We all need to be better managers . . . OF OURSELVES!

We go to school, earn degrees, attend seminars, read books, get the update periodicals . . . all to master managing our staff and our organization. While all the time, we're slipping over the edge . . . because we have mis-managed ourselves.

A Jump Start to YOU Managing YOU
by Frank A. Little

It is imperative that we all become better managers . . . OF OURSELVES!

WELLNESS is a critical starting point. Two thirds of this country is overweight or obese, the most common disease in America is high blood pressure, and it is touted that stress is the #1 health problem in America! Statistics can be overwhelming. But sometimes being overwhelmed will open our eyes.

There are many reasons for the prevailing overweight statistics. While not all, much of the overweight statistics come from trends of overeating and other poor eating habits. The total cost of overweight and obesity in the U.S. was $99.2 billion in 1995. The cost of obesity in the U.S. was about $117 billion in 2000.

From 1991 to 2000 high blood pressure has increased from 25 to 28%. In big zero numbers, that number goes from 50 million to 58 million Americans. This often silent disease has proven to be the leading cause of strokes and heart attacks. My more important message is the lack of awareness of this potential killer disease. A whopping 30% of Americans with high blood pressure are unaware that they have it!

An estimated 75 -- 90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems. Over 20 million Americans ages 18 to 54 have anxiety disorders. Stress comes at us from all directions and affects everything we do, or should do. Recognizing what causes stress to YOU is half the battle. Avoiding it is the challenging other half.

Know, understand and heed these 14 points to Jump Start YOU managing YOU:

1. If you are looking for the right diet, you have already lost the battle.

2. Know the effects of what goes into your body

3. Dont put off today what you should have done yesterday.

4. The best action is sometimes the action that hurts the most -- and thats okay.

5. Mastering self-discipline is a must.

6. The trick is sticktoidness.

7. Manage your time. Otherwise yours will become someone elses to manage.

8. Never say or believe I do not have time." We all have the same 24 hours. What you choose to do in your discretionary time is up to you.

9. Develop an exercise program . . . as a way of life, not as a pre or post holiday event.

10. We spend more than 90% of our time indoors. Consider the alternative. Outdoors is Biiiiiiig!

11. Even if you forget to smell the roses . . . at least recognize that theyre in bloom.

12. Take a walk, run, bike ride . . . and concentrate on the walk, the run or the ride. Leave the thoughts of the day for another time.

13. Sometimes its okay to let what you do be all about you.

14. Dont forget Who is truly in charge.

As with any function, process, action, or undertaking . . . if you know about it, you can understand it. If you understand it you can manage it. If you can manage it, you can control it. Take time out to learn you and your health status. Began to understand what it takes for you to improve and maintain. Then take on the rewarding challenge of MANAGING YOU.

The above points are taken from the LITTLE Notes series of books and articles on inspiration, motivation, and lifestyle change by Frank A. Little and are intended to jump start and spur thought and contemplation on managing your level of physical fitness, personal health, mental stress, and spiritual growth. http://www.frankalittle.com