Learn the Secret to Achieving Maximum Productivity
Copyright 2005 Daniel Sitter
Many people struggle with trying to balance work, family and
other obligations. Have you ever secretly wished that there
could be more hours in the day! We all have the same twenty four
hours. How is it that some persons get more done in that period
of time than most people might in a whole week? Some people do
more work than five others, without a sense or overload and
overwhelm. Two employees in the same department work
side-by-side, but one is five times as productive. How does she
achieve this?
The answer is actually quite simple: When you work, work smart
and hard. Dive in. Work quickly. Be productive. Be serious.
Allow no distractions, interruptions or wastes of your time.
Make a prioritized list of activities and methodically pursue
each until completed before moving on to the next one.
Many people approach their workday in just the opposite manner.
They sluggishly arise from bed after four or five slumber resets
of their alarm clock. They go through their routine with little
direction. They are on auto-pilot. They eat pastry and coffee if
anything at all and step into their car to transport them to
work. They listen to Howard Stern or some wanna-be on the way
and arrive at work feeling brain dead.
After visiting with other employees for a while and refilling
their coffee cups, they settle into their workspace, waiting for
whatever the day presents to them. They are always aware of the
time. They take numerous restroom and smoke breaks anxiously
awaiting their lunch break. They head to the local fast food
joint, shove down a burger and fries, using every minute of
their lunch hour and then slowly return to the office. The same
morning routine re-initiates for the afternoon and they
anxiously await the five o'clock hour. They go home, grab a
snack, sit back in their chair and proclaim that they had a
hectic, tiring day and are now in need of dinner and rest as
they fall off to sleep in their Lazy-Boy. Sound familiar? Does
that describe your typical day? How does that summary make you
feel?
Are you ready for a change? Examine this alternative itinerary:
1. Get the proper amount of restful sleep. Arise promptly and
expect a great day!
2. Take a minute to review your goals and plans for the day.
3. Take time to stretch and do a few exercises. It will get your
blood flowing.
4. Have a great breakfast, preferably with your family. Try
eating two slices of whole wheat toast with Smart Balance
margarine, two slices of hot turkey bacon (microwave), 3oz
orange juice and a glass of Silk enhanced soy milk. That will
energize your morning!
5. Listen to a motivating audio program, a great book or
inspiring music on the commute to work.
6. Arrive twenty minutes early. Get your coffee. Make a
prioritized "to-list" for the day.
7. Schedule returned calls early, then put the phone in voice
mail mode.
8. Close your door and get busy on your list. Allow no
interruptions.
9. Work diligently and quickly. Stay organized. Make quick,
confident and competent decisions.
10. Check messages before lunch. Return important calls and
delegate lesser tasks.
11. Eat a good lunch. Load up on complex carbs, baked chicken or
fish. Drink water. No alcohol.
12. Schedule your afternoon like the morning. Work smart. Be
diligent.
13. Do not allow other employees to get you off track. Stay
focused on your tasks.
14. Have a mid-afternoon power-snack. An apple or orange is a
great choice.
15. At the end of the workday, write a new prioritized list for
the next day. Make certain that your desk, files and computer
are properly organized for a productive next day.
16. Leave. Mentally leave the remaining work there until
tomorrow.
17. Relax. Have a light dinner with your family and re-charge
and reward yourself by plugging-in to an activity that you
enjoy. Get lost in it. Enjoy some exercise by walking, running
or simply participating in a sport that you enjoy. The main idea
is to un-plug from work-mode and plug-into play mode. Play hard.
18. Get to bed at a reasonable hour, assuring you of the rest
and quality sleep you need. TIVO any programs that you must see
and watch them on the weekend.
Try this new itinerary for 1 week. You will be amazed at how
much more productive and healthy you will feel and be. Your boss
and other superiors will take notice as well. You will be
positioned for vastly increased earnings, promotion and the
recognition you now deserve. This new scenario begins with a
change in attitude. Simply decide to do things differently and
take action. Learn from others who have already made such
decisions, duplicate their actions and enjoy the same results
and benefits. This strategy will work for you too!