Creating Structure

For some, a little structure is all that's needed to increase productivity. Some tips:

• Write down everything you would like to get done for the week.
• Seperate the "must get done" from the "would be nice to get done".
• Time-block the "must get done" into your calendar.
• Prioritize the "would be nice" in order of importance, and time-block as many as you can.

Be flexible and leave enough free time in your schedule. Things typically take longer than you plan, and unexpected tasks will arise.

Make sure you leave time to think, plan, and review. Yes, this should be time-blocked as well. You cannot run a business being "reactionary" all day long.

This is a good first step to creating some structure in your work week. More to come.

Finding more time

There's never enough time in the day......

That's probably true, but are you really utilizing every minute effectively? No, we're not robots and we all need "down time". I just want you to think about all of the 10-30 minute intervals you have, that you waste on down time. Sound harsh? Too bad and while you're at it, stop complaining about all the money you're not making.

Commuting, Waiting for a service - like the doctor, Getting up 15 minutes earlier, Talking to your mother or spouse, Watching re-runs, Eating - This is not a joke. Did you really need 60 minutes for lunch?, Reading page 6, Surfing the web, Instant messenger, Playing on-line poker, Shopping for clothes or worse - shoes.....on, and on, and on.........

Comprende? Get my drift?

Must Do's

Do you make a list of "must do's" to accomplish each day? It can be work related or personal. Most importantly, it should be in line with your goals for the week, month, and year.

In order to get the most out of each day, you should regularly finish more than 80% of your must do's. Why only 80%? Because I understand that sometimes - "shit happens". We are not robots but human beings and are far from perfect. Finish 50% and there's an obvious problem. Finish 100% regularly and there is also a problem - your schedule is not filled with enough essential tasks. People that finish 100% regularly are either the most efficient people in the world or simply not pushing the envelope enough.

Tip...

• Make a list of must-do's to complete each day. Keeping it "in your head" does not work.
• Estimate an amount of time needed to complete each task. How realistic are you being?
• If you can or if you must, "time-block" for each task. People with less self-control or those that are easily distracted should strongly consider utilizing time blocking. Just like it sounds, set an appt with yourself to complete specific tasks.
• As you are making your must-do list for the following day, analyze how efficiently you utilize your time and really make an effort to be better tomm than you were today.
• Find someone else to help you with this - an "accountability partner" - if necessary. It could be a co-worker, your manager, or even your spouse.

The bottom-line...

Don't disrespect your most valuable asset - TIME.

The most important person in the world

YOURSELF. Yes, you love your wife and kids and mom and dog - but you need to be the most important person in the world.

Now stop all the unnecessary and unplanned interruptions that are killing your productivity and take back control of your TIME.

Rejuvination is critical to your success. Some people need more than others. Go to the gym, go for a walk, go call a long lost friend, go shopping, go bury yourself in a great novel......go do something other than work.

You have no time??? BULLSHIT. You are so poor at managing your time, that you have none leftover.

Quick tip.....when your energy is the highest do the most important tasks that will make you money. If you are "on" at 10am, I better not see you picking up your dry cleaning.