Matt Clark Unplugged

Work-Life Balance is BS

// May 11th, 2011 // No Comments » // Success Tips

I have heard the comment “I am trying to achieve work-life balance” almost daily. Not that this can not be accomplished, just that it will not be accomplished in the current frame work of what it means.

Working time for the average professional has increased by an average of 60% per week in the last 10 years. The number of stress related disabilities has doubled in that time as well. So this idea of work-life balance was correct where is the proof?  [Work-Life Balance]

The problem with the idea of work-life balance, it divides two very important parts of our lives and tries to scale them so that they are equal. That in itself is where the problem lays.

If we have the opportunity to do meaningful and purpose driven work there is a good chance we will spend a lot of time on that work. With the idea of balance in the picture this can lead to guilt about what we are spending the time on.

Work-Life Balance is really about finding experience in the freedom of the things we do, weather it is work or play. My suggestion is to work less and play more. This does not mean less work and more play. This means an integration of work and play. Blur the lines little, be flexible and integrate your passion for work into all the things that fill up your day.

Integration means a few things, first you need to make sure your employer will allow you a certain amount of flex time. Time to be away from the office to accomplish other things, to be able to work from remote locations and at different times. Also, blend some of the things you like to play at, with work. People that love to golf have been doing this for years.

If you have children get them involved as well. They will love to be included, the lessons they learn will be life enriching. They will get an understanding of what you do when you are away. Then when there is a time of long work commitments they are better able to support you.

Another important thing to do is to find your most productive time. (Heat Mapping Your Productive Time) Once you know this, set that time aside for work if you can. Then  you can get more done is less time so you can intergrate other things like fitness, time with spouse, friends and family etc.

So stop striving for work-life balance, it is not a win/lose proposal. Integrate, blur the lines of work and play and truly let go of the idea of work-life balance.

What do you think? Can we have work-life balance or do you like the idea of work-life integration?

So You Think You Are Rich? 12 Signs Of The Rich

// November 13th, 2010 // 6 Comments » // Personal Development, Success Tips

We all have many ways that we use to measure our success or prosperity. Some look to their riches, others to their relationships etc. However, to have a truly prosperous abundant life we have to have balance and abundance in many areas of our life.

One of my favorite books is Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (Affiliate Link), he talks about true prosperity or riches. It is not always what we think the sign of riches would be. Here is a list of 12 things that designate true life prosperity.

1. A Positive Mental Attitude
2. Sound Physical Health
3. Harmony in Human Relations
4. Freedom from Fear
5. The Hope of Future Achievement
6. The Capacity for Applied Faith
7. Willingness to Share Ones Blessings with Others
8. Engaged in a Labour of Love
9. An Open Mind on all Subjects and towards all People
10. Complete Self Discipline
11. Wisdom to Understand People
12. Financial Security

Notice that Financial Security is last on the list, I found this very interesting but after reviewing the list it made great sense. Financial security means nothing if you do not have the other beliefs and attitudes in the list. You will not be able to enjoy or share the financial prosperity.

What order would you rate the list, leave your comments and share what you feel are measures of true life prosperity.

15 Ways to Motivate Yourself

// October 29th, 2010 // No Comments » // Personal Development, Success Tips

Many things can be said about motivation, and many things work for motivation. However as we get into the realm of working for ourselves it is easy to find ways to sidetrack ourselves from doing what keeps us moving towards our goals.

We have to remember that we are as humans destine to find challenge and obstacles in our lives. It is what keeps our fires burning and always seeking to improve on how things are. (more…)

Unplug, Less Stress and More Success

// May 29th, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Success Tips

In the last few months I have gotten involved with something that I have always wanted to do. Have a wilderness retreat that I could go and hike and bike and spend time outdoors and unplugged. I was up this past week and began to see how this time in nature and unplugged from the noise of the city was incredible for my continued personal growth and also reducing stress.

Two years ago I unplugged the tv, and that was amazing. This freed up some much time in my daily life I was able to get more things done in less time. However, did I clear all the noise in our surroundings? No, this is almost impossiable these days.  I still had wi-fi flying around, lights on, fridge humming in the background etc. Wow, when I think about all the noise that goes on when you live in a urban environment it seems overwhelming.

For most of us we can filter the noise out and focus on the important stuff. It is important to remember that the unconscious mind does not filter it out, it takes it all in. This can tie up our mind, which can limit your ability to focus on things that matter most.

