Real Life E® » Social Media & Technology http://www.reallifee.com Elizabeth Grace Saunders - Schedule Makeover - Time Coaching - Time Management - Work/Life Balance - Women in Business Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:13:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.1 Vacation Disconnect http://www.reallifee.com/vacation-disconnect http://www.reallifee.com/vacation-disconnect#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:30:15 +0000 reallifee http://www.reallifee.com/?p=1911 Even if you can’t take an out-of-town trip, you deserve some”unplugged” time. Check out expert time coach, Elizabeth Grace Saunders’ reflections and how-to suggestions on untethering yourself from your electronic devices.

I recently had a Real Holiday…one where I left behind my computer and all of my other mobile devices.Sunrise over the river

Was it unnerving to think about disconnecting from the world? Absolutely.

Prior to leaving, these type of voices ran through my head:

  • It’s so difficult to prepare for technology-free time.
  • What if someone needs me?
  • They’ll be soooo much to catch up on when I return.

But I chose to not let fear of being out-of-complete-control stop me from letting go and ended up making an interesting observation in the process: Even though I have good boundaries with technology (no e-mail pop-up alerts, no instant messaging, etc.), some part of me feels constantly on alert when I’m constantly connected.

Within even a few hours of weaning myself off of technology, I sensed an “inversion” of my focus–in a good way. My thoughts and feelings shifted from a vast network of people and priorities to a greater awareness of myself and my surroundings. In turning my devices off, I was able to turn on my ability to experience the moment and be completely present.

Although an “unplugged” holiday might not fit into your schedule right now, I highly recommend that you test out this principle in your own life. Investing time in intentional detachment can help you unwind and connect with yourself.

Here are some tips on how to refresh:

  • Set aside a block of time free from outside obligations. A day or more is best but even a few hours in the morning or evening will do.
  • Switch off and–better yet–remove yourself from connected devices. For instance, if you’re cocooning at home, leave your devices in the office. Or if you’re heading out, leave your computer and phone at home.
  • Keep a journal close at hand to record your thoughts.
  • Give yourself permission to connect with your intuition and do what you feel like doing in the moment from taking a walk to working on a creative project to staring out into space.
  • As you near the end of your time, jot down a short list of what you’ll need to do upon “re-entry” so you don’t fear the transition into a fully connected existence.

Time away from technology acts as a “re-set” button that leaves you better connected with yourself and better able to connect with others.

To your brilliance!

Elizabeth Grace

About Real Life E®

Elizabeth Grace Saunders is the founder and CEO of Real Life E® a time coaching and training company that empowers individuals who feel guilty, overwhelmed and frustrated to feel peaceful, confident and accomplished through an exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM process. Real Life E® also increases employee productivity, satisfaction and work/life balance through custom training programs.

Elizabeth has appeared in Inc magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and on NBC. She was selected as one of the Top 25 Amazing Women of 2010 by Stiletto Woman and as a member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Mashable, and many other media outlets.

Elizabeth’s time coaching clients have the opportunity to go through her exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM life transformation process through phone coaching and custom action guides or in-person training.

]]> http://www.reallifee.com/vacation-disconnect/feed 0 Tools for You: Elizabeth on “Design*Sponge” http://www.reallifee.com/tools-for-you-elizabeth-on-designsponge http://www.reallifee.com/tools-for-you-elizabeth-on-designsponge#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:13:34 +0000 reallifee http://www.reallifee.com/?p=1805 With so many online personal time management tools, just choosing one can be daunting and time consuming!Elizabeth Saunders

Fortunately, expert time coach Elizabeth Grace Saunders has done the work for you. Elizabeth’s helpful article on, Design*Sponge, breaks down online calendars, to do lists, social media management tools and syncing options to help you function optimally. Check out her easy-to-navigate comparisons now. Then choose the tool that works best for you!

Read Elizabeth’s article, “Biz Ladies: How to Organize your Life with Online Tools”

About Real Life E®

Elizabeth Grace Saunders is the founder and CEO of Real Life E® a time coaching and training company that empowers individuals who feel guilty, overwhelmed and frustrated to feel peaceful, confident and accomplished through an exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM process. Real Life E® also increases employee productivity, satisfaction and work/life balance through custom training programs.

Elizabeth has appeared in Inc magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and on NBC. She was selected as one of the Top 25 Amazing Women of 2010 by Stiletto Woman and as a member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Mashable, and many other media outlets.

