Tidbits: Cold Calls, Calendars, Money

~at least a half an hour before bed, go over your calendar and schedule for tomorrow; when things come up unexpectedly tomorrow, you'll be more prepared to deal appropriately with them

~some of us need to SEE items marked off on our calendars and that's nearly impossible with electronic calendars; use colors for to-do items: I use orange  for the original to-do, change orange to black with each completion, and just looking at my calendar thirty seconds when the day is near end gives me immediate positive feedback 

~for those of you who write blogs from home for money--no matter one or twenty--your year should end with 365 posts or more

~cold calls are tough, but when you make those calls your first priority, you'll find you'll have more positive energy the rest of the day which will up your production

~joining groups for marketing purposes is fine and does work, but ONLY if you make being a genuine member first... earning money follows naturally, SECOND

~even if you are working on five projects at once and will pull it all out first thing the next day, there's scientific proof that ending the day with a clean desk equals starting the next day with a clean desk and yes, this is good for you and your work; think: a clean desk=good mind=more productivity=bigger income

Energy Tip: Let the Sunshine In

Energy Addict: 101 Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Ways to Energize Your Life

The most difficult part of running a successful home business, whatever the service or product, is finding energy to work when everything tugs at you and you know you can skip being purposely productive "just for today." Being at home makes it easy, while piled up dishes and a fussy baby makes it excusable. in your mind. For the moment, as we both know you'll regret it later (and let's not get hung up on how that alone creates a vicious circle that's difficult to escape).

Assuming you are more or less on some kind of sleep/work cycle where you wake from sleeping at ANY time while there's sunlight, starting tomorrow, create a lifelong habit of getting up and getting just five minutes of sunshine. Open your blinds, put on your shoes, and walk around outside your home. Take the dog, if you have one. Walk literally around your house, yard, or around the block. 

Studies prove that your body will be in the energy making mode when you wake and have your body go right into that light. You can do it with lights in your home, but nothing beats real sunlight. You will instantly be lifted and it will guide your body to how it should respond the rest of the day.

(While you're at it, when you come back in, grab a piece of fruit and some whole grain cereal to eat. Sunshine, brief exercise, and yummy-yet-full-of-fiber-food = the best day ever.)

It only takes thirty days to make a habit. Start tomorrow and call it Day One, then get to work!