Article Writing Strategies To Get Into Zen Flow ? 7 Tips

The more you write, the larger your impact. If that's true, why is it that so many authors find it hard to either start writing or to complete articles that they started?

You either buy into the perception of writer's block or you buy into the perception that it's easy for you to enter and exit an effortless state of flow (some call it the alpha mind state) or the zone when writing. It's always a choice and therefore you either set yourself up for failure or for runaway success.

Here are 7 strategies that can help you achieve the zone of flow when it comes to writing your best works:

1) Intentionally create and control your writing environment. This may include having the right clothing on or off, the right music or complete lack thereof, the perfect temperature that you enjoy writing in, your favorite chair or desk and the right amount of lighting or darkness.

2) Time Management: This includes being free for blocks of time without distraction or interruption from friends, family, co-workers, or whomever. You have permission to not answer the phone and it's also ok to shut off the ringer. It's also ok to not check email, voice mail, your PDA, ?nothing.

3) Try writing off hours when you're beyond tired. Usually the sage advice is to only write when you're at your mental best? but glorious works have been created when burning the midnight oil. Consider testing writing a block of time when you normally would have gone to bed.

4) Prepare and invest in the best writing tools. If you want to create great works, you must have the best tools. This may include a fast computer, broadband Internet to do research faster, a large flatscreen monitor to be easy on your eyes, and Microsoft Word.

5) Create an anchor to get yourself in state. This is NLP or self-anchoring if you will, but you should have something you do, say, think, touch, or execute in order to instantly put yourself in the state of flow that allows your best works to come out. Imagine yourself the last time you were in flow and writing was effortless. That's the place you want to put your mind to begin writing.

6) Pre-write your way to success the day before you enter the zone. This means free writing ideas and thoughts about what you're going to write about in the future so that your unconscious mind can organize the thoughts for you. The creativity that is in you will often mentally pre-write the entire works for you or at least help you outline your major points so that it will be effortless when you begin to physically write.

7) Remove negative self-talk and mental chatter if you want to enter and stay in the zone. Deny yourself the payoff that you normally get from negative self-talk and be open to the possibility of allowing yourself to zero in on the purpose of your writing. This is a time to let your ego check out. Meditate if you must for a minute or two to focus on your breathing to stop the chatter. Raise your standards and only allow positive self-talk to keep your writing on target.

Conclusion:

You can consciously choose to enter the state of creative writing flow and it takes a conscious effort to set yourself up for success. This includes controlling your environment, pre-writing, having the right tools to do the job, and only allowing your mental self-talk to lead yourself into positive questions that result in a creativity release of your very best written works. Decide and then execute to increase your creative writing volume in the Zen state of creative writing flow.

About The Author:

Christopher M. Knight invites you to submit your best articles for massive exposure to the high-traffic http://EzineArticles.com/ directory. When you submit your articles to EzineArticles.com, your articles will be picked up by ezine publishers who will reprint your articles with your content and links in tact giving you traffic surges to help you increase your sales. To submit your article, setup a membership account today: http://EzineArticles.com/submit/

How To Better Handle Your Mail

Letters, magazines, bills, flyers, what to do with them all. There should be only two responses to every piece of mail or e-mail, do something with it, or toss it!

The best way, as always, to deal with it all is in an organized fashion.

One of the quickest ways to do this is to have the following folders:

A red one for things that must be dealt with immediately. This would include anything that needs an immediate response, something that has to be done today. A letter you must respond to, a meeting you have to schedule, a report you need to do, a telephone call that needs to be made. Within this folder you will need to prioritize what needs to be handled first, second, etc.

Bills that come in and need to be paid should be placed in your tickler file a couple days before their due date to account for mailing time. So as you are opening your bills that come in the mail, check the due date and place them in your tickler file. If it has to be paid upon receipt, put it in the red folder so you can deal with it immediately.

Meetings (flyers) that have to be attended are placed in a gray folder. Be sure to check the dates, highlight them. Your next step is to be sure to place them on your calendar, and then to tickle them two days before for your review or if there is anything you need to do or prepare for the meeting.