Elizabeth’s time coaching clients have the opportunity to go through her exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM life transformation process through phone coaching and custom action guides or in-person training.

]]> http://www.reallifee.com/tools-for-you-elizabeth-on-designsponge/feed 0 Smart Phone Syncing http://www.reallifee.com/smart-phone-syncing http://www.reallifee.com/smart-phone-syncing#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 18:59:14 +0000 reallifee http://www.reallifee.com/?p=1547 Between your smart phone, your computer, and to-do list and calendar apps, it can be challenging to coordinate everything. Check out the resources below to help you better manage your time.

If you use calendars or to-do lists that aren’t referenced here, check your specific program’s website for details and instructions about compatibility.

Here’s to smooth syncing!

 

BlackBerry

To-Do Lists: Task-Jot and PocketInformant are two third-party tools that allow you to sync your to-do lists with your BlackBerry through the program, Toodledo. Simply download the free trials of either of these apps. Use PocketInformant and Task-Jot as is on your BlackBerry, or sync your information with Toodledo.

Calendars:

Outlook: Your BlackBerry should sync with Outlook. Check out this article for very detailed instructions and screenshots for just exactly how to go about it.

Google Calendar: Google has a Google Sync app for your BlackBerry. The two-way sync works with BlackBerry’s built-in calendar and contacts. This means you do not have to physically connect your BlackBerry with your computer. As you make changes to one, Google Sync automatically updates the other. Download the Google Sync app, and get setup instructions sent to your BlackBerry. A few other Google for BlackBerry Applications are also available.

 

Android

To-Do Lists: This is a link to 7 to-do list applications that are compatible with Toodledo. Import your information from any of these third_party apps, so you can then use Toodledo to sync with your Android.

Calendars:

Outlook: To sync your Outlook calendar with your Android, use a third-party software,
such as CompanionLink (for Outlook versions 2000 and higher). Once downloaded, this will enable you to have a two-way sync with your Outlook account and your Android. (Free two week trial available.)

Google Calendar: The Google Sync app is available for your Android. Once you download this free app, you can update your Google Calendar on your phone or your computer. There is also a wide array of other Google for Android Applications available.

 

iPhone

To-Do Lists: Toodledo has an app for iPhones and iPads. If you have your to-do lists through another program, you can import them to Toodledo, then use the Toodledo app for syncing. Here is a list of 19 third-party to-do list applications that will sync with your iPhone and iPad.

Calendars:

Outlook and Google Calendar: Check out this step-by step guide for syncing using iCal and iTunes.

Outlook: You can also sync Outlook to your iPhone without using iTunes.

Google Calendar: the Google Sync app to create a two-way sync for your calendars, contacts, and email (for IOS versions 3.0 and above). This means you do not have to physically connect your iPhone with your computer every time you need to update. As you make changes to one, Google Sync automatically updates the other. Read Google’s setup instructions here. Check out these other Google for iPhone Applications as well.

About Real Life E®

Elizabeth Grace Saunders is the founder and CEO of Real Life E® a time coaching and training company that empowers individuals who feel guilty, overwhelmed and frustrated to feel peaceful, confident and accomplished through an exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM process. Real Life E® also increases employee productivity, satisfaction and work/life balance through custom training programs.Elizabeth has appeared in Inc magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and on NBC. She was selected as one of the Top 25 Amazing Women of 2010 by Stiletto Woman and as a member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Mashable, and many other media outlets.
Elizabeth’s time coaching clients have the opportunity to go through her exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM life transformation process through phone coaching and custom action guides or in-person training.

 

 

 

 

 

]]> http://www.reallifee.com/smart-phone-syncing/feed 0 Work/Life Balance Calculator http://www.reallifee.com/worklife-balance-calculator http://www.reallifee.com/worklife-balance-calculator#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:40:24 +0000 reallifee http://www.reallifee.com/?p=1426 Ready, Set, Calculate!

If you are struggling with work/life balance, now’s the time to see exactly how and where you spend your precious time. With work, home and relationship responsibilities competing for your attention, it can be easy for important basics like healthy meals and regular sleep to be squeezed out.

The virtual Work/Life Balance Calculator from CNN.com is a wonderful resource that shows how you allocate your time throughout each day and over the course of an average week.

With categories including “Meals,” “Commute,” and “Leisure,” you can see how you currently divide your time, and then make adjustments to create your ideal schedule. The hours you spend on each activity are calculated by percentage, and the color coded pie-graph is an effective, eye-opening visual aid.

