This is a cooperative blog: a co/blog. We've really just started this experiment, so give a few months to get some momentum. Each of the five charter authors involved are responsible for a different set of topics, and each will post on their own schedule. We hope you enjoy the content provided here, and find it useful. The information provided is meant as opinion and editorial purposes only, and should never be taken as professional advice.

Work Smart — I mean SMRT.

Archived in Business, Free, Time, Managing | No Comments

I stumbled onto an interesting site that has been helping me keep organized on a day by day basis. The creators of this relatively simple system have made available a set of download-ready cards for you to print and use in your office, BUSINESS, or freelancing work-a-day world.

The tool is call the SMRT Card System (click for a link) and makes use of a simple four-goal approach to TIME management. SMRT.

S stands for SOONER IS BETTER which means, simply, this is my top priority for the day. If nothing else on the list gets done today, this is a must. It could be something as simple as a returned email or phone call — or it could be filing that report. But whatever it is, it’s a priority.

M stands for MEDIUM TERM GOALS or those things that should get going soon. I usually note something here that needs to get started, a small project that I need to kick off, a list I need to tackle, or a meeting I need to set up. Make it something too big and you’ll get discouraged.

R stands for RISKING SOMETHING and is one of my favorites. Third on the list it’s both a reward and a motivator. If I get to this point in the day I’ve virtually given myself permission to take a RISK. What does that mean? It could mean sketching out a new idea, following up on a lead that might not make 100% sense, or going out on a limb. The key is RISK — not too much, but just enough to try open new horizons.

T is for TOMORROW TODAY and is where I tend to get a kick start on things I might have otherwise put off. This item is the opposite of procrastination, and being the evil guy I am, my ‘morning self’ usually tortures my ‘evening self’ by listing something that we’d both rather put off. But it’s on the list — so it get’s done.

The advantages to this, that I can see from using it myself:

1) Anyone can tackle four objectives in one day, provided they are basic and managable.
2) Keeping score is a motivator.
3) Accomplishment, no matter how small, can be a drug for people like you and me.

The system revolves around the idea that setting out four tasks for your day is a simple, early morning activity. It means sitting, as you are drinking your coffee or munching down a slice of lightly buttered toast, and sketching out four places you need to be by the end of the day. Check it out. IT’S FREE, too.

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Chosing Chores In Balance and Harmony

Archived in Relationships, Time | No Comments

Sharing the responsibilities in any marriage is a balancing act — and a symbol of trust and respect.

Dear Liz,

I thought this was the twenty-first century! I can’t get my husband to help with any of the housework (cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc). We both work full TIME jobs, and I’m just as tired at the end of the day as he is. His excuse is that he does the yard work, but watering plants and occasionally mowing grass does not seem on the level with what I contribute.

Baffled in Beaumont

Dear Baffled,

It’s a classic conundrum to be certain. And it’s a question that’s been plaguing RELATIONSHIPS since the dawn of TIME. A few weeks, days, or years into any marriage, the question of “traditional” roles is almost certain to come up. Who does what, when, and how often?

If there were an easy solution, I’d share it. But alas, this confounding frustration is a common mantra of nearly every relationship. He shovels the snow, she dusts the blinds. He grills the steaks, she boils the potatoes.

Once thing is absolute, however: there is no such thing as a passive-aggressive solution to this problem. Ignoring it won’t make it vanish, going “on strike” will not alleviate the strain, and nagging (at least in my experience) causes more harm than good to the supposed “wedded bliss.”

The most basic advice is to talk it over — calmly, and openly — over dinner or a glass of wine. Relax. Don’t attack or pounce the issue. Assure your partner that with a more balanced workload you would probably have more energy for, ahem, other activities. Negotiate. Trade chores for a certain weekday.

Important to remember is that there needs to be a “carrot” — a benefit that only you can provide (from a favorite meal to, well, you know, wink-wink) — that is not withholding, taking hostage, denying, or threatening to your partner. There must be open communication, and clear understanding that the “icing on the cake” of your relationship is attained when you feel respected and appreciated.

Remember, it’s not about manipulating your guy into something he doesn’t want to do or having him give up something he enjoys. It’s about finding a way to share your chores and responsibilities without pushing the the “wrong way.” Remember, the scales can tip either way on this one. Hope that helps.

– Liz

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