How can we Focus?

Can you relate with me when I say that there are a lot of things to do?  That it’s hard to identify which one to do first if it’s Urgent, Important, ASAP or Critical?


Does your calendar look like this?

Yes, this is my calendar and I was not happy to see this!  There are moments like this when I needed to take each meeting and to squeeze them all in — is this healthy?  My answer is “NO”.

Why? It’s hard to focus — it’s like, there is no time to breath and think of what to do first.  Because instead of planning ahead, there is another meeting coming up that you need to attend.  Then action items piles up and not to mention your emails and other adhoc tasks.  This is just so NOT GOOD!

So what do we do?
Okie — let me tell you this — WORK WILL NEVER GO AWAY — let me repeat that — WORK WILL NEVER GO AWAY! We need to accept that fact!

Number two, we are not robots who doesn’t get tired of working LOOONG hours.  But what if everything just needs to be done ASAP, URGENT, IMPORTANT?? We prioritize and when we do, we focus.

I would like to share what’s helping me Focus:

1. My To-Do List – This is really helpful for me.  I am the type of person who is really having a hard time to focus — when I am in the middle of something and then suddenly a file is not saving too fast — my mind will wander and open another email to respond to.  Then i will not notice that I was not able to finish what I was actually doing.  My To-Do List solved the problem — when I was in a middle of something and my mind wandered — I write it down — that way I can:
        (1) Focus on my original task
        (2) Remember that I have another action item on my plate.

2. I take DND (Do Not Disturb) Status in Skype seriously – In one of the discussion that I attended about Truly Human, there were discussions about the Mind Dimension and its related to Focus.  To be able to focus, we should remove distractions and I bet you will agree 100% that pings are a super distraction.   It’s either you will:
     (1) respond – then you are distracted or
     (2) will ignore but will eventually will not be able to remember the ping — if you noticed, when you ignore a ping — it will (for a time) stop blinking. 

This can be a two way sword — people might think that you don’t want to be reached out to — this is Wrong.  If it’s really important / urgent, then people will either approach you, or even text or call you.  Accenture People finds ways — we are good at it.

3. I schedule focus time – In my opinion, attending back to back meetings does not equate to productivity.  Yes you may be productive because there’s a lot going on but were there problems solved? or items closed? more often that not, another meeting needs to be set to eventually close an item.  Anyways, I schedule “FT” Focus Time.  This is blocking my calendar to do an important task so that it will not be blocked by another meeting.   Or even blocking a short breather time.  One of my best practice is scheduling meetings for 45 minutes instead of an hour.  One, it helps me maximize the meeting time that I have and make sure it’s productive, two, I have 15 minutes more to focus and start another meeting (if unavoidable).

4. 60 – 15 approach – This is when I work for 60 minutes and then breath for the next 15 minutes.  How do I do it, i use my phone alarm and it really worked on my focus.

5. I talk to my team and laugh – Really most of the time, when I need to focus — i need some time to talk and laugh (this is me and we can all have different approaches and I am such a talkative person).

These are the things that helped me Focus.  This is not something that may be applicable to all but maybe can also help you.  Different folks, different strokes so what works with me may not work for others but I am welcome to hear best practices so that I can also apply them.  That in itself is Collaboration!

How about you? How do you focus?


Xoxo

Do we Blend in or do we Stand Out?

We are human beings and a quote says that no man is an island. Therefore we connect with people to be able to relate, live and learn.  From the time that we were born, we were surrounded with people, by our family and friends. 

Then, when we went to school, we were living our day to day life with our classmates, teachers, peers and school mates. A way lot of interaction around here.

Followed by our work environment, when we eventually enter the corporate world or even start our own business.  We interact with different people and we all know that there are a lot of personalities around the world. 

The question is, when we are with the rest of the people around us, do we blend in or we stand out? My answer it's not an exact science, because whether we blend in or stand out depends on the situation we are in. 

You see, and probably you also know, that all of us are Unique. There can be more than a hundred thousands of personalities around the world and no one can have the same exact personality.  With that in mind, we cannot say that in every situation we "Blend In" or "Stand Out". 