The benefits of unplugging once in awhile can be compared to a physical fitness program. It provides a time for us to calm the  mind and think, gives us more energy, reduces stress and allows us to be at peace with the moment instead of feeding our senses with future and past events.

I polled my Twitter followers and Facebook friends and was somewhat shocked at the results. Most people said they don’t unplug, or if they do it is only once or twice a year for a few days. You can follow some of the comments on Kwippy

Benefits of Unplugging

• Time to think, meditate, and free your mind. Less stress
• Building relationships and connecting with friends and loved ones through socialising and shared activities in the real world.
• A healthy body. Instead of slouching in front of the TV, unplugging encourages you to get active. Go for a walk or a run. Get outside and breathe in the beauty of nature, get out and play.
• Being able to focus on your goals and dreams, rather than using TV as an anesthetic to numb your mind into settling for less than you long for.
• Time to be creative – do something you have always wanted to do.

Create a “Unplug From it All Day”

With the proven benifits of unplugging it seems that if success is something we seek then we should take some time to unplug. Don’t get me wrong I love technology, however we should take time at least once a week to unplug and reset.  I put together some tips on how to setup a “Unplug From it All Day” and some suggestions for what to do with yourself in this free unplugged world.

1. Unplug, that is right, unplug the tv, computer, phone, anything that will distract you. This will help when the temptation hits you to maybe just check the email, answer that call or when bordem sets in because you not used to all this silence.
2. Leave the cell phone at home, yes unplugging means no cell phone!
3. Go for a hike, get out in nature. This is truly the best place to be when unplugged. Reconnect with the peace and calmness and abundance of nature.
4. Join a friend for coffee, beer whatever just make sure you are face to face and with real people.
5. Meditate, this will recharge and clear your mind. If you have never meditated before, this is a goodtime to start I have some tips on learning how to meditate here»
6. Get out and play! Go play at the park, play in the sandbox with your kids whatever just go play.

Setup a day when you can do this at least once a week and you will be recharged and cleared of stress and tension.

Power of Personal Development Podcast

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Mastermind Groups and The Power of Many Minds

// May 15th, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Success Tips

Power of Personal Development Podcast

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I was involved with a mastermind group last year and it was amazing. I was able to achieve more in less time that every before. The power of the mastermind group allowed me to move past limiting beliefs and has been a critical component to my continued success. Napoleon Hill said “When a group of individual brains are coordinated and function in harmony the increased energy created through that alliance becomes available to every individual brain in the group” As the saying goes two heads are better then one. Imagine having a mastermind group that meets each week for the purpose of problem solving, brainstorming, networking, and encouraging and motivating each other!

Creating Your Mastermind Group

The creation of a mastermind group is simple, however a few key points should be followed to achieve a dynamic and powerful group. You should choose people that are where you want to be in your life, or at least a step above where you currently are. Below are some tips to starting your first mastermind group and working together for the success of all involved.

1. It only takes two to mastermind, however a group of 4-8 people works best with 6 people being ideal.
2. To make it easy to work around everyone’s schedule use a conference call system. Here are some some companies offering conferecnce call service for free,  Free Conference Call and Rondee.com
3. Meet weekly if possible for at least an hour or hour and a half. This must be held sacred by everyone involved and make it a priority to attend and have a upbeat and enriching time while on the call.
4. Each member must agree to play full out — to openly share ideas, support, contacts, information, feedback, and anything else that will help advance the individual and group goals.
5. Start the meetings by having each member share something positive and good that happened since the last meeting.
6. Next, have each member share an opportunity or problem they have experienced since the last meeting and ask for whatever support they would like on it. It is a good idea to have a time-keeper to make sure that each member of the group gets the same amount of time. This is important if you want your group to last. Everyone must get value at each meeting.
7. End the meeting by sharing gratitude, and acknowledgments.

You’ll find one of the real values of a mastermind group is the accountability partners – other members checking up on you to make sure you meet your stated commitments. This alone will propel you forward to reaching your goals sooner than every before.

Want to start a Mastermind Group, Download your complete Mastermind Group Workbook here»

How many of you would like to join a mastermind group and not sure how to get started? Leave a comment and I will contact you and help you get started.

If you have been in a Mastermind Group, what was your experience? Share you stories with our readers.