January 27th, 2010

How to increase productivity and get things done in three easy steps

Ahh, procrastination. You know what you need to do but you’d just rather not to do… At least not right now.

How many things do you have on your procrastination list? Still want to take that dream trip and haven’t made it? Still want to quit your job and start your own business?

Or maybe it’s just the little things that are adding up. Sure, the laundry will do itself one day. They’ll definitely invent that sometime in the next 100 years. Right, keep telling yourself that

Here is a surefire way to increase your productivity in three easy steps.

1. Make a clear goal.

“If you are not making the progress that you would like to make and are capable of making, it is simply because your goals are not clearly defined.” – Paul J. Meyer

Most people fail to get anything done simply for the fact that they have no idea what they want to do. They have never sat down and WRITTEN out their goals in a clear and concise manner. This inevitably leads to a nagging feeling in your gut that you could be doing more.

2. Write your goals down. Daily.

This is the single best tactic that I’ve learned for goal setting and productivity. No doubt.

Take an old fashion piece of paper. Do it. Now. I’ll wait.

Now: write down three specific goals that you have for yourself. Make one a daily goal, one a monthly goal, and finally a three month goal.

When you write your goals, write them in the PRESENT TENSE.

For example, don’t write “I want to take a trip to Cancun”.

DO write, “I am taking a trip to Cancun. I’m packing my bags and about to jump on the plane”.

Seems silly but it works! The difference is that you’re setting your brain to think that you’ve already accomplished these goals. Now, nothing can stop you. There are no more mental blocks that will allow you to procrastinate further.

Re-write these goals daily to keep them fresh.

3. Dream big. As big as possible.

“You have to set goals that are almost out of reach. If you set a goal that is attainable without much work or thought, you are stuck with something below your true talent and potential.” – Steve Garvey

Most people set their goals far too low. Don’t be afraid of setting goals that seem unrealistic or lofty. These are the BEST goals. It’s better for you to set an “unrealistic” goal and come close then to set an easy goal and reach it without effort or strife.

Don’t be afraid of your true potential. You are capable of far more than you realize.

Now did you write your goals down yet? I’m betting you didn’t. Go right now and grab and piece of paper and a pen and write down three goals. Then take that piece of paper and put it in your pocket for whenever you need motivation or encouragement.

Good luck, I know you can do it!

January 8th, 2010

Top Three Fat Burning Foods

Can food burn fat? Absolutely. I’ve learned this after years of weight training, cardio training, and losing weight that I pick up during times of travel or extreme stress.

Here are my top three fat burning foods. Try to eat at least 2 out of the three on a typical day and while incorporating water consumption and exercise. You will start to see the fat shred off your body.

For the purposes of this post, I’m only including starchy carbs. Just to show that carbs CAN help you burn fat when eaten in the correct combinations.

1. Oatmeal

It was really difficult for me to get into oatmeal. The texture really bothered me. However, it is an excellent fat burning food. It’s also very versatile. You can mix it with protein powder for a complete meal. I have to mix in some kind of fruit (I personally prefer bananas) in order to get over my initial texture issues. I’m into it now. Yum.

2. Yams/Sweet potatoes

Yeah, yeah. Yams and sweet potatoes aren’t technically the same. However, they often marketed as the same product in the U.S. so I’m lumping them together. They are an excellent fat burning complex carbohydrate. To create a complete meal, mix them with a lean cut of meat.

3. Brown Rice

Brown rice is an excellent fat burning food. The hardest part about brown rice is making it correctly. It can turn out too grainy and almost inedible if you do it wrong.

A quick Google search led me to this link: http://pinchmysalt.com/2009/04/06/how-to-cook-perfect-brown-rice/

I haven’t tried it yet but it’s worth a shot. If you can get brown rice just right then it is a great companion to a any type of protein source that you choose.

Yum! Alright, happy eating (and fat burning).