Let's take some situatuons where I believe it would be best to Blend In and Stand Out. 

School Play -- 
In this scenario you can do both. How? 
If you are playing a key role in the play, it is important for you to "Stand Out" and play the role you are assigned to. If you do it well then it will help on the overall plot of the play and make it successful.  If you overdo your role, it will appear exaggerated and it will not create a good storyline for the play -- in this particular scenario - you "Blend In".  Make sense?

Project Management --
This is when there can be different mini scenarios where you either Stand Out or Blend in -- Here's when:

1. If you are the Project Manager - definitely you have to stand out because you have to manage the entire project and get things going.

2. If you are not the Project Manager - but when there is a task that needs to be picked up. Opportunities knocks very seldom and when they do, it can make or break you. So when there is a task that needs to be done, grab it and "Stand out".  Make sure that you can accomplish it :)

3. If you are a team member - who is handling a big ticket item on the project.  You "Stand Out" in your turf (to make sure everything is done at your end) and "Blend in" with the entire team - this is another way of saying to become a "Team Player"

4. When a decision needs to be made - you can either "Blend In" with the rest of the people's decision (meaning, you just agree with the majority).  Or "Stand Out" and be firm with what you believe in even if it's only you who believed in it (or a few of you).

There can be different scenarios where we either Stand Our or Blend In. What's important is that when we do - it's always for our and our family's best interest.  Where we can learn, contribute and be fulfilled.

Bonus: In the Corporate Setting - If you see that an employee is "Blending In" with a lot of decisions and projects, we have to be cautious.  Employees who "Blend In" can be someone who doesn't care about a particular decision or someone who needs to learn how to be firm.  If it's the first one - we need to start talking to this employee and find out the motivation.


Xoxo

Online Shopping on a Weekend

We are in the season of buying gifts in preparation for the upcoming Christmas Season.  We love to give gifts, no matter how expensive or cheap our gifts are, it really does not matter. What matters is the thought behind the gift and the person giving it. 

We are in the generation of digital shopping wherein we love to shop online.  My husband's new past time is really online shopping and luckily we have never been scammed nor were not satisfied with our purchase. Reason is that we review the sellers and the reviews they receive (it really helped). 

I recently shared a post about supporting our family and friends who are doing small business, it will definitely help. 

I am sharing and recommending the Online shoppe of my sister, Louise. 

Visit her FB page and look at what you can get for Christmas. For yourself and for your friends.

Enjoy!!

Xoxo

What do you do when you are stressed?

 

It's not always a fairy tale story or a walk in the park. Whether its at home, at work or at a public place - there will always come to a time where we will feel sad, frustrated, annoyed or even angry.

 

One time, Papa and I are bound to Community General Hospital for his Dialysis. We were waiting for a tricycle to bring us there. We had three tricycle drivers who refused to take us to Community General Hospital and I was already irritated by their attitude. Finally, on the fourth try, we were able to take the ride. Then when we arrived at the Hospital, I paid the normal fare because the distance is not even more than 4 kilometers (the same amount I paid just that morning when Louise and I went to Community), but the driver told me that I still lack Php10.00. Since I don't want to waste my energy, I told him "eto ang Php10.00, hindi ko naman ikakayaman ito!"

 

How do we deal with it?

 

 

A lot of studies says that stress does not do any good for our body.

In a study made by Very Well Mind it states how stress is affecting our brain and it's not a light matter.

 

I am not claiming to be an expert when it comes to removing negative feelings or situations, but these tricks helped me and I want to share with you:

 

1. Pause - In a burning situation (like a heated argument or a complicated client), more often than not, the best thing to do is to pause for minimum of 5 - 10 seconds. It will give us enough breathing and thinking time to process the situation carefully. If we need to respond to the person we are talking to, the pause will give us the time to think and answer calmly. Remember that sometimes arguments are heated not because both parties are right but because of raised voices.

