SHEER LAZINESS?

That is a likely contributor, isn't it? For some folks, initiative is simply not in their vocabulary. The very idea of seeing what needs to be done and doing it without direction exhausts them. These folks usually lose their jobs and blame their employers.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

These folks do not understand 'Give First' philosophy. No, it's not airy-fairy, pie-in-the-sky thinking. In all areas of life, if your focus is on giving, you'll end up with a lot more. I'm not talking about 'I-don't-know-you-but-I-love you' kind of giving, either. Place yourself in a work environment that helps you. Notice that even doing something you do not love will give you a pay check and that is helpful! Give first. Do your job well and you will get your pay check regularly. You may even be promoted.

WHAT CAN I GET AWAY WITH?

No one will notice if I put these in wrong place or take an extra ten minutes on my lunch hour. Wrong. People notice. The boss may take a while to notice but your co-workers catch on right away...and, they don't like it! You are creating a problem.

WHY SHOULD I?

Ever had thought, 'They are just not paying me enough to do this much'? That could be true. You have options. Negotiate a higher salary or a reduced work load, find another job or adjust your attitude. There is no magic. Some employers want a pound of flesh while paying for a pittance. Often, though, you will be rewarded for pitching in and pulling your weight. After all, you chose job.

WORKING FOR A PAY CHECK ONLY?

Sometimes we've all had to do this. I remember doing it at times when I was a young mother on my own with three children. We do what we have to do, AND, you can still do it with right attitude. That pay check is important, so, give good value to person who is giving it to you. Remember, they do not have to have you there. Making yourself invaluable in any job has its own rewards. You'll get a good reference when you leave. You'll feel better while you're at work. Your work time will pass more quickly when you are involved. Your colleagues will appreciate you and you'll feel better about yourself.

SO....ARE YOU DOING YOUR BEST AT WORK?

It's all in your attitude and willingness. The most compelling reason I can give you for doing your best at work is that you'll feel better. Focus on doing a good job. Go extra mile. Remember that excellence is in details. Give full value for time paid. You'll not only feel better, you'll feel better about yourself.

Looking good is a beginning. Doing a good job is where real satisfaction is found.

4. Think about Wardrobe: Now I am type who dresses according to how I feel when I get up.dressy, funky, comfortable. So each night, I make sure I put together 2 or 3 outfits, and hang them out on front of closet. (Tip: Never have anything hanging in your Main Closet that needs cleaning, needs repair, or doesn't fit). That way, I still have a choice, but don't have to destroy my closet - and my sanity - trying to find something to wear each day. This works for kids, and husbands, too. Some people don't mind deciding night before, so you might just have one outfit ready, but if you're a little on kooky side like me, give yourself some breathing room.

5. Think about Leaving: The house, that is. Similar to what you have set up for each person in house for lunch fixings, also have baskets located strategically for going out door. These baskets should hold ONLY stuff that you need for next day -- keys, school stuff, dry cleaning, errands lists, cell phone, store returns, etc. Anything that is going out door next morning should be in that person's basket before they go to bed. (TIP: The "basket" might be backpacks for kids and might hang on back of kitchen chairs.). No last minute searches for video to return, or writing a note to teacher. It's all ready and waiting for you to just pick up and GO.

Now -- Think about all that EXTRA SLEEP you'll get!

Don't try to do it all at once. Implement one step at a time. After you get this system in place, all 5 steps should take you less than 15 minutes in evening - and save you loads of time in morning. And you'll go to sleep knowing that your morning is going to be calm, pleasant, and organized.