What motivates us to act?

It is amazing what can be organised, depending on the reward and motivation.

Yesterday it was an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with 60+ volunteers and declutter the silt, liquefaction and other related earthquake debris from Christchurch's eastern suburbs. We did it because we could. We made a difference and many people who benefitted from the day of shoveling, digging, clearing and moving. For some it was as simple as opening a cupboard for the 1st time since February and others making a path so they can hang their clothes to dry.
This event was all done by volunteers and organised over a period of 5 weeks. We had folks from all walks of life arrive ready to get down and dirty from Tom who is 8, to John in his 70's and everyone in between. One of the local radio stations 91ZM arrived at lunch time to cook up a BBQ and we all sat and chatted before heading of to do some more work. We had equipment donated by companies such as Fonterra, whittakers and Coldstore, and a happy base at the Waimari Methodist Church.
Everyone went home, tired and sore but totally satisfied at the positive action and organising that had taken place. All volunteers saying they were keen to do it again.
I am also keen to work with the amazing crew of Deon, Ali, Ben, Mark, Betty and Others to organise another "Lets get it done" Event. We called it "Lets get it Done" because we are about action, doing, being positive and getting things done. Next time I want at least 300 Volunteers and we will be getting loads done.
In contrast today there is a Rally (Protest variety) in roughly the same area of Christchurch, I was dismayed to see a picture of this rally and the turn out was huge by the look of the image I saw. I know people are hurting and angry, and this post is likely to piss a few people off, but why cant the energy be turned into POSITIVE ACTION as opposed to negative placard waving and words. There is a veritable community army protesting about land values and payouts, when in reality the Government were not obliged to step in and do the insurance negotiating on their behalf, and the residents to are not obliged to accept the offers made to them and they can negotiate themselves. However still the Community came together to Rally their feelings.
My question is "How do we get the same number of people to come together for a positive event, like "Lets get it Done"?" I know of one volunteer yesterday who is from a RED ZONE home, the others I believe are from parts of Christchurch not effected in the same way as the Eastern Suburbs. It was not an exclusively Eastern Suburbs event as help was sent to Tai Tapu and Lyttelton, however we did the majority of the work within the Eastern Suburbs.
I want to know where the residents who are protesting today, were yesterday? Is one of them the man who expected our volunteers to move car bodies and tyres in his yard (not earthquake related, just junk)? How many of them could have helped the elderly get to their mailboxes, clothes lines or even open their back doors by shoveling some silt and liquefaction? How do we get them to take positive community action instead of protesting?
I would love to hear any solutions or suggestions to this. As I know the reward for positive action is longer lasting and far reaching in comparison to the negative energy and resentment that can come from protest.
So look at what you organise and the implications, make it positive and long lasting, oh and spread the word so others can benefit from helping others and growing positive community

POST QUAKE PRODUCTIVITY CHAMPIONS - Cate Grace Leap2it

I have decided to run a series of businesses who have grown and thrived since the Earthquakes that hit Canterbury. So sit back relax and enjoy our first Post Quake Productivity Champion.

Cate Grace - Leap2it

On the 3^rd September 2010, her car was written off and Cate Grace was working full time as an employee and running her Personal Training Business “LEAP2IT” part time and was about to go full time with Leap2it. She had resigned from her safe Job and was getting ready to launch full time with Leap2it on the 24^th September.

When the quake struck on the 4^th September 2010, Cates plans did not change; in fact it heightened her desire to go it alone. Her full time job gave her contact and insight into the plight of the resident of the eastern suburbs of Bexley, Linwood and New Brighton. She invited families to participate in an Open Day at CBD gym she was using on the Saturday following the 4^th September quake, it was a great success and stress buster.

The Boxing day earthquake was a little closer to home for Cate, the epicenter being less than a Kilometer from her home, however she was again determined to make her business bigger and better despite Mother Nature doing her best to make life for Cantabrians difficult.

Then came February 22, 2011 a day that will never be forgotten in the heart and mind of Cate Grace. She was attending a lunch meeting and preparing to head into the CBD when the Earthquake struck.

It was very evident soon after that things would not be the same for Leap2It for a long time, one obvious change being the CBD Gym that Cate and her clients called home was now in the Red Zone, and it would be over 6 weeks before access was possible.

CBD Gym entrance 8 weeks post 22/2/11

Instead of advising her clients that the gym was not available, Cate contacted her clients and asked them what they wanted and needed. This was pivotal in Leap2It gaining a significant market growth in the period following the February Earthquake.

 Armed with the needs and wants of her clients Cate began searching for an alternative Gym where her one on one clients could come with ease, as well as a venue for her Circuit clients and also fun and accessible outdoor venues.

What is different about Leap2It is the people Cate works with. Her perfect client is someone who is struggling with Chronic Illness; her aim is to get people LEAPING off the couch and moving regardless of their Physical Condition. Often a challenging group to work with, however the positive steps forward Cate saw following the Earthquake was reinforcing her faith in the strength of her clients.

