Kathy Garland | Transformational Leader | Innovative Speaker | Business Coach | Kathy Garland International

This past summer, I had a little more trouble than usual keeping our pool chemicals in balance. I started taking water samples to our local pool supply store and found that I had not been using the right chemicals in the right proportions in some cases. For the last five years, I thought I was doing it right. Now I regularly take water samples. It’s so easy and my pool is in better shape.

I’ve observed that I, along with many other women, have a tendency to want to solve problems on our own and don’t ask for expert advice when we need it. If you have an area of business or life that is causing you the same frustrations over and over again, it’s probably time for you to call in an expert. You’ll sleep better and be more productive.

On a personal note, my daughter is getting married this fall. I was listening to some old CDs the other day and ran across the song from Phil Collins, "You’ll be in my heart." The lyrics, "From this day on, now and forever more…" caused a rush of tears (I get teary-eyed when I see TV weddings for heaven’s sake!) I told her that she should probably choose some rap songs for her wedding so I won’t become a complete puddle!

Today, I invite you to read Roy Williams Monday Morning Memo titled Sailing the Sea of Japan: http://www.mondaymorningmemo.com/?ShowMe=Home about Elizabeth Vining who tutored the Crown Prince of Japan, Akihito. Her teaching and inspiration led him to think differently and change 2,600 years of tradition in Japan. When he became Japan’s ruler, Emperor Akihito opened the minds of the Japanese people and made it possible for Edward Deming to come in and revolutionize Japanese manufacturing. It’s a fascinating story of a woman leader and I encourage you to read the memo through the link above.

I want to share something with you that is fun for me. Recently at the eWomenNetwork conference, www.ewomennetwork.com, I had this photo taken by Mary Ann Halpin, http://www.maryannhalpin.com. She is the photographer for Fearless Women by Nancy Alspaugh and Marilyn Kentz, which is a beautiful book that tells the story of midlife women, including Cybill Shepherd, Larraine Newman, Joni Mitchell, Joan Lunden and 46 other women who feel they are at their best at midlife. Mary Ann photographed them holding a sword in a pose that is meaningful to them. She set up a studio at the conference so she could photograph us with a sword like the women in the book. I was one of the lucky ones to be able to get on her schedule before it filled up.

My Fearless Photo by Mary Ann Halpin

If you look closely, you can see the sword in my right hand. People that know me well say the photo captures my essence. There is something transformational about the power of a sword and being photographed with it. Cut through whatever gets in your way, slice through beliefs that you are less than what God planned for you. Stand confidently in the present, knowing the future brings joy and success with courage and focus.

Holding this sword and connecting to the power of courage brought out the best of all of us who had our photos made.

Thank you for reading my blog and I encourage you to share this with another woman leader in your life.

Today is Labor Day so I thought I’d write a post on office productivity to make work easier. This morning, I found the most wonderful new three-hole punch for my office. It is such a small thing, however I just breezed through punching a 100-page manual. Paper punching hasn’t been this easy since I was in corporate and either had help or we had an electronic punch. Seems silly, but I am ecstatic over this small leap in office productivity.

The name of the paper punch is called ProPunch by Paper Pro and the packaging states that the product is the single greatest development in the history of punching. For the small office I agree. All you need to do is use one finger to push the lever, not struggle with standing up and mashing through your pages. It’s only $30 at Office Max.

The reason I am sharing this with you because the tools you use can help you make a huge leap in your productivity. Here is a list, that when updated, can help you increase your efficiency.

1. Does your phone support your needs?

2. What about your desk setup and keyboard?

3. Do you have enough light in your office?

4. Are the tools and materials you use for your work close to your desk?

Just as you organize your kitchen to make cooking easy, you can look at your office to see what additional tools you need and how the arrangement of your office furniture and materials makes it easy to work.

Sometimes the smallest change can make a huge difference.

On September 10, I am starting a new Mastermind Series for The Power of Your Pen, which I have taught for the last several years. You can make huge leaps in your results, your productivity and your peace of mind by joining this program. All the information and registration link is on my The Power of Your Pen Mastermind Series web page.