Secrets of Mind and Reality

Top Five Computer Tips to Get More Done in Less Time

Do you wish you could be more productive at your computer? There’s good news! There are some things you can do that will allow you to get more done in less time.

You may be surprised at how simple these strategies are, how little some of them have to do with your computer, and how much they have to do with organization!

Here are the top five computer strategies to get more done in less time:

1. De-clutter. One of the simplest computer strategies is having a clean workspace. When most of us think of our computer, we think of the actual machine, but did you know that the space around your computer is as important as the computer itself?

• When you keep your computing space as tidy as possible, you can get more done because you won’t be distracted by stopping to “clear a path” as you work.

• De-cluttering also means removing old software and files that are taking up too much space. You’ll be surprised how much speedier the machine will feel when you’ve cleared all the junk off your computer!

2. Run anti-virus software every day. Viruses can slow down your computer or worse. Obviously if your computer is unresponsive, you’ll lose precious time during your workday.

• Running anti-virus software will help you make sure your computer is running at its very best so you don’t lose momentum by waiting for a document to open.

• You’ll also prevent things like hard drive crashes and data loss. So run anti-virus software on your PC or get a Mac.

3. Organize. A little observed, but very effective, computer strategy is to organize your files and folders in such a way that everything you need is within reach. This way, you can move seamlessly from one task to another without wasting time searching for files.

• Put commonly used files in one place, such as your Documents folder. Also, use full filenames so you can easily find what you’re looking for.

• Use a search tool like Google Desktop on the PC or Spotlight on the Mac to easily find files not within reach.

4. Clean the desktop on your computer. Many people don’t give much thought to their desktop and they may have dozens of unused icons and downloads just taking up space. Keep only the files, folders, and programs you need on your desktop.

• Delete the icons you don’t use regularly so that you can find what you’re looking for quicker.

5. Learn the shortcuts. Set a goal to learn something new about the software tools you use the most. There are plenty of options hidden in menus and keyboard shortcuts that can save you time, energy, and sanity.

• Print out a list of common shortcuts and keep it beside your computer for easy reference. When you challenge yourself to learn these new tricks, you’ll get faster and more productive over time.

These are all very simple computer strategies that will help you be more efficient and productive. When you incorporate even one of these strategies into your daily routine, you’ll find that you truly can get more done in less time.

Top 10 Inspirational Sayings about Success

Sayings and quotes about success can have a powerful effect on you. If you take the time to think about the deeper meaning behind the words, you’ll realize how easily you can apply these sayings into your own life to achieve the success you desire.

Here are the top ten inspirational success quotes, as well as some self-reflection questions to ponder:

1. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed. - Michael Jordan

• Every failure brings an opportunity for growth and sets you up for future success in a new effort. For example, failing at one job may bring you the opportunity to enjoy great success in another. Learning from failure will lead you to greater achievement.

2. It is no use saying, “We are doing our best.” You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary. - Sir Winston Churchill

• Too often, people use “I did my best” as an excuse for not doing what really needed to be done. Plan and prepare appropriately for the task at hand so that you can do what is required to succeed. Using this results-oriented strategy will help you accomplish your goal.

3. We are told that talent creates its own opportunities. But it sometimes seems that intense desire creates not only its own opportunities, but its own talents. - Eric Hoffer

• Try new things to spark your passions and develop your talents. You may actually have talents that you’re completely unaware of. When you desire something with a fiery passion, your mind will push you to take action and persevere until you’re successful.

4. We were born to succeed, not to fail. - William Barclay

• You were put on the Earth to succeed in your pursuits. When you use your God-given gifts, abilities, and strengths to fulfill your purpose, success is within your grasp.

5. Success is not the key to happiness - happiness is the key to success. -Herman Cain

• When you’re happy with your life and you enjoy every moment of each day, it’s easy to feel the joy of success in the smallest accomplishments. Live joyfully and your positive attitude will attract greater successes.

6. Success doesn’t come to you - you go to it. - Marva Collins

• You need to take action to achieve your goals and get what you want out of life. Once you define exactly what you want, design a plan of action steps to get you there, and then follow your plan.

7. You must do the thing you think you cannot do. - Eleanor Roosevelt

• This quote is to challenge you. You must overcome your fears that are holding you back in order to become successful.

8. A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position. - John Maxwell

• Believe in yourself. Know that you can achieve anything. Put your mind to it and be passionate about that which calls your name.

9. Forget about the consequences of failure. Failure is only a temporary change in direction to set you straight for your next success. - Denis Waitley

• When you fail, opportunities open up to help you succeed. You may need to start your task anew or change your route, but each failure brings you closer to success.

10. Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds. - Orison Swett Marden

• No matter how tough a situation may be, don’t give up easily. When you persevere through great odds and overcome many challenges to achieve your goal, success is even sweeter!

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. When I suffer a setback, do I still persevere toward my goal?

2. Do I bring passion to my endeavors?

3. Have I designed my action plan to reach my goals? Have I taken swift action to get where I want to be?

The Power of Failure

What do you think when you hear the word failure? You probably are thinking that you’re not good enough and that you should give up.

While failure can involve those thoughts and emotions, failure can also make us stronger or wiser.

A simple definition of failure is: An act or instance of failing or proving unsuccessful; lack of success.

When I think of this definition of failure, I’m reminded of Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb. While there are many conflicting stories of how many times Edison “failed” at inventing the electric light bulb, most agree it was in the thousands before he found the right combination of materials.

One of Edison’s most famous quotes is, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. I am not discouraged because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.”

If you adopt this same attitude, you’ll overcome your feelings of failure and be able to see your dreams and desires come to fruition.

Robert Schuller stated these famous words, “Failure doesn’t mean you’re a failure; it just means you haven’t succeeded yet.”

Henry Ford said, “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.”

When you consider those words from these wise and successful people, you’ll truly begin to understand the power of failure.

The truth is, you only fail when you give up! When you keep trying until you’ve found the answer or the solution, you’re successful.

You’d never say Thomas Edison, Robert Schuller or Henry Ford were failures would you? Sure, they were unsuccessful many, many times, but they didn’t give up until they found the answer, the right procedure or the right materials to solve their dilemma.

In case those quotes weren’t enough to make you believe failure has a positive power and strength, here are some more you might relate to:

“Failure is an event, never a person.” - William D. Brown

The next time you try your hand at something and don’t achieve the desired result immediately, remember failure is an event; it’s not you.

Bill Cosby also said it well when he said, “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.”

If you’re trying to please everyone, you can’t possibly succeed!

“Never confuse a single defeat with final defeat.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

“You can’t have any successes until you can accept failures.” - George Cukor

Just because you’ve failed once, twice or 10,000 times at something, it doesn’t mean you’re a failure. You only fail when you stop trying.

Still not convinced? How about this:

“You always pass failure on your way to success.” - Mickey Rooney

What do these words mean to you? No matter what you’re trying to succeed at, whether it’s a sport, project, career, invention, or at school, there will be times when you don’t succeed. But you mustn’t let that stop you from reaching your goals, dreams, and desires.

The common thread among all these famous people and their wise words is the same. You can’t have success without failure. Never give up and never stop trying. There is power in failure, you just have to give yourself a chance.

Keep trying, keep failing and soon you’ll find true success!