A creative office space INCREASES production

Have you ever sat down at your desk and became overwhelmed by the piles of paper needing to be filed or stacks of books to be read/donated? I sure have and it is a constant struggle for me to keep my office an area of optimum production. I remember an interview that I saw of Donald Trump. The reporter asked him, why is your office so messy? And The Donald said so eloquently, “it’s a sign of a genius at work”. While I would love to think of myself as a genius, the fact is when my office is messy and cluttered, I tend to be scatter-brained…a far cry from a genius.

So, here are a few steps to take in order to create a workspace that motivates production:

Step 1  Determine what motivates you.  Are you motivated by money?  Sales numbers?  Praise?  What about success quotes or inspirational words?  Are you motivated to save enough money to take your family on that amazing vacation you’ve been dreaming about or are you looking to purchase a luxury item?  Determine what motivates you first and foremost.  You can accomplish this by asking yourself a few questions.
    What do you like best about your job or business?
    What fills your day with the most joy?
    What are your goals and why are they your goals?

Step 2.  Make your workspace attractive to you.  For some this may mean bright colors and clean lines.  Other people prefer a more Zen-like feel and choose neutral colors and minimal embellishments.  What is your style?  Take it and bring it into your workspace.

Step 3.  Make your workspace personal.  If you’re inspired by Benjamin Franklin success quotes “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.”  Then post them.  Hang pictures of your family or calming scenes.  If you’re saving for a vacation, perhaps a picture of that location posted in your workspace will help motivate you on those difficult days.  Motivated by money, post your current sales and your sales goals where you can see them at all times.

Step 4.  Reduce clutter.  Organize, organize, organize.  Clutter is a time stealer.  If you know where everything is, and everything has a place, then you’re headed in the right direction.  De-clutter your desktop by investing in a file cabinet or go paperless by investing in a scanner.  De-clutter your computer by organizing your work into files and storing them in larger files.  For example you could have a business folder and within that large folder you could have client folder or project folder.  Each sub folder would then have all of the documents and relevant files stored right there for easy access.

Step 5.  Add music, scents, and plants to make your workplace as pleasing as possible.  You don’t want it to be so relaxing that it puts you to sleep but you do want to feel inspired to work.  

Step 6.  Make sure your desk, desk chair, and computer keyboard are all adjusted to be comfortable for you.  An ergonomically designed workspace is a productive one.  You can’t get much done if your back is killing you from a poorly designed chair or you’re getting carpal tunnel from a misplaced keyboard.  Take the time to invest in comfortable office furniture – your business, body, and bottom line will reward you for the efforts.

Share your thoughts with me.

trevord@nhww.org

Check out my blog’s:

Blog: Life's Worth Living to the Fullest

Blog: RandomThoughts @trevordrinen

Blog: Relevant Devotions

Blog: Sex, Marriage, AND Family

Blog: Small Groups "Doing Life Together"

Blog: Spiritualness AND Reality

Online at:

www.nhww.org
www.drinenfamily.org

Learn from mistakes and continuing to move forward.

02.04.14 

Have the clouds liquified and settled on the sand? Or have I taken another imperfect picture in a imperfect world?

As individuals we need to accept our imperfections an shortcomings.  We need to stop striving to be everything for everyone.

Nobody gets everything right every time; as long as you learn from your mistakes, you will continue to move forward in life. 

Like the ocean waves that relentlessly pounds against the cliffs - Never stop. No matter the odds, no matter what others have said to crush your dreams, dare to dream and see your dreams become reality.

12 Quotes & 1 Picture To Brighten Your Day

As I woke up to the sound of rain, I decided to sit in bed and just be still for a few minutes this morning.  The continuous sounds of the smoothing rain cleared my mind and as my feet touched the floor I decided to come up with some motivational / inspirational quotes to illuminate your day. 

After you read these motivational quotes, 'd be honored to hear which one inspired, encouraged, or caused you to think the most.  

My hope is that you will be energized and be able to take one step today towards turning your ideas into a reality.

