Entries from August 2008 ↓

You’ll definitely learn something. Happy Friday!

CERN Nerds Rap

I hate list posts as well..but, I don’t do it often so deal with it. Here’s a few things I’ve picked up in my 26 years that makes life a little easier.

1) Keep a mini bottle of scope, a pack aspirin, and a granola bar in the car
Why these three things in particular? I’ll explain.

2) Make mental note of the three grocery items you use the most and ALWAYS buy them when you’re at the store

Seems silly, right? If you’re like us you tend to cook similar things on a weekly basis (I’m talking Taco Night..ugh). Instead of fighting it make sure you always are regularly stocked on your often used items. For us it’s white onions, chicken broth, and hummus. For some reason we’re either using these things to cook every other day (onions, chicken broth) or I’m searching for a snack (hummus).

3) If it takes less than two minutes do it right away

This one I’m borrowing from David Allen’s “Getting Things Done” book. It is such a simple but powerful statement. I apply this to just about everything- responding to an email, making that nagging dentist appointment, changing the AC filter, etc. Literally- if you can complete it in 2 minutes or less just DO IT. Anything over two minutes can either be delegated out to someone else or will require a different action to complete it. By applying this to my work habits I’ve reduced my stress level and have become more productive day to day.

4) Stop using your credit card in places where a debit card will do just fine

Unless you’re using your card to earn frequent flier miles or Disney points stop using your credit card for daily purchases- especially if you don’t have the money to cover an item in your account when you buy something. Keep this in mind- if you don’t have the money now what makes you think you’re going to have it next month when the bill is due? Sure, you’ll get paid- but you’ll also have rent, a car payment, bills, gas, groceries, unexpected expenses- see, the list goes on. So come for the bill your cash will probably already be spent on the aforementioned expenses. Try to get in the habit of only using your credit card in an emergency or for big ticket items. Otherwise you essentially have to run and manage two different budgets and you’ll end up coming up short.

5) Give yourself, or the people you live with, at least an hour of “down” time a day.

For my wife and I THE MOST volatile time of the day is the first hour after we get home. Between a stressful day at work and Atlanta traffic by the time we get home we’re usually a little punchy. I work from home half of my time and I usually get a little antsy for some company. However, when my wife comes home I greet her and then give her some time to decompress from the days stresses. Equally, when I feel like I’m in a bad mood I’ll go to the gym or go for a run. This hour I’m away lets me clear my mind and work through any stresses in a positive way instead of taking it out on a loved one. Also, people generally have expectations (or make assumptions) of each other and when those expectations are not met the result is tension (ie, I want my wife to be happy, bubbly, and ready to go out to dinner the second she gets home. She wants an hour to relax, watch Dr. Phil, and play in her garden). Realizing this has made a world of difference.

Ok, that’s it for now. Stay tuned for part 2 due later this week. If you’ve got any other suggestions leave them in the comments.