Three steps to Maximizing Your Productivity
Are you finding you have a lot to do, but never seem to have
enough time?
1) First assess how you are spending your time. Here are a few
common time eaters to watch out for: * Have a long list of
things to do and focus on all the little thing so you can mark
off more things in an hour. * You are straightening, cleaning or
mirco-working. * You are spending hours on e-mail. * You can't
find things and spend a lot of time looking and discovering
things you have not seen in a long time. * You spend social/idle
time on the phone. * TV, newspaper, errands & shopping (things
that don't contribute to bottom line) * Maintenance items that
absorb time * Internet, computer games, chat rooms, etc
2) Second, identify your weakness. Look at what is holding you
back from doing the really important things on your list. Some
common reasons our "BIG" projects are not accomplished are: *
Lack of planning * Lack of time * Overwhelmed with project *
Lack motivation * Distractions/Interruptions * Other priorities
* Emergencies * Tired & frustrated * Lack of resources * Lack of
clarity on vision * Excuses (life)
3) Create a routines and strategies for how you operate. *
Simple and effective Daily Habits. * 10 min. daily pick-up time.
* Keep a clean desk. * Check e-mail 3x a day; limit time to 30
min. for each checking. * Touch it once and put it in its place
(file it, toss it, etc.) * Pick one big project you need to do
each day and complete it before doing anything else * Keep a
weekly plan of activates with the top 5 things you will do each
day * Keep regular tools as your fingertips (healthy snacks,
water, books, Palm, etc.) * Develop management systems -
templates for things you do often. * Block one hour a day for
quiet time to focus exclusively * Pick one news source & read as
reward for task completed. * Have a system to organize contact,
calendar and tasks (outlook is a great tool)
Bottom-line. When you have systems in place, are neat and
organized you can get more done. Also when you do what is
important first, it will free your energy to have the big
project done and also give plenty of time for all the little
things. When you assess, identify and strategize you will easily
maximize your productivity!