Mindconnection eNL, 2004-01-19

In this issue:

4. Finance tip
5. Security tips
6. Health tip/Fitness tip
7. Thought for the day

Now, keep this in mind. Everyone can work more productively (read, work to better stay employed or even get a raise) with this knowledge. But, people whose job title is "Project Manager" will be in short supply as the demographics kick in and today's senior project managers retire over the next 5 years.

1. Browse the material, reading the headings, so you understand the framework.
2. Read the material, highlighting or otherwise marking the salient points. Be sure you read in small manageable chunks of time--stop when your mind wanders.
3. Go back and re-read what you highlighted or marked.

Why this works:

Step one: When you first read something, your mind has no frame of reference. But, when you provide it with a frame of reference, then it organizes information as you read. 

Step two: Physically acting on the material causes you to concentrate on it. Many people start to lose focus when they read. This prevents that.

Step three: For cultural reasons, most books contain about 90% filler so they get the thud factor that sells books. This means that for every hour you spend reading the typical book, you will spend only 6 minutes of that reading anything useful. After you note what's useful in Step two, you can focus your attention on what really matters without all the other obfuscation that would otherwise go with it.

Think of how much cheaper your healthcare bills might be without putting all that junk into your sinuses, mouth, and lungs each day--or sleeping in it each night.

Dirty filters also destroy furnace systems while increasing their operating costs. A good filter replacement program pays for itself in lower electrical costs alone. But, get this. The cleaner air also means your carpets, furniture fabric, bedding, and other materials that make your home soft and inviting will last longer. You'll spend less money on cleaning supplies, too.

If you haven't been using a 3M Filtrete high-rating filter or equivalent and changing it often, you will still have these problems even if you do correct the filter deficiency. That's because the filter is on the furnace input and prior to the correction you were pushing dirty air through all of your ductwork. You can get your ducts professionally cleaned for a couple hundred dollars--a paltry investment, considering the benefits. 

To avoid drawing the attention of these miscreant criminals to yourself, fill out your return carefully and then set it aside. Review it later, for errors in everything from spelling to math. And, make sure you signed it!

If there are discrepancies, explain them upfront. For example, if your W-2 or 1099s don't match your actual numbers, attach a note explaining why. The IRS wants you to fill out a special form that triggers an automatic audit. Don't do that. A returns reviewer, seeing your note, has the authority to approve the discrepancy and get your return through the system. If you show from the start that you document things, IRS employees are far less likely to mark you as a target.

If you are cheating on your taxes, you are giving fuel to the misperception that there is actually a need for the IRS in the first place. You can help everyone by not cheating on your taxes. If you don't like our punitive tax rates, vote against candidates who vote to increase taxes, government spending, or regulation and let your legislators know enough is enough.

Don't you hate it when another person cuts you off in traffic? What a moron, right? That person deserves lights in the mirror, some horn honking, some yelling, and the middle finger from you, right?

Let's think about this. Why did that person cut you off?

Sometimes, people cut others off intentionally. They do this out of a misguided sense of their own importance. And you want to give them even more attention? Not smart.

Sometimes, people cut others off because they aren't paying attention. And now you want to give them even more distraction? Hmm.

Sometimes, people cut others off because those others are driving in their blind spot or doing something else that affects the situation. Think about it.

Other times, well, it's a numbers game. You make how many thousands of decisions while driving? Don't you make mistakes? Cut the other person some slack.

So, we have no reason to get all worked up over  a slight in traffic. A short tap on your horn can alert the other person to the error. That's really all you need, if that much. An understanding smile will also get your message across, if the other person sees it. And that message will be heard. Giving someone the finger just makes them think you are the one out of line.

Having some intelligent understanding of other people while you are driving means fewer flared tempers, and less chance of aggressive or even violent behavior directed toward you. Further, you aren't pumping out stress hormones and damaging your own self with this approach. You remain in control--and that has all kinds of benefits.

The next time someone "cuts you off"--which seldom costs you anything--don't view it as a personal affront to your territory. You'll likely live longer and healthier as a result, but the immediate benefit is you aren't letting another person or event poison the minutes you are living now.