There are 168 hours in a week. How will you spend them? Get calculating!

About Real Life E®

Elizabeth Grace Saunders is the founder and CEO of Real Life E® a time coaching and training company that empowers individuals who feel guilty, overwhelmed and frustrated to feel peaceful, confident and accomplished through an exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM process. Real Life E® also increases employee productivity, satisfaction and work/life balance through custom training programs.Elizabeth has appeared in Inc magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and on NBC. She was selected as one of the Top 25 Amazing Women of 2010 by Stiletto Woman and as a member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Mashable, and many other media outlets.
Elizabeth’s time coaching clients have the opportunity to go through her exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM life transformation process through phone coaching and custom action guides or in-person training.
]]> http://www.reallifee.com/worklife-balance-calculator/feed 0 How to Pick a To-Do List Tech Tool- A Practical Guide http://www.reallifee.com/what-to-do-with-your-to-do-lists http://www.reallifee.com/what-to-do-with-your-to-do-lists#comments Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:08:43 +0000 reallifee http://www.reallifee.com/?p=1246 Lists aren’t just for groceries anymore. Lists for work projects, weekend tasks, and vacation plans can be just the thing you need to keep you on track. However, with so much going on, notes jotted on the back of an envelope no longer fit the bill.

Not to fear! We’ve done the research on some of the most popular time management and task organization tools on the web. This post offers a practical comparison of some of the best online tools.

From the most basic, to more complex, these sites will help keep you organized. Going virtual with your lists will allow you to stay on track even on the go. To your brilliance!

To-Do List Resources

www.tadalist.com

Summary: Simple and straightforward, Ta-da List is like your basic paper to-do list, only electronic!

Price: Free

Compatibility: Works with the most popular web browsers (IE 6/7, Firefox 2, and Safari 2), and with Mac, PC, and iPhone.

How it Works: Check a box and the to-do is marked, “Done!”

Sharing: Keep your lists private, or share them with your friends, family, or co-workers

Other Info: Ta-da List also offers a paid, upgraded version of their to-do list for businesses called Backpack.

Backpack is an intranet for your business. You create a “page” that keeps documents, discussions, and schedules in one place all the time with content sharing options.

www.toodledo.com

Summary: Organize and track your tasks in more than just a list format. The calendar view option is great for big-picture, visual learners.

Price: Free

Compatibility: Mac, Windows, most mobile devices; Ability to import tasks from Palm OS PDA, Microsoft Outlook, Apple’s iCal, and other online to-do lists

How it Works: Tag and track projects by priority and in sub-folders. Keep track of estimated time spent on a project versus the actual time spent. Even assign personal goals to individual tasks allowing you to see how the way you spend your time contributes to long-term goals.

Sharing: Public or private, with other collaboration options available

www.evernote.com

Summary: Much more than task management, EverNote is great for keeping track of the mis-mash of all those little things in life that you want to remember too (receipts, trip itineraries, even wine labels!)

With tons of fun and practical web software applications, techies can take this organizer as far as they want. Check out EverNote’s extensive array of Desktop and Web Services (or as they call it, the EverNote “Trunk”)

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS X, PC’s, iPhone, and other mobile devices; Applications for linking your Twitter and social media accounts too

How it Works: Type a text note, clip a web page, snap a photo, or grab a screenshot. Everything you capture is automatically processed, indexed, and made search-able. Add tags or organize your notes into different virtual notebooks. Search for notes by keywords, titles, and tags.

Sharing: Public or private- your choice depending on what you need to organize

www.rememberthemilk.com

Summary: Similar to EverNote, but a bit more basic. Though Remember The Milk also has dozens of mobile and desktop applications, this service is focused more on task management, tracking, and organization.

Price: Free

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, Gmail, Outlook, and more. Sync with iCal and Google Calendar too.

How it Works: Create a list, set due dates, then get reminders to any of your mobile devices, email, and social media accounts.

Add notes to your list, and use the maps feature to track where you have to go to accomplish each task. Even print a hard copy of your list or weekly planner.

Check out this Tour of Things to Do with Remember The Milk

Sharing: Keep your tasks private, publish them publicly, or send to your choice of contacts

 

About Real Life E®

Elizabeth Grace Saunders is the founder and CEO of Real Life E® a time coaching and training company that empowers individuals who feel guilty, overwhelmed and frustrated to feel peaceful, confident and accomplished through an exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM process. Real Life E® also increases employee productivity, satisfaction and work/life balance through custom training programs.