When Cate began Leap2it her goals for her business were to work with people suffering chronic health conditions in a gym environment and to have a maximum of 20x1 hour sessions per week. Cate had this goal in mind and it was determined by Cate’s own condition, Rheumatoid Arthritis, which she believed precluded her from maintaining more than 20 hours of One to One training of clients. She was soon to learn that her limitations were all imagined and she was capable of so much more.

Following the September earthquake Cate began to see a change in her goals and began to see a shift toward working with families, youth and partners as well as her existing clients.

The February quake stepped her up a notch as well, this saw an increase in corporate clients, Outdoor training, utilizing an alternative Gym for clients not wanting to return to the Red Zone.

How did Cate manage the changes to her business in such a short and tumultuous time? She became more productive through the use of systems and tools. Some of the things Cate is doing differently include:

·      Using an Action Station Desk Planner – To plan and schedule her weeks ahead of time.

·      Increased time and diary management

·      Improved costing and invoicing systems

·      No discounts or reductions in fees.

·      Increase her Social Media presence with Facebook and twitter

These changes have directly resulted in a 240% increase in turnover in the business.

Another significant turning point for Cate and Leap2it was applying a true element of marketing to her business.  She went direct to her clients and asked what they needed following their traumatic experiences.  She found out what was going to keep them coming back and changed her service delivery to meet those needs.   Cate is focusing on a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.  She combines lifestyle, exercise, alone time & positivity into an achievable and fun plan for her clients and their families.  Being healthy and happy is a team effort and Cate encourages everyone from children, partners, family, neighbours and friends to support and train together.   Her motto since the earthquakes is never never give up.   "If you want it, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse.  A year from now, you'll be glad you started today!”

Business pre September sessions were up to 15 1-1 sessions per week, now Cate is growing steadily with up to 35 varied sessions a week including Leap2it  1-1 personal training, Leap2it Buddy sessions, Leap4it Group Circuits & SMaRT Corporate group sessions.    

This has resulted in her now working from over 6 different locations:

1)   Form Fitness Gym in Beckenham

2)   Circuits in the Alpine room at Clip & Climb

3)   Her previous CBD Gym

4)   Riccarton Racecourse

5)   Waimakariri and Selwyn Operation Suburbs as she takes Leap2it on the road to homes and local parks

6)   Corporate Client Offices

Operation Suburbs - perfect place to work

Embracing the changes, adapting to opportunites, talking to her clients, increasing her productivity through systems and challenging her own beliefs have all added up to one exciting and successful business growing and leaping forward in Post-Quake Christchurch. It can be done and Cate Grace’s business Leap2it is a great inspiration to businesses throughout New Zealand to keep your vision and dreams alive, no matter what.

Get in touch with Cate at www.leap2it.co.nz or follow  CATE ON TWITTER

NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK, NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Welcome to 2010, this is the year where life will change and things will never be the same, in a wonderful way.
The Organising Guru has (almost) been in hiding, working on an amazing project that will become an Internationally Recognised brand within 5 years. That brand is:

TOTALLY ORGANISED GET-TOGETHERS - Live, Laugh & Learn

If you have not seen the new us, here is your chance CHECK US OUT.
So "what's in it for me?" I hear you ask....Heaps.

* We have developed for you a range of products that will simplify your life 
* We have sourced other products that fit the company mission and vision.
* You have the chance to start your own business, if you wish (NZ Only at the moment, but working on expansion)
* It is all about "Live, laugh and learn" the Totally Organised way
* Products are avaialble for purchase at get-togethers.
* You learn to use the products you purchase

This is a whole new concept aimed at taking organising to the masses through educational and fun get-togethers. You asked for getting organised to be simpler and more accessible, Totally Organised is delivering that to you starting NOW.

So here are the opportunities for you:

* Host a get-together and earn great products and rewards, have fun with your family and friends and start the year learning how to be more organised.

* Start your own business in 2010 as one of the 1st ever Totally Organised Independent Consultants. This is an amazing opportunity for you to be in on the Ground level of what will become one of New Zealands fasted growing companies. The rewards are going to be AMAZING

If you are not in New Zealand, but interested in the opportunities then contact us today, as we have expansion plans underway and are planning to be "live" in Australia in April 2010 then the US and Canada to follow. So if you are interested, we are interested.

MAKE 2010 YOUR YEAR TO LIVE, LAUGH AND LEARN THE TOTALLY ORGANISED WAY

A new favorite activity! A time saver too!!!!

As a busy mother of three I really love finding things that make my life run smoothly and optimise my time. Well today I have discovered just one of those things. now I am likely to be behind many others on this discovery, however I am going to share anyway.