 

2. Laugh - after finishing a dreadful or toxic meeting, road encounter and the like, we need to again take a breather. Silence doesn't apply to me much (you know how talkative I am) and so I release this kind of stress by talking to my team (people around me) and just breaking into a great (loud) laugh. When we laugh, we release .... more so when we are laughing with the people we love.

 

3. Eat - this is the last thing that I would do because I tend to over do it -- and please learn from me. I tend to munch a lot of chips or nuts, spicy food which is harmful to my (sensitive) stomach. So when it cannot be avoided make sure that the food you take will not make you ill. Another one, if you have budget, treat your team with ice cream or chips (my previous lead did it and we were so happy).

 

4. Reflect - is the situation causing you that stress is really worth the stress. Sometimes, we over complicate things. I remember one situation when one of my family member is having a small challenge at home and in her mind the problem is so big that it caused her to think so much. Only to find out that the problem is something that we shouldn't be thinking about in the first place. Again, reflect if the situation is worth the stress. Else don't bother to think about it because stress will not bring you to the hospital or even pay your hospital bills.

 

5. Ask Help - whether its from your family, friends or even professional psychologists or psychiatrist. It pays to know when it is time to seek guidance counseling or a person to talk to. There is really no harm is sharing what your feelings are to the people that you trust because we will never know how effective it will be until we try.

 

How about you? How are you coping with stress?

 

Xoxo



Arjay and Anni's Love: In the lense of a stranger!

I have known Arjay for some three years already as my team mate.  We always talk about work because he is so workaholic and I only get to hear something about his personal life when I ask.  Arjay is my exact opposite, he is not talkative and not as open as I am. 

I have met Anni once, as in once, when I attended a Bible Study.
Arjay introduced us and that's it, I was too shy (can you believe it??!!) to start a conversation.

So, in real essence, what I know about Arjay and Anni is close to nothing!
I just know that they have been together for ten years now (which is really something to be proud of).I.  only know some snippet but I dont know the details and the logic behind something.

Arjay, being himself, really didn't talk about his wedding so much (maybe because he is a guy?). Sometimes I would ask him about what's happening and he would answer in a very low voice.

Here comes the day of the wedding.. I don't know anyone except Arjay, Anni, Kat, Kaloy, Sheryl, Pinky and Thea. It was a Christian wedding and a very intimate one with only family and close friends.

The messages given by both Arjay and Anni to their parents were heartwarming and I can relate to them.  When Arjay and Anni exchanged their vows, you will definitely feel the love!
Everyone got emotional when they continued with their vows and it proves to show that love was really in the air! Both Arjay and Anni's sincerity were felt!

To Arjay and Anni - I may not be the first person that you'll ask if ever you both have some Questions about married life but I will always be here to give my POV when you need one.  I am sure that your Love for each other will be more than enough to withstand any trial or challenges.  Like what I said in my written message to both of you -- No one is ever born perfect but you both can definitely be perfect for each other! 

Ps: I have attended many weddings and this is the first time that I saw a pure white wedding cake! You both are unique and pureness of your hearts really shows!! Muah always!! 

Xoxo

Corporate Functions Gantimpala 2018



Photo by Borj Toribio

I have been with Accenture for a total of eleven (11) years now and through the years I have seen how people work and deliver.  I grew up (in Accenture) hearing the tag line of "High Performance Delivered" and i have experienced how high performance is delivered.

When I moved to the Corporate Functions HR People Advisor Team (three years ago), that's the time when I was exposed and have been part of different Corporate Functions Events. One of which is the annual CF Gantimpala Awards night and this is what I want to highlight in this post.

I was privileged to be part of Gantimpala's Core Team because I am able to learn and do Project Management! Project Management is something that I didn't have any training and managing Gantimpala is a great opportunity to learn.  More importantly, I am surrounded by people and leads who are very supportive to give guidance.  My leads, Ira, Uzzal and Mai, who really empowered me to deliver!

Photo by Borj Toribio

This year, our event was held at Shangri-La at the Fort (Bonifacio Hall).  It was our first time to have our Gantimpala Event there and it the venue and food were excellent.

