of my life, lose excess baggage, etc and after some serious thought I know I have to apply this to myself. I mean my body as well as my possessions.  Here’s a zone jump for me- out of the comfort zone - my goal is to lose 14lbs of fat in the next month or so, through a combination of diet and exercise. At the moment my diet is not great and I do NO exercise whatsoever for a whole variety of reasons/excuses. No more excuses though. It’s going to be VERY tough for me but I need to zone out on this one…

Time Is On My Side…

Effective Time Management has always been a big problem for me. I’ve tried rigid structures and timetables, I’ve read books about it (but never got round to finishing them!!!), to-do lists, blocking out my diary – you name it I’ve tried it. The thing is, I’m just too easily distracted. I always admired  some people I know who seem to get loads more done in far less time so I’m currently looking at building a bespoke effective time management system.   I’m basing this partly on some behaviour modelling and partly on research online.  My goal is to increase productivity by around 50% and also to free up some leisure time.  My biggest influence at the moment is my son. He’s 6 years old and frustrates the hell out of me when I’m trying to get him to do something as it always takes an eternity. The worst thing about this is that whenever I comment on this I’m always reminded of how much he’s like me! Arrgh – the one thing that annoys me the most about him is the one thing about myself that annoys me the most.  Of course, there’s some psychology in there but for now I need to break down and rebuild  my entire way of dealing with stuff. Deconstruction is the way to go…

Working

I’m really excited about a new project I’m working on to help with learning languages. Most difficult thing at the moment is finding the time to move it on to the next level. I’ve got the delivery sorted and most of the content but just need to move it on to the next level.

Lose the burdens

I’m having a massive clearout today. I intend to get rid of at least 25% of my possessions in an effort to remove distractions and de-clutter my physical and mental space. Hopefully, I can sell some stuff on Ebay to earn a few quid and maybe give some stuff to charity too.

Pay rise update

To update my earlier post – I didn’t get a payrise. My manager agreed I should have one but he does not have any money to give me one. Instead, I laid the ground work for negotiating a remote working package instead and we’re currently working on getting this in place.

Will I get a Pay Rise???

I work in Financial Services linked to the UK property market. I’ve been doing it for nearly 10 years now. I’ve been with my current employer for 5 years. I’ve not had a pay rise in all that time. Not one! Inflation has been between 10-15% during that time. Time to ask for a pay rise I think. I have a monthly meeting with my manager tomorrow. No doubt he’ll find fault with my figures as has been the case for the last 3 years (commonly called the Credit Crunch!!!) and I’m going to counter with a request for a pay rise! Let’s see what happens….