A single two-second distraction could cost you 15 minutes of your day! When your concentration is interrupted, it takes up to 15 minutes to get your focus back. One of the biggest productivity & time management thieves is being distracted by interruptions. Set clear boundaries and take back control of your time so you can [...]
Whether you use a bulletin board, task list, or sticky notes on your computer screen, as a means of reminding yourself of upcoming tasks, spend a few minutes at the end of each day scanning through them. Remove anything outdated and arrange what is left so that you can easily see it without having to look behind other papers or notes. When you put a new item on your board or list, remove an old item.
Use the phone if you think your email will turn into a game of several email strands. Often a 30-second phone call can cover the same items that would result in an exchange of 4-8 emails.
How to get a response when sending email. Click link to get all six tips.
How to have a productive meeting. Click to learn the five steps.
The next time you’re tempted to postpone doing something you know you should, ask yourself “What is the NEXT action I need to take?” Often we procrastinate because we’re overwhelmed, so the key is to reduce the size of the task – over and over and over — until you get it done!
You get busy, create a few piles here, a stack over there, and suddenly you can’t see a single horizontal surface! Go around the room and collect up every homeless item you find, creating a set spot for each. Click to see the list.
The person who sleeps more wins. The secret to getting to bed on time lies in considering whether our late-night hours are honestly productive and determining your optimal bedtime. Here’s how: add how many hours you need to sleep nightly to function optimally. Estimate the longest amount of time it takes you to fall asleep. Add these two numbers together and subtract it on a clock from the time you need to wake up. The time you come up with will be your goal bedtime.
There comes a time when you have to stop evaluating something: just bite the bullet and do it. Contemplating taking action isn’t taking action. It gets nothing accomplished. Being a quick decision maker is critical to success.
With identity theft a reality for most people, a shredder is as essential a tool as a telephone or computer. Keep these tips in mind when you shop for one.