"In order to success, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure." Bill Cosby

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." Winston Churchill

"Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it." Bruce Lee

"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value." Albert Einstein

"I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed." Michael Jordan

"Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose." Bill Gates

"Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success." Dale Carnegie

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. Be the change that you want to see in the world." M. Gandhi

"It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership and success." Nelson Mandela

"We're born with success. It is only others who point out our failures, and what they attribute to is as failure." Whoopi Goldberg

"Failures to heroic minds are the stepping stones to success." Thomas Chandler 

“Your destiny doesn’t create you. You create your own destiny.” Unknown

When The Sun Comes Up

01.24.14 

When the sun comes up, it's radiant colors stretch across the morning sky, 

and it's gentle embrace warms my skin.

When the sky is grey, 

and the rain comes down, 

I'm chilled and quickly take cover.

Each sunrise brings a time when the air is clean, my mind is at peace, and all truths seem clear.

-Trevor Drinen

sunrise, olomana, kailua, hawaii, oahu, tgif, alohafriday, by trevordrinen

Wake, For The Sun

01.23.14

Wake! For the Sun, who scatter'd into flight

The Stars before him from the Field of Night,

Drives Night along with them from Heav'n,

and strikes

The Sultan's Turret with a Shaft of Light

By Omar Khayyám

Peaceful Silence

01.22.14 .... peaceful silence.... Sometimes walking alone and simply taking in ones surrounding is just what the doctor ordered

Enjoying the moment at hand

01.15.14 some moments seem longer and than others. Somedays seem to pass bye within the blink of an eye.  

Here's to pausing, unplugging, and enjoying a moment in the day: a sunrise, a gentle breeze, a cloud passing over head, a bird singing, a refreshing rain, the warmth of a fire, a saltwater bath, a drink, a meal with a friend, solitude, a sunset, a good night story or day closing night cap.... 

good day & good night.

The "Happiness" and Self-Help Industry is a multi-million dollar business By Guest Writer Gabe Cabagbag!

I recently wrote a post titled,<a href="http://trevordrinen.wordpress.com/2014/01/14/lost-in-my-mind-self-help-happiness-vs-sadness/"> Lost In my mind: Self-help, Happiness vs Sadness</a>.  

The following was taken from a conversation with a friend Gabe Cabagbag.

Realizing how much I define things through cultural translations and generational expectations (said / unsaid)

 I think it's perfectly healthy to feel all aspects of emotions, especially during major season changes in your life. Like everything else in life, it's about a balance. 

Grieving when you're sad, being pissed off when something bad happens- all emotions that make us human-  are necessary in dealing with real-life situations.

I personally think the notion of happiness is very subjective. If you continually have the need to keep seeking it out, you will never find it. 

Much like success, how does one define being "successful"? Is it in the achievements they have? The material possessions they own? Or is it in the meaningful relationships they have with others. Or maybe their own self-worth and contentment in their lives.

The "happiness" and self-help industry is a multi-million dollar business and it's no surprise that we constantly see advertisements, books, and seminars everywhere aiming to make us feel better about ourselves.

I think if we are able to just deal with stressful situations in a positive way and find inner peace we are able to live healthy, happy lives. 

Keep it simple. Do what you love. Believe in what you do. Love on others.

<br /><br /><a href="http://trevordrinen.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/20140114-201448.jpg"><img src="http://trevordrinen.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/20140114-201448.jpg" alt="20140114-201448.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" /></a>

Self Help or Cultural Happiness

01.13.14

This morning I find myself, lost within my own mind as I find myself living within a "feel-good society" with its "feel good religions." Somedays it seems happiness is valued above all else. 

Within the last year I honestly been told, "if you don't feel it fake it."  This advice was giving to myself and a larger group of people talking about our emotional state of being around the topic of, "happiness."  

Stroll though an bookstore in person or online and you discover entire sections devoted to "finding happiness," sustaining happiness, or keep joy alive in your life!  Magazines, from Men's health to women's fashion, have article after article about three steps on how to be happy! 

"Start being happy today!" 

"Be happy now."

"Discover true happiness."

"Find endless joy from the ultimate sex."

"Be happy at work."

"Happy at home."

"Be happy with your body."

The list is truly overwhelming and we are in need of that company's are attempting to define and sell happiness!

Can they?!? 

They are!

On top of that this term or emotional state has become embedded within some of our daily terminology, "Happy Holidays," "Happy New Years," "Happiness and future," "God Bless with abundant joy," "Don't worry be Happy."

