Kicking the New Year Off Right!

It's that time of year when everyone is making all kinds of resolutions to increase their happiness, productivity or other areas of their lives. So what have you resolved to accomplish this year? Lose the weight? Exercise daily? While all these are fun and good, it's my motto that life is wayyy too short for cutting pasta, bread or sugar. #lifeinthefastlane

BUT, what I have resolved to accomplish is higher productivity and efficiency. I want to make the most of my time in my day. To be more present and deliberate with my hours, minutes and seconds.

How do I intend to make these small changes to bigger and better results? Read on to learn how I plan to kick the new year off right...

More Productivity in the New Year

1. Podcasts

I'm relatively new to podcasts, but I have resolved to listen to a podcast episode at least three times per week. I've found that listening to the news, podcasts or classical music while commuting puts my in the right mind set to get things done.

Speaking of getting things done, that's actually the title of the current podcast I am HOOKED on. Hooked, I tell ya. Getting Things Done is the ticket to tips and discussions to implement higher productivity as David Allen guides us through discussions with other folks and their journeys getting things done.

Whether you are a seasoned efficiency aficionado (say that 3 times fast!) or just getting started, David Allen and GTD will support you through your walk of getting things done.

2. #5SecondRule

This is one bandwagon I don't think I'll ever jump off. Recently, I wrote about the impact the 5 Second Rule had on my life and the changes it could create in yours. Essentially, the 5 Second Rule is about encompassing your thoughts and placing them into action before your brain has time to think yourself out of an awesome idea. Not to be mistaken with impulsiveness, the Rule applies to thoughts that would increase your growth in your personal and professional life.

With the 5 second rule, I no longer think it out or consider the long term life of my idea, nor do I send it up the ladder for approval – I’ll deal with that later. I just need to get it on paper. Later, I revisit and take the time to evaluate a sound strategy.

What changes do you plan to make this upcoming year?