For weeks our topic of discussion has been on Productivity and how you can work smarter to get things done without literally killing yourself. When you have the proper techniques in place, you will find that you have more time to do other things that you enjoy more than work.
Here are 10 ways that you can stay productive…you CAN do this, I believe in you!!
1. Salvage “Dead Time” With Technology
“Dead time” are the small pockets of times spent while waiting in offices, waiting in airports, waiting before a lecture, waiting on the bus and etc. Be productive at the moment dead time begins by engaging in activities such as reading things that will help in your business of increase the efficiency of your daily tasks. You can get low cost eReaders like the Kindle, the iPhone and, of course, the iPad.
2. Begin With The Least Urgent Task
The idea is to complete your tasks before they become urgent. And the only way to do that is to work on the least urgent tasks first.
3. Schedule The Fun First
This tip will kill procrastination. If not it will drastically reduce it because by doing the fun things first, your brain won’t feel threatened when you want to do the work, because it will know that the fun is guaranteed.
4. Find Out And Capitalize On The Times You Are Most Productive
If you are far more productive at a certain time of the day, get more done between that period of time. During your unproductive timings, go to the gym or engage in other activities that requires no thought and do the hard stuff only in your productive timings.
5. Time-Sensitive Tasks
Look at all of your to-dos and first identify which ones are time-sensitive — the ones that need to be done that day or that week. Prioritize those tasks then pick from the other to-dos, one big project per day to tackle once the time-sensitive items are done.
6. Consolidate Email Accounts
Have all your email accounts forward into one email client, so you only have one place to check emails. Through IMAP or POP3, you keep all of your emails synchronized. This saves a ton of time by not having to log into each account individually.
7. Prevent Possible Interruption
In order to enter a state of deep focus and concentration, it is important to prevent interruption. In this way, you can get into momentum or flow. Anticipate what may interrupt you, such as the cell phone, people around you, or the Internet, then take the necessary steps to eliminate any possible interruption as much as possible.
8. Plan
Take the first 30 minutes to plan the rest of your day by making a list of the important tasks that you need to have done today and stay focused on these items.
9. Work Less, Get More Done
Set a time limit on your work sessions and you will find that you get more done. A benchmark you can follow is to limit both your work sessions (60-120 minutes), and your weekly output (40 hours). Working hard is not just about the quantity (time), but about quality. To increase the quality, you need to decrease the quantity. There is a sweet spot for every one of us. Find it.
10. Get An Outside Perspective
When you get overwhelmed and too emotionally involved in everything that is happening, you tend to not be able to make clear decisions. Get an outside perspective from a business partner, mentor, coach or friend and sort out what’s really most important now. An outside perspective can open you up to new possibilities.
I invite you to allow me to be that outside perspective. At this time, I am offering TWO 60-minute private coaching sessions to help you work on your productivity. Whether you need help in general business operations or are wanting to launch a product or program, here’s your chance to work with me one-on-one for a greatly reduced fee.
In addition to the TWO 60-minute coaching sessions, you will be able to email me about anything for TWO weeks. That’s right, you will have unlimited email coaching from me to answer any and all your business-related questions.
Outside of this special offer, this package would cost $750 ($375 each) for the coaching and $150 for the email coaching, totaling $900. However because I’m driven to see you succeed, I’m making myself available to you for only $97. Crazy, huh?
You see, recently I was interviewed on a Nationally Syndicated radio show and two questions that the host asked me were “what is your legacy?” “What do you want to be remembered for when you’re long gone?” You know, I’ve never been asked that but here is what I said…”Kelli was a girl who made a difference in the lives of others. She always stood in the gap to see others succeed in all areas of their lives.”
That got me thinking, and as raw as my answer was to the host it really got me thinking. I DO want YOU to succeed in ALL areas of your life and if I can do this by offering you a great deal, then I’m living out my purpose. So, if you’re ready to jump on board and work towards a more productive business, then join me by going to http://businessandlearning.