If you receive meeting highlights or minutes by mail, these can be placed in a yellow folder for your perusal at a later date. These are the types of things that can be read during lunch, or while backing up files, printing, etc.

Magazines and articles you receive can be placed in a black folder. This is your reading folder. Take it with you when you go on appointments that you know you will have some lag time. Read during lunch. Schedule time in the morning and weekends. If you make reading a part of your daily schedule, it won't pile up. And remember, once you read it, file it away, or toss it.

Every piece of paper should generate a reaction, the reaction might be to deal with it, file it, or toss it, but one of them needs to occur. If you follow this simple rule, you can keep mail and paperwork under control, and your sanity to boot.

Copyright DeFiore Enterprises 2000

Interested in having your own successful, home based creative real estate investing business? Chuck and Sue have been helping folks start successful home based businesses for over 19 years, and we can help you too! To see how, visit http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com for the latest FREE tips and tricks, educational products and coaching in creative real estate investing and home based businesses. No time to visit the site? Subscribe to our "how to" Home Business Solutions Digest, it's like having your own personal coach: mailto:subscribeHBS@homebusinesssolutions.com

Two Reasons to Use Timesheet Software

This short paper will expand on two key reasons to move to a computerized timesheet system at your company. There are more than two reasons of course, but these will be expanded on at a later date. The two key reasons to be discussed here are Timesheet Efficiency, and Timesheet Automation.

Timesheet Efficiency is the concept of a single data entry exercise done accurately and quickly. Timesheet Automation is the simple concept of managing timesheet information electronically rather than on paper. When taken individually both these concepts make a compelling argument to move to electronic timesheets, taken together you should be asking yourself why you aren't kicking off the process today.

Timesheet Efficiency

When I started out my working career in consulting we had paper timesheets. These were (supposedly) to be filled in daily, submitted weekly, and data from them entered into the accounting system monthly. However, people being people, the accountant only checked them once a month, so they were generally only submitted once a month, and thus usually only filled in once a month when prompted by project managers. This resulted in inaccurate and late timesheet information.

This affected billing, time and materials projects would take up to four weeks to be invoiced, and thus it could be up to 60 days before payment was received. Why then are some companies constantly challenged with getting employees to accurately complete their timesheets while other firms have no problems? The difference is usually leadership and data ease of data entry. Most consulting companies employ skilled intelligent people, and a manager who fills in his timesheet information promptly and accurately can legitimately expect his staff to do so. However if the system is cumbersome and difficult to use then there will be constant conflict.

Easy to use computerized timesheet systems mean more employees are successfully filling out timesheets as they work rather than writing the time into a diary or calendar and then transferring the information at the end of the week (or month). It has been well proven that debtors are easier to manager and projects more easily monitored the closer that timesheet information is processed and invoiced to the time the work is carried out. It is just much more simple to collect all your billable hours (more chargeable time!) if employees record their work as they do it.

Of course data entry is just one side of things. Processing the information is just as important. Internal discipline and company policies must be set to ensure that all information is collected by the time you have decided is the deadline. Whether this is Friday 5:00pm, or Monday 9:00am, deadlines must be followed and enforced. Timesheet software with built in workgroup functionality like messaging, timesheet approval, live monitoring, and so on can greatly enhance this process.

There is no point pretending that timesheet information and collection is glamorous. It isn't. It should just be part of the normal mundane fabric of business. It should be routine and boring. But most importantly it should be quick, easy, and provide no disincentive to doing it. Good computerized systems should offer all of this.

Timesheet Automation

The most basic benefit that a computerized timesheet system gives is one of automation, timesheet information is entered into a computer rather than onto paper. This eliminated the need for people to transcribe their timesheet information from a diary onto a paper form, and then for administration staff to re-enter this information into a job costing system. The computerization allows you to completely eliminate the middle steps. Staff enter information directly into the job costing system.

The next logical step of computerization is to leverage off of the computer to provide a host of other benefits. This includes interlocks like preventing people from booking time to projects that dont exist, or projects that are closed, or projects they should not be booking time to. It allows project managers to access live data showing actual time spent on their projects, this data can be manipulated and visualized in different ways using other computer software. It can even interface directly with dedicated project management software.

