Three steps to Maximizing Your Productivity
By Christy Geiger
Nov 6, 2005, 15:21
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!
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Christy Geiger is a strategic planning coach and the owner of Synergy Strategies, a business and life-coaching company that works with IBOs and professionals to implement their thousands of great ideas in ways that will maximize time, energy and effort! Through solid vision, goal and strategy planning, clients are able to maximize their personal effectiveness and accomplish their mission! Visit Synergy Strategies
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