Getting ahead is hard work with all of the distractions in our everyday lives. It seems like we make a list of things to do and as we scratch one off the list, we add 3 more! How can we ever get caught up to a point where our lives don’t seem like total chaos? Chances are there will always be a little bit of craziness to life but these following tips can help you get through your day and feel a little more accomplished.
Don’t plan meetings that are not needed. I cannot tell you how many meetings at work I’ve been to in the past year that were an utter waste of my time and most of these lasted at least an hour if not 2-3 hours. People like to talk and when you get a bunch of people in a room, this will take up your day. Everyone wants to get there say. Most meetings can be solved by a few simple emails instead of planning an hour or two to go over things. Only set up meetings when they are absolutely necessary. Figure out all of the minor details before the meeting through email that way time doesn’t have to be wasted during the meeting and everyone can actually talk about the core subject.
Check your email as often as you feel you need to. Some productivity books tell you to check your email first thing in the morning and then at the end of the day. If you are in a profession like mine (web marketing), you will be out of business. Email is my lifeline and if I don’t check it every hour, I would get so backed up that I would loose focus on other things. So, take your emails as you get them and respond when you feel necessary.
Commute earlier or later for work. This is one that I have to improve on personally. Right now, I have a 38 mile commute and it takes me anywhere from 1-2 hours each way to get to work and home. So, think about it. This is 2-4 hours in the car each and every workday. This is equivalent to spending 21-43 days in the car each and every year and this is just driving to and from work. Imagine sitting in your car for 21-43 days straight! Talk about going cooky! Getting up earlier and beating the rush hour is one option if you can get into a routine. Or you could work out a plan with your employer to work from home for a few hours each morning and then take a late morning commute to avoid the traffic. Best case scenario: get a telecommuting gig or start your own business. The good ole’ American dream!
Make a “to do” list. This sounds simple enough but how many people actually do it? Not many! You can go the Blackberry route and program your list into your phone or you can do it the old fashion way (with pen and paper) and write it down and cross off something when you complete it. Be realistic with your list. If you put 100 things on it for the day, you are setting yourself up for failure. Prioritize your tasks and do the essentials first.
Some people are so detailed that they even add “showering” or “brush teeth” to their list. If this is you, then you have more than productivity problems!! Only kidding!
Last but not least…take time for yourself. It’s proven that if you are well rested, you are more productive. It’s also true that people can run on little sleep but this will eventually catch up with them. Get enough rest…at least 6-8 hours a night and stick to that routine. Take time to enjoy your family too. Take vacations. Go to a nice dinner. Treat yourself to a massage. Just do something for yourself to relieve stress.
Okay…try these out for a few weeks and see if they help. Everyone will find their own little ways to be more productive. Figure out your schedule and create a routine that is doable. In the end you will be happier, feel better and be more productive…which is what we all want, right?
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