Other benefits can include automatic timing of work, popup information showing specific project information helping timesheet accuracy, daily timesheets, reminders telling people to fill in their timesheets, integration with messaging, email, and the web, and live integration with accounting packages.

Conclusions

By themselves each of these points makes a good argument for moving to a computerized timesheet system. Taken together they are truly compelling. Increased accuracy and reduction of the billing cycle means that a computerized system can usually measure its payoff in just a few months. For any company that does bill its time, it is should not be an option any longer, it is a simple next step. Interested in looking at some low cost alternatives? Why not take a look at Timesheets Lite or Timesheets MTS. These are low cost systems ideally suited to the small company.

About The Author

Mark Nemtsas, Moving Target Software

Get low cost, efficient, timesheet software! This article is ? Moving Target Software, 2004. It can however be reproduced in full on any web page as long as it is edited in no way whatsover.

White Sun - Tao of Heaven: The Relationship Between Tao and Mankind

The shapeless and formless Tao brings about various elements and spiritual energy. These elements and spiritual energy combine to form living cells. Cells then proliferate into living entities. Each living entity is unique because of the differences in the combination of elements and the intensity of spiritual energy. The intensity of the spiritual energy given to a species determines its class. Among all the living things on Earth, mankind is the only life form that possesses all attributes of Tao. Thus, mankind is the dominion on Earth. Tao of Heaven is the mystic key to the cosmos just like a train must run on rails, a ship must sail on its course and airplane must fly along its designated route otherwise catastrophes will occur.

Tao is the Lord of the cosmos, the truth, the way and the life. Tao is void, still, majestic, reverent and divine. Tao of Heaven names Tao as the Lord of all souls or God; Christian as God, Father or Jehovah and Islam as Allah. Although various religions and Tao of Heaven name Tao differently, they all refer to Tao, the only God in the cosmos and the only Lord of all souls. He governs the order in the cosmos, the changes in Heaven and Earth and the very existence of mankind.

Tao of Heaven is descended to bring salvation to the world. In order to reach this goal, it is necessary to transmit the essence of Tao to people so that those who receive it can discover the Truth and restore their True Selves. Once they restore their True Selves eventually they will complete the Holy mission of bringing salvation to the world. Soul is the true self of a man which is actually pure, divine and eternal. The physical body is the false self which will subject to birth, old age, sickness and death.

Tao of Heaven promotes morality so that evil can be replaced by goodness. It is not motivated by malice or evil thoughts. It does not conflict with any society or religion. It is not a blind belief or a superstition. Its intention is stated plainly and clearly without any hidden ambition. It conveys the Gospel of God to everyone. It promotes the unification of all religions and advocates the returning of all religions into one so that all can return to God's kingdom.

Author: T.A Chew Website: http://www.white-sun.com

T.A Chew is an accountant who was born a Taoist, became a Christian after a miracle happened twenty eight years ago in 1977 and then a devotee of Tao of Heaven in 1993 when a vision of Goddess of Mercy appeared before him after a very bright flash of light. He then became a vegetarian in 1995, converted his house into a Tao temple and became a part-time preacher.

Is George Bush Two-Faced?

Yes, Bush is two-faced. The two sides of the faces are total opposites. His personal left side shows he is happy and relaxed.

The professional right side of his face is more stern and guarded. The striking difference indicates he is very moody.

His SQUARE FACE indicates he is confident, a freedom lover, optimistic, aggressive, ambitious, go getter, successful organizer. He gets things done.

His FOREHEAD is high, straight, and wide showing intelligence, and a logical linear thinker.The wrinkles on his forehead show his artistic talents. The two wrinkles between the eyebrows show he is focused and exact.

The EYEBROWS are different. The left one is scattered and tangled indicating his personal thinking is chaotic. His right brow is lower and smoother, showing a even and logical thought process. The brows are low indicating he is informal and easy going.

The two EYES are different, the left is squared (fox) cunning, tight, dishonest in his personal life. The right eye is curved showing his charm. The eyes are small and deep set, indicating he is cautious, observant, and he hide his emotions. The left eye is also higher than the right, indicating he is moody and has his ups and downs. There is no visible upper eyelid indicating he likes to have his own space.