At the moment I am sitting at a desk by a large window overlooking a leafy garden, I have my two boys by my side and we are all heads down working. We are at the Library. Now I am a rare visitor of libraries so this was an idea that came to me through necessity. My youngest son is playing field hockey this afternoon after school. I collect the boys at 3.30pm and Hockey is at 5.30pm. It takes me 30 minutes to drive home from school on a good day, and then 40 minutes to get back across town to the hockey fields. So today I collected the boys from school, got some afternoon tea and headed for the nearest library. we are midway between School and Hockey (home is across town) and we are getting things done.

The boys are busy working on today's Prep (homework) and I have checked my emails and am doing a blog entry, I will have a look around my fav sites and add some to my new website that I am building.

It is one of the most relaxing, peaceful and enjoyable hours of wok I have done in a long time. Occasionally I am interrupted with a small question from one of the boys and they are both getting homework done in a lovely environment. I have saved over 1 hours driving and petrol usage and we will be at hockey in plenty of time to have Ben warmed up and ready to go.

I think I have to declare this one of my new favourite activities and each Tuesday during the field hockey season you will find me and my boys having some relaxing, quality but productive time at the local library.

This is a challenge for you to see how you can combine activities and multitask in a simple, easy and relaxed way that will give you great pleasure and productivity as well.

Have a fab day.

Global Warming and Getting Things Done!!!

MMMMM, Global Warming?????? This is the 4th time this winter we have woken to have a beautiful blanket of snow covering our suburb.
This is the view from my kitchen window at 7.30am. The boys school is closed and Grace cannot get the bus as the road is closed. Also it seems our Sky TV is also not working due to "Atmospheric Conditions". So I ask you where is this global warming. Here in NZ we have had phenomenal Snow Dumps on our ski fields and the temperatures are definitely lower than last winter where we had no snow at home and the ski fields had their worst year in ages.
So how do I go about my business today. Well it starts with cars being turned so we do not need to reverse down our steep hill driveway. My husband has safely made it down the hill, so it will be my turn next. I hate driving in snow!!!!
I am planning to keep the 2 scheduled appointments I have this morning and then hope I get up the hill when the time comes to head home.
This afternoon will be the perfect time to pack up my office. This job is well under way and it has been fun sorting through my home based office and seeing how much unneeded stuff even I keep in my office. Then I need to sort Home stuff from "Totally Organised" stuff.
So if you find yourself in a situation where you are stuck at home due to weather or some other strange phenomena then make the most of it and tackle those less than favourable tasks. You become your own captive audience so make it work for you, I certainly plan to.
Some things you can do when you are stuck at home:
* Clear out your junk drawers
* Write some letters to old friends
* Sort out your wardrobe
* Sort out your bookshelves
* Download music onto iPod
* Do the ironing
* Clean out the linen cupboard

Sometimes the strangest times can be the most productive. However if you are stuck in the type of situation I am today with too much snow, get out there and have fun in it as well.
The toboggan has just come out of storage and my kids are blasting down the drive, I had better go join them.
Keep warm and have a great day!

Gain and extra hour at work - without doing overtime!!!

Have you ever wished you could get an extra hour in your day to get the stuff done you need to at work?
Today I am going to share with you a couple of tips to get that extra hour in your workday. There is a catch though. It will require some action on your part. However I can promise you that if you take the prescribed action you will get that extra time.
This is a quickie but certainly a goodie, so here it is. If you do this when you go to work tomorrow I promise your productivity will rocket.
1) DO NOT check your emails as soon as you arrive in the office - I can hear you all groan now. But hey, the emails will not go anywhere. So do not open your email program, YET.
2) Take out a piece of paper and write down all the tasks you need to get through that day, make sure you note all the tasks, even the yucky ones.
3) Pick the two tasks that you least want to tackle. You know like that awful phone call you need to make or the difficult proposal you need to write. Then DO THEM NOW, FIRST, PRONTO. Great, I bet that feels better
4) Now you can check your emails.

By changing your morning routine to do these things in this order, you will have an increase in productivity that will equal at least an extra hour of time. HOW? I hear you ask.
The reason is:
1) Your emails are a distraction, each email you respond to will take between 2 and 20 minutes of your time. So by prioritising your day before you get sidetracked by emails you have a clear picture of what you really need to achieve.
2) Doing the two hardest and least desirable tasks first makes the rest of the day a breeze. All your other tasks will be a cinch after doing the hard stuff. Also knowing you have a horrible task to do can distract you, so getting it done first decreases the amount of mental distraction you carry throughout your day. This mental distraction will reduce your ability to perform effectively, so getting rid of it makes you more effective = productive.
3) Checking your emails after setting your daily priorities and doing the hard tasks allows you to approach your inbox with a renewed perspective. You know what your priorities are and you are less likely to waste time on emails that do not serve a purpose.

So go on, I dare you to challenge yourself to get an extra hour in your workday and increase your productivity. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Oh and while you are in your email program, switch of that pesky "you have mail" notification, ahh there you go another way to increase your time and reduce distractions.