"What have you done to improve your performance in one or more of your rings."

-Juggling Elephants, page 106

Unless you are one of our Juggling Elephants friends in the Southern Hemisphere, you are probably beginning to think about Spring. You may still have snow or need your heavy coat when you go outside, but you know a change is coming. Within a couple of months new life will emerge (along with the pollen) and our mindset will turn to spending time outdoors, cleaning out flower beds, raking leaves and just enjoying the warmer temperatures.

Why not make some changes in your work and life while the seasons are transitioning so you can enjoy more time to experience some "new life" of your own. Here are some thoughts:

Clean out those "beds" of information. Start with your desk and remove distractions. Archive papers and file folders and discard (by recycling) physical items like periodicals or outdated catalogs. Take the time to "leaf" through your emails and delete or file all e mails that are no longer relevant. Organize your file folders and files on your computer so they are more easily accessible.

Prune. Look for ways to reduce the number of meetings in which you are involved so you can focus on key projects or priorities. Cut out unnecessary activities or events that don't most critically help you accomplish your purpose. Refrain from taking on new responsibilities without first giving yourself time to examine how this new responsibility could grow and crowd out other things in your lineup that are important.

Throw out the junk. Look at your schedule and regular activities. What are those things that distract or clutter your schedule and take you away from your most important work? (I.E. too much social media, solitaire on your computer, too much TV or meaningless phone conversations). Visualize how taking away these poor habits will give you the opportunity to do something you REALLY want to do-like taking a walk with your spouse or a friend outdoors.

Get ready to plant. Like planting a garden or flower bed, start preparing to initiate a new project you have been putting off. Talk with others about your plans. Who knows? They may be willing to roll up their sleeves and work with you to make it successful. Remember, plant something you want-fail to plant and you get the weeds that are just waiting to take over your schedule.

Ultimately, don't forget to ask yourself this question often: When Fall comes in a few months, what are those things I want to remember about this Spring and Summer? Taking some simple steps now can result in a season in which you will be giving yourself lots of standing ovations.