The EARS are different. The left ear is large meaning he is very open and receptive in his personal life. The smaller right ear is skeptical. The outer rims are clearly defined showing he is concerned with the logical external world. The ears come below the nose tip which means he like things done right.

The CHEEKS are plump which mean he is well organized, and gets broad support from everyone.

His MOUTH is large, showing he is confident and expressive. The lower lip is thicker, indicating he likes to talk and is very persuasive.

The hook NOSE shows he is skeptical. The wide wings indicate he is dependent on others and gets support from others.

The CHIN is soft and rounded showing his compassion and concern for people.

Feel free to print/reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or website as long as you leave all the links in place. Don't modify the content and include the resource box as listed. Please send a note when it is used. Thank you.

(c) Kathy Thompson - All Rights Reserved

Would you like to make money writing profiles like this? Now you can with these closely guarded secrets. Amaze Your Friends & Everyone! Check it out at; http://www.faceuptoit-youcan.com/writers.html

You Can Have Healthy Skin

With new research, new products and new skin protection advice popping up all the time, it is hard to figure out the best things to do to improve and protect your skin.

A skin care program is the combination of skin care products and a routine that will be most beneficial to the skin. You will first need to consider your diet and type of life-style since these two factors play an important role in the health of a person's skin.

These days we seem to be living in the fast-food age and the condition of your skin is often neglected. You still can't beat the old fruit and vegetable diet when it comes to good health and a good complexion.

Remember to feed and nourish your skin by eating the proper foods. Give your skin a drink too. Those eight glasses of water a day your mom always told you to be sure to drink are essential to maintaining your skin's elasticity and suppleness, say experts. And don't count coffee or any of the caffeinated sodas as part of the eight glasses because caffeine is dehydrating. The water you choose can be sparkling water, mineral or straight from the tap. Another suggestion is that you keep a liter-size bottle close at hand, or simply drink a glass or two with your meals, and a few in between.

You need to give some thought and consideration to the type of makeup you sue. And be sure to clean your tools regularly. Things such as cosmetic brushes get dirty and can carry bacteria and germs and may cause skin irritations and breaking out. One of the leading cosmetic authorities suggests that cosmetic brushes be thoroughly cleaned at least twice a month. A good way is to soak brushes for about 10 minutes in a dish of warm, soapy water using mild liquid detergent or baby shampoo. Rinse and blot excess moisture with a towel and stand the brushes, handle end down, in a tall glass until they are thoroughly dry.

Keep environmental pollutants from being absorbed into the skin with a good moisturizer that also acts as a skin barrier. Check the labels for those with added Vitamin A, C and E, which help block the penetration of pollutants.

A good exercise program such as aerobics can activate and rejuvenate the skin and improve circulation and blood flow. Also, body sweat triggers production of sebum, which is the skin's own natural moisturizer.

One skin care expert has come up with a do-it-yourself version of a treatment you may like to try. Stir the juice of half a lemon into one cup of plain yogurt. Keep it in the refrigerator and apply it as you would a cream every night before bed. You can even apply a thin coat of moisturizer over it is you like, after waiting about five minutes for the yogurt mixture to penetrate. With consistent use, you should see more even pigmentation and smoother skin in three to four weeks.

Get serious about stress reduction. Skin conditions such as acne appear on many people who are stressed out, and chronic skin conditions then to get worse. Set aside quiet time to meditate or daydream. Be sure to get enough sleep. To avoid morning eye or facial puffiness, sleep on your back so fluid doesn't collect there. And, you can keep the oil from your hair away from your face by wearing a head covering or a soft headband when you go to bed. And keep in mind that too much stress can affect your overall health as well as your complexion.sk to get down to the essential things.

Article by Jay Harris of IMI Concepts. Visit his website http://www.home-job-alert.com

Jewish Wedding Traditions - The Wedding Day in a Nutshell

Many of the Jewish wedding traditions are derived from ancient Jewish wedding customs dating back thousands of years.