We just maybe are a culture that is obsessed with the "pursuit of happiness!" (That's a blockbuster movie title)

Our society continues to bang the drum of happiness saying, "you must be happy with our self." 

"Everyone should find joy and happiness within their work."

.... .... On and.... On.... and on the list goes!

But is this living within reality or is this be stupidly optimistic as we take in a global perspective?!!!?

If I'm not happy is there something wrong with me? 

No, there is nothing wrong with you if your not happy 24-7!  The opposite maybe true... If your happy 24-7 you maybe be insane or taking happy juice, but one thing for certain your not living in reality.  To be completely honest, it's has to be more healthy to live within reality vs attempting to use exponential amounts of energy pretending to be happy.

On the other note don't take what I am said and validate being a depressed grump!

Bottom line: happiness alongside sadness are emotional states in which humans should and will experience just like seasonal storms.

These emotions should not be avoided as they add depth to each of our lives!  

The fight is for balance and not to swing to either extremist side.

I maybe a glass half fill kind of person, but I can enjoy life with a glass hall empty friend! How? Why? Because, happiness and relationship aren't based on us seeing eye to eye all the time! Relationships and a deeper happiness is found within the friendship you totally disagree with but continue doing life together, talking and being friends.

So here's to experiencing the day and all that it holds: ups, downs, highs, lows, questions, uncertainties, and striving to make sense of this thing we call life while discovering balance.

So here's to the journey and freedom not to be bound by false culture pressure or expectations. To seek out and discover how and what happiness means to you!

Enjoying the moment

01.12.14

This morning I decided to take the kids out for breakfast at the local market accompanied by a time of watching some locals carve the surf off flat island.

Why?

I was up. 

Plus, it that's how I roll once in a while. 

And as parents of three the lack of sleep is a somewhat common thing between sleepovers, sporting events and work. So, I concluded it might be nice thing to let my wife have a little extra rest and some peaceful and quite (truth be told she's a night owl and I'm dawn patrol). So, off to the market we rolled picking up a muffin, oat bars, and a few morning fruits. Then  to enjoy watching a few guys glide upon the waves of liquid.

The snap/pic below was captured as I settled upon a rock and silently enjoyed the morning watching my kids explore, discover, and get soaked by a wave now / then.

Here's to life and the daily journeys it holds.

Pure laughter, where does it go?

01.10.14 as I pulled the truck next to the curb, my ears were filled with the sound of laughter!

Such joyous, free, unrestricted laughter is commonly found within the lives of children; however, as people grow older sometimes this precious gift of joy slips away much like sand running through ones fingers. 

Where does the pure laughter go? 

Is it drowned out by the stresses and pressures of age?  Does the chocking grasp of money and drive for success kill it off?  Is pure laughter something only found within children?

The questions we could ask go on and on - as every person has journeyed a different path, is wired uniquely, and has different trigger points of stresses / joy.

As the laughter outside this enclosed truck continued to roll through my ears and tickle my mind - I begun to wonder if laughter is found simply within a choice?

To let myself be a kid again!

To join in on the pure untampered moments.

To look like a complete fool, living within the moment as I child does so well.

Here's to two brothers sitting in a lawn chair - laughing - enjoying - and being completely free within the moment.

Thank you, for showing one old man the path back to simplicity and freedom!  I'd rather be a silly old man than a grumpy one - any given day!

STOP THE LIP SERVICE! Genuinely Start Adding Value To Others!

01.09.14 Everyday there are people that need to be inspired, encouraged, and value needs to be added to them.  Not to the degree of babying an adult or coddling someone that is not doing their job.  But on the side of genuinely adding value to a few individuals through out the day.

Where can you start?

Start with believing in yourself, your family, and then move to your friends and coworkers.

Be genuine! 

If you can't find anyway to add value to someone it's probably best to keep you mouth shut and simply smile.  

Value that contains BS, feels like BS, and is received as BS.  Truth be told every one of us has experienced the facade or masquerade of un-genuine statements.  

One of my past employers would attempt to encourage and value to individual's during a staff meetings.  It's a great concept or idea; however, it came across as somewhat emotional, sappy, and very un-genuine.  At the end of the day employees feel belittled vs appreciated or valued.

Bottom line: in order to add value to someone you must be genuine!

