May 2010 - Issue 71 - www.clareevans.co.uk

Hello ,

It's been another busy few weeks with the Take Control of your Time Teleclasses starting last month.  There's an email only version for you if you're not able or don't have the time(!) to attend a weekly call (see Workshops and Resources section).

I ran another highly popular workshop on the importance of time management to growing a profitable business, gave a talk at the RSVP Event in London, recorded a podcast to be broadcast in a few weeks time (I'll keep you posted) and took a few days break down in sunny Somerset over the Bank Holiday weekend.

I can also announce that the Audio book for Time Management For Dummies is being released this week. Not my voice on the audio and I've not yet seen a pre-release copy but the same great tips and information as in the book.

Starting this month a friend and I will be walking the South Downs Way, a long distance path that runs 100 miles through Sussex from Eastbourne to Winchester. We're hoping to complete it in 7 days over several weekends and we'll be raising money for the Macmillan Cancer charity. If you'd like to sponsor me you can do so at www.justgiving.com/cesdw2010

We had the excitement of the UK's General election this month. The first election that included, not only a televised debate but also followed closely on Social Media with instant comments on Twitter and numerous election related polls, websites and Facebook groups.

With the resulting hung parliament (now a coalition), I thought an article on decision making might be appropriate this month.

Keep in touch with what I'm up to and get extra news and tips from my blog or Follow me on Twitter.

Enjoy the rest of this month's newsletter.

Clare

P.S. Feel free to pass this newsletter on to friends and colleagues.

Many people find great excuses for putting things off when they have a decision to make.  They're worried about making the wrong decision.

While a little procrastination can be useful, making the right decision can take time. You need space to mull over the options, or wait until you're in the right frame of mind. Sometimes, when you delay a decision the correct path becomes clearer.

But there are the times you get paralysed.  Unable to make a decision when you really need to. You waste time going round in circles and getting nowhere fast.

Here's how to break the cycle of indecision.

Brainstorm your options

Put things down on paper instead rather than holding them in your head.

* What factors affect your decision?
* What are the anticipated outcomes for each choice?
* What will you gain and what will you lose?
* Is there a time limit ? (If there isn't one, set one.)
* What will happen if you don't make a decision?
* What are your priorities?
* How does this decision affect your goals?

Have all the facts and figures you need, so you can make an informed decision.

Jot down any ideas that come to mind no matter how ridiculous they may seem. Sometimes the most obvious option isn't the best one.


Weighing up the pros and cons

Write down the pros and cons for each option. List the important criteria for making this decision - essential must haves, nice to haves.

Sometimes, your decision may be as simple as picking the option with the most pros (or the least cons).


Rate Your Options

If you're still finding it hard to decide. Use a rating system.

Make a list of all the factors in your decision. Take each factor in turn and rate its importance on a scale of 1(low) to 5(high).

Add up your scores against each option. Sometimes it's easier to be objective if you put a number against things. If you've been honest then this will give you a clearer idea of which option rates more highly and is the right choice.

Consider the risks involved. You may decide to go for a lower risk option rather than a potentially better decision but with a higher risk.


You can check the impact decision making has on your time habits by taking the Time Audit.

Find tips and strategies to deal with them on the Take Control of your Time e-Course - www.clareevans.co.uk.

Until next month.