Elizabeth has appeared in Inc magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and on NBC. She was selected as one of the Top 25 Amazing Women of 2010 by Stiletto Woman and as a member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Mashable, and many other media outlets.

Elizabeth’s time coaching clients have the opportunity to go through her exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM life transformation process through phone coaching and custom action guides or in-person training.
]]> http://www.reallifee.com/what-to-do-with-your-to-do-lists/feed 0 Tips for Using Google Calendar http://www.reallifee.com/tips-for-using-google-calendar http://www.reallifee.com/tips-for-using-google-calendar#comments Sun, 29 May 2011 00:51:03 +0000 reallifee http://www.reallifee.com/?p=1119 Ditch the twelve page wall hanging, and go digital! Google Calendar’s ease of use makes staying organized, and keeping track of  your appointments a breeze! Whether you’re a beginner, or a veteran user, check out the links below to get started or add some extra oomph to your calendar.

Step by Step Guide for Making the Most of Google Calendar

YouTubeVideo: Basic “How To’s” of Google Calendar

Google Calendar as a Project Management Tool

18 Ways to Make your Google Calendar Rock

About Real Life E®

Elizabeth Grace Saunders is the founder and CEO of Real Life E® a time coaching and training company that empowers individuals who feel guilty, overwhelmed and frustrated to feel peaceful, confident and accomplished through an exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM process. Real Life E® also increases employee productivity, satisfaction and work/life balance through custom training programs.

Elizabeth has appeared in Inc magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and on NBC. She was selected as one of the Top 25 Amazing Women of 2010 by Stiletto Woman and as a member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Mashable, and many other media outlets.

Elizabeth’s time coaching clients have the opportunity to go through her exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM life transformation process through phone coaching and custom action guides or in-person training.

]]> http://www.reallifee.com/tips-for-using-google-calendar/feed 0 Stick to your Schedule with Help from the iCal App http://www.reallifee.com/stick-to-you-schedule-with-help-from-the-ical-app http://www.reallifee.com/stick-to-you-schedule-with-help-from-the-ical-app#comments Sun, 22 May 2011 00:47:24 +0000 reallifee http://www.reallifee.com/?p=1150 Relax and enjoy a leisurely lunch: The iCal app will notify you when it’s time to pack up and head back to the office right on time! Keeping track of appointments is fun and easy with the iCal app. Use it on your Mac, iphone, or even sync it with your Google Calendar! This nifty application will help keep you organized and productive, here’s how:

Help from Apple: The iCal Basics

How to Sync Google Calendar with iCal on your Mac or iPhone

iCal Share: Search and Subscribe to Thousands of Fun Calendars

RemindMeLater App: Quickly Turns a Sentence into an iCal Event

About Real Life E®

Elizabeth Grace Saunders is the founder and CEO of Real Life E® a time coaching and training company that empowers individuals who feel guilty, overwhelmed and frustrated to feel peaceful, confident and accomplished through an exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM process. Real Life E® also increases employee productivity, satisfaction and work/life balance through custom training programs.

Elizabeth has appeared in Inc magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and on NBC. She was selected as one of the Top 25 Amazing Women of 2010 by Stiletto Woman and as a member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Mashable, and many other media outlets.

Elizabeth’s time coaching clients have the opportunity to go through her exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM life transformation process through phone coaching and custom action guides or in-person training.

]]> http://www.reallifee.com/stick-to-you-schedule-with-help-from-the-ical-app/feed 0 InSync with your Blackberry http://www.reallifee.com/insync-with-your-blackberry http://www.reallifee.com/insync-with-your-blackberry#comments Sat, 14 May 2011 00:40:38 +0000 reallifee http://www.reallifee.com/?p=1159 With apps galore and technology taking over, it may be a challenge to use all your personal electronic devices effectively. In an attempt to de-clutter, and sync up, the links below can help you be more efficient and productive with your Blackberry usage. Stay connected with less mess!

Dropbox: The Newest File Syncing Device for your Blackberry, Android, and iOS

Google’s Apps for Blackberry: Sync Calendars, Maps, and Searches

Blackberry Media Sync: Music, Videos, and Pics from your Computer to your Pocket

Fords’ SYNC AppLink- for Blackberrys on the Road

About Real Life E®

Elizabeth Grace Saunders is the founder and CEO of Real Life E® a time coaching and training company that empowers individuals who feel guilty, overwhelmed and frustrated to feel peaceful, confident and accomplished through an exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM process. Real Life E® also increases employee productivity, satisfaction and work/life balance through custom training programs.