Photo by Borj Toribio

While we were waiting for the event to start -- the guests were delighted about our 180 degrees Spin shot care of Pose and Print.  In the three Gantimpala events that we led, this is the first time that we have this.

Photo by Borj Toribio

Photo by Borj Toribio

This is how the 180 degrees Spin Shot look like.

Our masters of ceremony were Ojay Fudalan and Rowie Zamora -- both of them were amazing at how they hosted and appeared to be experts in this field!
They already have an alternative career option :)

My sincerest "Thank You" to both of you, i hope you enjoyed the night!

Photo by Borj Toribio

We were serenaded by our Band and String Quartet - it made the event even more elegant! They have set the mood to an awards night.

Outside the ballroom - and to make sure to keep the momentum we also had Red Carpet correspondents and they interviewed some of our nominees.

Photo by Borj Toribio

Thank you Randy and Francine for a job well done!

You will also see a lot of people taking selfies and seeing them makes me smile.

Photo by Borj Toribio

While the rest of being interviewed, taking selfies and photos, listening to our string quartet and band, our registration team is so ready to get the ball rolling!

Photo by Borj Toribio

You all rock!

Another thank you to our Usher Lead, Arjay and Emman!

Photo by Borj Toribio

Photo by Borj Toribio

Usher duties with Ayie -- Thank you Ayie!

Then we have our beautiful Trophy Girls -- their name may be so "girly" but they filled a big shoes for the event!  Thank you Joy, Rhia and Jen for sharing your beauty with us.

Photo by Borj Toribio

We also had Airdance to grace our event.

Photo by Borj Toribio

Thank you Ambe for giving a wonderful message to all Corporate Functions people! We appreciate your presence.

Photo by Tek Altura

I will never get tired of Thanking my Leads, Ira, Mai and for the empowerment and continuous support! Without these opportunities, I will not learn. 

My supportive and ever patient counterpart from Marketing, Karen! 

Photo by Ojay Fudalan

Thank you also CMC for partnering with us and making yet again a successful event! 

Thanks Joan for the trust and support! 
Thanks Jane for the literal backbone support, your team (Ivan and Jen) were awesome!


Lastly but definitely not the least, God Almighty for giving everything that we have. Without His Grace, we will not be able to execute such wondrous event. 

Xoxo

Dessert Buffet for Joseph Austine!

One of the things that I love is preparing Dessert Buffets! I seldom do it because it really takes time to prepare and set up but when I do I put all my heart to it. Especially if the Dessert Buffet is for the people that I love.

I was asked by our best friend Tin to create a Dessert Buffet for the first birthday of his second son.  I can't say "NO" because I haven't seen this baby since he was born a year ago. Tin also told me that Ochen already agreed to help me out. This was our Birthday gift so Tin won't get stressed and remove the Dessert Buffet from her worries.

Of course I can't do it on my own and I am so blessed to have my best friend helping me out on this.. she actually designed how it should look like.  I took care of blowing the balloons (haha).

This is actually my 3rd Dessert Buffet and it was by far the best.  The caterer were glad we didn't have any Choco Fountain because it may look so nice (for photo) but it's such a mess! Haha! Good thing I didn't bring my choco fountain (actually I don't know where it is now).

For this Dessert Buffet, all I needed to do was:

1. Look for themes online (what's the easiest thing to do)
2. Buy candies and cookies (a lot but not too many)
3. Buy some colored theme balloons - in this case it's blue and yellow to match the Minions Theme
4. Buy some banner and crepe paper and cartolina for more designs
5. Make sure that there are enough jars, plates and cupcake holder to hold the goodies.  We needed to improvise actually and the caterer were kind enough to lend us some plates and glasses.

After preparing all of these - let your imagination bring you to your design!

Here it is!

I loved how it turned out. For me, whatever it will look like for as long as it was made out of love, its beauty will shine!

Ps: Told Ochen to wear something Blue or Yellow, wala daw siya, ayan out of theme siya! Haha

Thanks Chen for this!!

Xoxo