I for one am tired and sickened by the facade and sappy masquerading dance that is played. 

Where can you start if you honestly struggle with genuinely adding value to others?  (Some people do as they've played the game so long)

Start small but start now!

In other words start by finding value in the moment: a sunset, a nice meal, running water, or a flushing toilet!  As you start to find value in the moment you'll be that much closer to being able to see the potential and value in others.

Out of the chaos of darkness comes the beauty of a new day

01.08.14 out of the chaos of darkness comes the beauty of a new day's sunrise filling the skies with possibilities, opportunities, and endless potential.

Len Middleton said, "Entrepreneurship is about risk and failure: embracing it, and learning from it." Pferdt, Googles Creative Team Lead adds to Middleton's statement by saying, "innovator should think like a child."

Here's to the dawn of a new day, a road full of adventures, failures, successes, and learning!

Thank YOU & Here's to fulfilling our uncharted adventures

Here's to a year behind and a new year ahead!

Most of all here's to You!

You've liked my work, my pictures, my blog, and put up with my egg shaped head.

You've come alongside and followed me,

You're an acquaintance, a soon to be friend, 

We'll follow each other through life's ups and downs.

Learning wrong from right.

While encouraging and guiding each other to reach for the stars.

All this to say, THANKS for the 'like' & 'follow'

Here's to the uncharted adventures with you my old and new friends! 

All to say,

Needing INSPIRATION? 1 Quote & 7 Inspirational Wallpapers

 01.07.2014 Today I found myself needing to be Inspired!  So quickly turned to my archived files and dug up the following: 1 Quote & 7 Inspirational Wallpapers

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” - Steve Jobs 

Please share the pictures, quotes, etc.. that have inspired you.

trevor.drinen@gmail.com

Do Tell: What inspired you in 2013?

In order for me to ask you, "Who / What inspired you most in 2013?"  I think it only fair that I would reply first.

Who / What inspired me most in 2013?

(1) My wife

Why? Over the past years she has dealt with various severe degrees of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after killing a high school classmate in a car accident.  During 2013 she overcame: med issues, thought patterns, and now is starting to write!  Not only has she become an amazing writer (soulremedies.net) , she developed a island wide recognition for her hand crafted pottery (raineorshinepottery); while, caring for myself or the needs of our three kids!

(2) My kids

Why? Each of them have been one of my greatest teachers over this past year.  They have each reminded me how to play, have fun, and DEEPLY enjoy the moment I am in.  They have also reminded me the need to remain teachable, ask more questions, seek to understand vs to be understood, and to never quit despite the odds. 

(3) My dad

Why? At 73 he is willing to pull up his roots, take a chance, and roll the dice of life by pursuing dreams and relocating. 

(4) My brother

Why? He has transformed himself from a strong round man into a triathlete that is Ironman bound!  How? Through daily mental, emotional, and physical choices / training.  His actions have inspired me to the degree I've often said, "If he can do it so can I " and now find myself saying, "if one man can do it so can I."   

(5) Nelson Mandela

Why? In a society that often define leadership through successes and results Nelson Mandela's words have penetrated the core of who I am as I daily try to live them out. "It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership." - Nelson Mandela  Does leadership have to be one individual or point person?  Can leadership be defined as a team? Is leadership defined by western cultural successes? Questions, questions, questions....  

(6) Fizzle & Corbett Barr

Why? The team at Fizzle and Corbett Barr are down to earth and passionate about creating a place for creative entrepreneurs, writers, makers, coders and artists, to be able to support themselves independently on the Internet - they openly share failures, struggles, and wisdom.

(7) Team Hoyt

Why? Inspiration! Team Hoyt is an inspirational story of Dick Hoyt, and his son, Rick, who compete together in marathons and triathlons across the country.  They strives to help those who are physically disabled become active members of the community. 

(8) Movies: A Warrior's Heart, Anger Managment, Blue Like Jazz, Drift, Freedom Writers, Forever Strong, Into the Wild, King's Speech, The Way, The Hammer, Radio, Rudy, The 5th Quarter, Warrior, 

Why? Inspirational true stories: fighting to survive despite the challenges life tosses at them.

Now it's your turn!  Weather it one or a list, "Who / What inspired me most in 2013?"