Elizabeth has appeared in Inc magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and on NBC. She was selected as one of the Top 25 Amazing Women of 2010 by Stiletto Woman and as a member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Mashable, and many other media outlets.

Elizabeth’s time coaching clients have the opportunity to go through her exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM life transformation process through phone coaching and custom action guides or in-person training.
]]> http://www.reallifee.com/insync-with-your-blackberry/feed 0 iPhone Synchronization http://www.reallifee.com/iphone-synchronization http://www.reallifee.com/iphone-synchronization#comments Sat, 07 May 2011 01:59:35 +0000 reallifee http://www.reallifee.com/?p=1169 Even if you love your iPhone, the transition from PC usage to a mini Mac in your hand may initially be a bit difficult- especially when you’re trying to sync all of your important contact, music, and scheduling information. Whether you’re a PC or Apple user, below are some informative resources to help you make the most out of what your iPhone can do for you. Because an organized phone makes for more productive day!

Computer Meets Phone: Syncing Basics

iTunes, New Computers, and External Hard Drives: Syncing Help Straight from Apple

Task Management Tool: Sync “To-Do” Lists across iPhone, Mac, and PC

CompanionLink: iPhone Sync Software

About Real Life E®

Elizabeth Grace Saunders is the founder and CEO of Real Life E® a time coaching and training company that empowers individuals who feel guilty, overwhelmed and frustrated to feel peaceful, confident and accomplished through an exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM process. Real Life E® also increases employee productivity, satisfaction and work/life balance through custom training programs.

Elizabeth has appeared in Inc magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and on NBC. She was selected as one of the Top 25 Amazing Women of 2010 by Stiletto Woman and as a member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Mashable, and many other media outlets.

Elizabeth’s time coaching clients have the opportunity to go through her exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM life transformation process through phone coaching and custom action guides or in-person training.
]]> http://www.reallifee.com/iphone-synchronization/feed 0 Drowning in Technology http://www.reallifee.com/drowning-in-technology http://www.reallifee.com/drowning-in-technology#comments Sat, 09 Apr 2011 17:44:02 +0000 reallifee http://www.reallifee.com/?p=1078 Do constant email alerts, Facebook updates, and cell phone alarms make you more productive, or just all too anxious of everything that must be accomplished, but can’t be done all at once?

The thought of one more email to respond to, text message to re-tweet, yet another blog to update, and one more social media account to keep organized, is enough to make the average, already over-stretched, over-worked person ready to jump out of their skin!

Not to fear! Reclaim your sanity! While social media is important for a relevant marketing strategy, and timely email replies help build customer relationships, you don’t have to turn into a computer yourself, responding to the prompts of every bell, buzz, or alert that heads your way.

While you might initially feel guilty about making the simple decision to “unplug,” by 8 p.m. every night, small changes can make a big difference in the toll technology takes on your life. Calmer, rested, and more in control, you can be more productive than ever! Below are some links to helpful articles that can help you achieved this well balanced state. (Of course, I wouldn’t want you to spend too long on the computer, though : ) Take a lunch break away from your screen, or head to bed a little earlier. You, your family, and your friends are worth it!

Time Management in the Age of Social Media

5 Tips for More Effective Email Usage

How a False Sense of Email Urgency may be Harming your Business

How to Stop Interruptions and be More Productive

Tools for Dealing with Distraction in a Web Worker’s World

P.S.–Thanks for reading! I so appreciate each and every one of you. And if you find this info helpful, I really appreciate you sending your friends to ScheduleMakeover.com so they can receive more helpful time (and sanity!) saving tips!

About Real Life E®

Elizabeth Grace Saunders is the founder and CEO of Real Life E® a time coaching and training company that empowers individuals who feel guilty, overwhelmed and frustrated to feel peaceful, confident and accomplished through an exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM process. Real Life E® also increases employee productivity, satisfaction and work/life balance through custom training programs.

Elizabeth has appeared in Inc magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and on NBC. She was selected as one of the Top 25 Amazing Women of 2010 by Stiletto Woman and as a member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Mashable, and many other media outlets.

Elizabeth’s time coaching clients have the opportunity to go through her exclusive Schedule MakeoverTM life transformation process through phone coaching and custom action guides or in-person training.
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