In this fast-paced world of ours, the value of ORGANIZATION has never been more apparent. We are deluged with information from all sources and the challenge is how to be able to retrieve them when we need them. For example, among students and workers, this becomes critical to performing not just to meet expectations but in excelling as well. To seniors and retirees, knowing exactly where valuable files and documents, including those related to wills and health/life insurance, is something that merits special attention.

To help you remember some of the basic points, here are the ABCs of getting ORGANIZED:

A= Appreciate and acknowledge the importance of the data or item so that it can be better remembered (eg, associating an item or piece of information with a special or specific item of interest, “tagging”);

B= Banish that "by and by" mentality. That extra minute spent on this early step is much better than countless hours later on; and

C= Classify or categorize the items and ideally label them accordingly. Then store them in a methodical fashion.  A favorite example is on computer usernames/log-in names and passwords.  On the one hand using a favorite combination may be convenient but may not be as secure as variable ones. Devising a methodology that combines a constant part and a favorite variable component (eg, initials or first 2 letters of a website or company + one’s zip code, etc.) and sticking to such pattern may be helpful. The important thing is that there is a technique in sorting things so that retrieval is facilitated.

As with everything else, it is easier said than done. But no one can dispute the benefits of being organized. So let us start moving on that direction!

Just came back from a successful business trip to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  Some of the key take-home lessons for better living from this “business win” include:

• While tools and techniques are critical, it is STRATEGY that can make the difference between victory and defeat.
• Data is good. In fact, lots of it is usually better. But undeniably, what can transform raw data is SOLID ANALYSIS of data to discern the real value of the information. 

Somebody once said that if a victory is not made known, one (especially detractors or skeptics) can or may doubt at some point later on whether such really occurred.  Hence, here is this written account. I am sure you also have your own stories of your own wins, victories, and reasons to celebrate everyday. Don’t forget to document them in some way, shape, or form. There is always something in our everyday experiences that contributes to better living.It is just a matter of perspective and magnitude that differs.

Contributed by Mr. Lifedefiner on September 28, 2007

Someone has remarked that the “average college graduate of today knows more than the average senior citizen.”  That may be the case in certain aspects, such as in computer skills, but such concept needs to be clarified.  In reality, what is happening is that the average person, not just those from a particular age group, via a functional understanding of navigating the web, has now at his disposal access to a wealth of data much, much more than what was available to those of their counterparts in the pre-internet generation. There is so much information available to make a difference that it may be considered as a veritable travesty if these are not utilized appropriately to improve our way of life.

Back then, the major source of knowledge was books and of course those who read the books had the advantage. Nowadays, some information on almost about anything can be retrieved in some form of medium or another, of which via the internet thru computers (eg, Toshiba Tablet Laptop Computers), is among the most prevalent or even dominant.  But of course, aside from the AVAILABILITY of information, COMPREHENSION and resultant MASTERY of the subject matter has to follow in order to fully utilize the potential of the search process.  Also essential to optimization are the TIME and PLACE of APPLICATION of the knowledge gained. And most of all, the RELIABILITY of the information that is out there. 

In other words, information is indeed POWER.  Not as simple as the phrase sounds. But definitely a good starting point for ACTION to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in this world.