TRADE TIPS:LEARN TO MODIFY

Helpful hints for public relations and marketing professionals.

By Nicole Hayes

Does having several sizeable tasks to do make you wish for a stunt-double? If yes, here are five helpful tips to help you learn to modify.

This is simply a reminder that as wonderful and talented as we are, we cannot and should not do it all.

• There are several reasons (that mainly involve our mental and physical health) for why we should learn to modify what we can deliver.

• Delegating tasks to someone else does not make you any less of a Superwoman but rather a wise woman.

Here are some tips I recently learned  at a women's conference:

Remember to unplug.1

• With modern technology, everyone can access us 24/7 – but that doesn’t mean you should always respond.

• I appreciate a prompt email response, and I deliver the same courtesy to others. However, this can serve as a double-edge sword.

• You have to know where and when to set your boundaries so your mind can rest.

There is no shame in asking for help!

• Wishing you had a stunt-double will do you no good.

• If someone offers to help you with a project, graciously accept – you will feel immediate relief.

• Provide him/her with clear instructions to ensure the final product meets your vision.

Reach out and accept help.2

Alleviate your stress.3

• Several studies show that consistent stress can change your body, mentally and physically.

• Adrenaline is a natural substance that our bodies produce when we need to protect ourselves in a "fight or flight" situation.

• In cases of constant work-life stress, the heart rate remains elevated, along with blood pressure.

Alleviate your stress.3

• A persistent state of stress is known to cause: heart disease, obesity, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, memory impairment and skin problems.

• Find out what you can do to alleviate stress.

• Modify what you promise to people.

• Learn to listen to your body and dial it back when you need to.

How often does your day's "To-Do" list include you?

• You may have 10 items listed but none of them relate to your personal development.

• By failing to schedule “me” time, you plan yourself right out of your own life.

Create space for “me” time.4

• If your sugar bowl is running over, you can share your sweets with others who need it.

• However, if your sugar supply is depleted, how can you give it away?

• Same with your time.

• Though time is not necessarily a substance we can see, imagine it like a limited resource.

When you have an overflow of work, give more.5

• Realize that to accomplish certain tasks you must have a sustained supply of time.

• If you feel strongly about helping a person/event, ask if there is another way you can help that doesn't tie up your time.

• More importantly, if you accept such invitations be sure these are people who value your time and won't abuse it.

When you have an overflow of work, give more.5

This presentation was adapted from our Voice Matters Blog.

To learn more about McKinney & Associates, visit www.mckpr.com

McKinney & Associates was founded in 1990 with a commitment to

social justice that has prevailed for more than 20 years. From the beginning, McKinney passionately and skillfully practiced

Public Relations with a Conscience for local, national and international organizations.

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