Here's a class I did for SOS University on the pitfalls of letting your cell phone run your life. Also includes a couple tips on how to cut that umbilical cord.

Ever had one of those days? You know, a day where you're struggling to maintain your sanity and happiness? I can't really help with your sanity, but I can help you with your happiness.

Starting today, I'll be presenting a new series:
"28 Days to a Happier, More Productive You"

I know what you're thinking, "You can't fix me in 28 days!"
Don't be so sure :)

Besides, it's not me who'll be fixing you. You'll be fixing you.

Each "Day" will be a new exercise. A practical look into your life and how you're living it. I recommend you print each blog post and do the exercise with a pen or pencil. Then compile your notes as you move on to the following exercises.

We'll start by assessing where you're at. Let's figure out where you're lacking and where you're excelling. It might be that your personal life rocks and your professional life stinks. It could be the other way around. It could be that your life is gravy. You won't know until you start digging.

So who is this series for? Everyone! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete newbie. You could be a top sales professional or a small business owner. It doesn't matter where you're from or who you know. The lessons we'll be talking about will apply to you.

Now I have to warn you. You may find out things about yourself that you don't like. That's OK! Let's work on fixing those things. On the flip-side, I'll bet you'll find exceptional qualities you never knew you had.

I'm excited for you! Are you ready?

Without further ado, here's Day 1 of "28 Days to Happier, More Productive You"

DAY 1: Self Assessment
So the first thing you need to do is figure out whether you need to improve. In order to get a baseline, rank the following statements on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 that you don't agree, 10 that you strongly agree). Feel free to print this post and keep it on file.

1. I need more time for myself    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10
2. I need more time with my family/friends    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10
3. I need to spend less time at work    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10
4. I am not productive with my time    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10
5. I want to improve my quality of life    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10
6. I want to make more money    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10
7. I am concerned about my health    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10
8. I am stressed out    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10
9. I am not happy professionally     1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

10. I want to make a change    1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10

Now add up all your scores and write the total here: _______
Compare your total score to the following grading system

• (1 - 25) Your life is pretty great. Congrats! Did you recognize areas you could improve in? No one is perfect, but let's push for perfection.
  
• (26 - 50) There are definitely areas you need to work on. Are you getting a better ideas where? You're in the middle of the pack. Are you ready to be at the top?
  
• (51 - 75) You're only a couple steps away from losing control. Work may be taking over your personal life. Family issues may be affecting your work. Let's start working now.
• (76 - 100) You are in need of some major change. You've probably lost complete control of your time and you might find your energy and motivation are lagging. Are you ready to make some big changes?

Now that you have a better idea of where you stand, start thinking of ways you can change. In the coming days and weeks we'll be talking about specific things you can implement that will improve your quality of life.

But don't wait! Start thinking of ideas on your own. Show your spouse or one of your trusted friends how you scored yourself. Ask them for help. The journey's only just begun.

Stay tuned for DAY 2 coming soon.

Here's to your success!

Get more information on my Individual Coaching Plan

Do you work all the time? Does you small business have you running circles morning, noon and night?  Guess what? You need to take a vacation.

As small business owners we’re often reluctant to take time off. Why? Because we think our business is going to crumble the minute we leave. Hopefully you’ve setup some systems to help with that, so let’s talk about 3 reasons you should get away periodically.

Take a Deep Breath: Dude, you need to catch your breath. Superman is only real in the movies. You’re not him. You have got to get away, take a deep breath (better if you take more than just one), and regain your focus. It’s amazing what a little breather will do for you energy when you get back in the game.

Regain Your Creativity: If you’ve been slugging it out on the ground for the past six months, ignoring everything else, there’s probably a pretty good chance your creativity has taken a hit. Why? Because you don’t increase creativity by staying in the same environment. Why do you think writers head for the beach, the deserted lake house or the mountaintop cabin to knock out their latest work? Because places away from home and office offer new things to see, smell and touch. Regain your creativity by going somewhere new.

Your Health: Look. Life is really too short. How fast do you want to end it? Me? I want to be around for a while. I learned a couple years ago that if I burn it from both ends around the clock and year-round my health took a hit. I was exhausted, my weight went up, I felt like crap even though I told myself I didn’t. Take care of yourself. There’s only one you. We want you to be around to see the fruits of what you’ve built.

So find some time to get away. Make it at least two days (uh, Saturday and Sunday?) and get out of town. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Take a vacation and come back ready to kill it.