Orthodox Jewish weddings always include these customs. Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist Jews and others can gather meaningful Jewish Wedding traditions from these pages to incorporate into their wedding day.

In traditional circles, both the bride and groom do not see each other for a week before the wedding. They then both fast on the wedding day, unless it falls on the day of the new Jewish month.

Pre-Chuppah (Jewish Wedding Canopy) Festivities

The wedding itself begins with the groom's ketubah signing. The ketubah is the Jewish marriage contract that acknowledges the commitment and obligations the bride and groom have toward each other.

While this is happening, the bride sits like royalty in a separate area and greets all of the wedding guests. This is called Kabbalat Panim--where Hors d'Ouevres are often served.

After the groom signs the Ketubah, the crowd dances him to his bride for an ancient jewish wedding tradition called the Bedekin. The bedekin is where the groom lowers the veil over the bride's face. The reason for this Jewish wedding tradition comes from the Old Testament.

In the old testament of the bible, Jacob was fooled while trying to marry Rachel, and instead was married to a woman named Leah who was completely veiled before and during the ceremony.

Jewish grooms today do this tradition to symbolically acknowledge that the bride is indeed one's beloved.

The guests are then escorted to the main hall for the wedding ceremony.

The Jewish Wedding Traditions of the Ceremony

While the groom is being escorted to the chuppah, the bride sits in meditative prayer. This is a wonderful Jewish wedding tradition that allows the bride to reflect on both her single life that is ending and her married life that is beginning. The rest of the wedding attendants walk down to the chuppah and await the bride's entrance.

Her parents walk her down and when she reaches the groom she engages in the ancient jewish wedding tradition where she circles her groom three or seven times, symbolizing the "new family circle" she is creating with him.

The rabbi then welcomes the guests and invokes the blessing of G-d.

The rabbi or cantor then recites the kiddush, the blessing over a cup of wine, and the couple responds, Amen. The couple then drinks from the cup of wine.

The groom then takes a Jewish Wedding ring and gives it to the bride, while reciting the marriage betrothal statement in both Hebrew and English, "With this ring, you are consecrated to me in according to the laws of Moses and Israel."

In Orthodox weddings, there is only one ring, from groom to bride, signifying the groom's commitment to the bride with a valuable object.

After the bride accepts the ring, the rabbi or an honoree reads the ketubah for all to hear, and then hands it to the groom, who in turn hands it to the bride.

Generally, this is when the rabbi makes a short speech. Afterwards, the rabbi or an honoree(s) recite the sheva b'rakhot, or seven jewish wedding blessings, which praise G-d and wish the couple blessing in their new life.

Finally, the best-known traditions of Jewish weddings occurs-- the breaking of the wedding glass.

After the Chuppah Jewish Wedding Traditions

The breaking of the glass ends the actual ceremony. The crowd then dances the couple to a private room, where they spend 10-15 minutes alone, time to exhale and embrace.

In addition, they break their fast together, and in addition to digesting food, they have a moment to digest what has taken place.

The bride and groom then enter the dining hall for the first time as a married couple and the festivities begin.

Like any wedding, there is dancing, music, good food, and lots of booze. :)

An honoree(s) says the blessing over the bread, and the grand meal begins. After Birkat Hamazon-- the grace after meals-- is said, the Sheva B'rakhot are repeated.

Of course, this guide is a brief overview of all the intricate Jewish wedding traditions and customs found in Jewish Weddings.

About the Author:

Josh Singer and Shira Frimer are authors and owners of http://www.about-jewish-weddings.com, containing completely FREE articles on everything from A-Z you should know about Jewish Weddings and Jewish Wedding traditions.

Visit their website and receive with no strings attached, "101 ways to save on your Wedding Costs" - a $69.00 value, absolutely free.

They also offer beautiful, completely customizable Jewish Wedding Rings, hand-painted custom Ketubahs (Jewish Marriage Contract), as well as hand-painted silk Jewish Wedding Chuppahs.

? 2005 Josh Singer and Shira Frimer. This article may be republished, as long as it remains unchanged, carries this copyright and reprint notice, and has a live link to our site.