Git 'Er Done . . . With a Daily To Do List!

Many years ago, I discovered a very simple and effective exercise that has helped me accomplish more each day. This would be my daily to-do list -- like a shopping list! It's amazing how much more focused and efficient you become when you know what needs to be done and that you plan on actually doing it.

I've found that the best time to prepare for tomorrow is just before turning in for the night. This is the ideal time to envision what you need to do, what you want to do, and the results you would like to gain. Each night . . . or more honestly, several nights a week, I try to write down at least six extra things I would like to accomplish the next day. Six is very manageable and do-able. Be clear now . . . we're not talking about everyday things you do as a matter of course. You would not include daily routines such as brushing your teeth or feeding the dog or reading the mail. No, those things you do anyway. We're talking about taking action and doing things that you, personally, should attend to. Writing a letter you've been putting off . . . sending out those resumes . . . getting that nice, professional photo taken for your business card . . . calling grandma, etc.

Just imagine: If you sat down, just five nights a week, to compose what you want and need to accomplish the next day; five days times six special activities per day . . . that's 30 extra things accomplished in one week. Things that you either made happen or followed up on and accomplished. That's well over 100 extra personal accomplishments a month. You will quickly realize that many of these planned actions and deeds will, naturally, propel you and move you towards the goals you've set for yourself.

Just like with that shopping list . . . it feels great to actually accomplish what you set out to do. It becomes a game you play with yourself -- some days you will accomplish everything on your list and some days you may not get everything done. No fear, you are your own score keeper.

Now you try it, and let me know how it's going! Feel free to comment here or directly contact me, an Inland Empire media professional, at citruzp@msn.com.

Photo Credit: http://www.getzcope.com

Southern California Edison Urges its Customers to Beware of Impostors Posing as Utility Service Workers

I recently received this press release from Lagrant Communications, a public relations firm representing Southern California Edison. Darius Pierce is the account executive I am working with, who arranged to have Dave Ford appear on my television show, Inside the Inland Valley. We thought it would be a great idea to post this information in its entirety:

ROSEMEAD, Calif., Sept. 3, 2008 — Southern California Edison (SCE) is reminding customers how important it is to ask for identification when a stranger comes to the door claiming to be a utility worker. No legitimate utility worker will object to being checked.

If a customer suspects someone may be an impostor, he or she should immediately end the conversation and report the incident to the local police or SCE – especially if the stranger asks for money or threatens to turn off service.

(Gabriell Saeed, reporter for Inside the Inland Valley interviews Dave Ford -- manager of Southern California Edison.)

SCE and law enforcement officials suggest the best safeguard against impostors is to have the worker wait outside until that person’s identity can be verified. If contacted by phone, SCE recommends customers get as much information about the caller as possible, including name, department and a business phone number.

Here are other ways customers can avoid becoming a victim of a scam:

· Never reveal your credit card, ATM, or telephone calling-card numbers (or PIN numbers) to anyone. An SCE employee will not ask for money, credit card information or to use your phone though some authorized agents in rural areas do accept payments in the field. If you have any concerns, call SCE’s toll free number at (800) 655-4555 to verify the collections activity.

· Be suspicious of anyone who arrives at your house without an appointment asking to check an appliance, wiring, or suggesting that there may be some other electrical problem inside your residence.

· If someone calls and requests you leave your residence at a specific time for a utility-related cause, call the police. This could be a burglary set up by the caller.

· Do not let anyone into your home (whether in uniform or not) unless you verify who he or she is by checking identification and asking the reason for the visit. All SCE employees who go to a home or business carry an SCE identification badge with their color photo. Most wear uniforms and drive marked company vehicles.

· If you are at all suspicious of a person representing themselves as an SCE (or any other utility) employee, contact the local police department immediately or contact SCE at (800) 655-4555.

· For more ways customers can stay safe, please see www.sce.com/safety and read the safety tips section.


About Southern California Edison

An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is the largest electric utility in California, serving a population of more than 13 million via 4.8 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.

Photo Credit: logo from www.sce.com and image from the studio of Inside the Inland Valley