If you’re not ready, that’s fine too. I will continue to educate you via our newsletters, on this website, and our Facebook Page. It’s up to you whatever you decide. BUT, one thing holds true…I believe in YOU!
Until next time, I’ll see you around the campus!
About Kelli Claypool
Great post and tips! This one hit home: ” Begin With The Least Urgent Task.” Also, your offer is most reasonable!
Thank you!
Hey Alexandra…thank you for stopping by! Glad that you liked the tips and the offer.
Beginning with the least urgent task will trick your brain into feeling accomplished and crave to get more done. I love that feeling!
These are great tips. I particularly need to work on figuring out and capitalizing on my most productive times. Minimizing potential interruptions is a good one too. Thanks, Kelli!
Thank you, Shari, for stopping by. Once I figured out my most productive times, I blocked that time on my calendar to do direct-money tasks. That is tasks that will result in the most money. When you’re in the “productive zone”, eliminating distractions (cell phone, Facebook, Twitter, a chipped nail (LOL!)) will afford you the opportunity to get more done in less time…which is such a great feeling. Keep working at it, you’ll soon discover your productive time…I have faith in you!!
All very useful tips! Especially like # 2 …totally agree it is better to get it done before it becomes urgent!
Yes it is. Plus it helps with procrastination too. Thanks, Denny, for stopping by and commenting. I’m so appreciative!
Great tips for being productive! I love you tip #1: Engaging on activities on a “Dead Time” is a brilliant way to stay productive.
Hey Lorii…thank you for stopping by and commenting. Yes…taking advantage of those “dead times” are essential to getting things done. My son plays football and is on the track team, so daily I find myself sitting in the parking lot waiting for him to finish. While I could be talking with the other parents (and I do so on occasion), I take my tablet and catch up on some reading or my ipod and listen to podcasts. It’s a great way to stay productive.
Great tips, liked them all, but my favorite was number 4. I think we get much more done when we work in our more productive hours. Thanks for the post!
Hi Meire…thanks for stopping by. #4 seems to be a hit with many readers. Understanding when you’re most productive is when you can schedule your direct money making tasks that will result in both business growth and bank account growth.
Great tips! I would love #7….maybe someday I will get an office with a door!!
Yay, an office with a door…great goal to have. One of the things that I do when I need to zero in on direct money making tasks is to put on my headset. I don’t have any music playing or anything coming out of the headset, but it tends to block out all noises and tells my family that I shouldn’t be disturbed. Try it…it might just work for you too! Thanks, Cindy, for stopping by and commenting. I’m so grateful!
Thank you for all those tips because it is not always easy to stay focus on the productive things but so important.
Thank you, Carele, for stopping by. Focusing is a challenge for many. Perhaps finding an accountability partner will help you to stay focused. One of my morning prayer partners holds me accountable and I do the same for her. After our devotions and prayer in the morning, we go over our tasks for the day then throughout the day we check in with each other. Because I know that I have to tell her what I have accomplished or what I haven’t accomplished for the day, it keeps me in check. Try it, it might just work for you too!
Great article. #4 has been a game-changer for me
I didn’t like the answer because it meant waking up earlier, but it’s definitely my most productive time and now that I know, I take advantage of it.
Love it, Robin! Early morning is not my most productive time. Even though I’m up getting my son off to school, I find that my most productive “work” time falls between 10-2. From the time I put my son on the bus until I fully wake up and start my business day at 10:00, I’m doing ‘no brainer’ tasks like kitchen clean up, laundry, etc. Now that you know what your most productive time is, please do take advantage of it…soon you’ll start seeing results and look forward to getting up early. (Did I really just say that? LOL!)
Bringing all my email to one host was a huge help. I don’t like checking multiple sites for my emails. So now I just get them all in one place. I also focus on waking up with gratitude and taking 15 minutes to focus in on my day. Wonderful article. Great coaching offer!
Love #2 to start it the least urgent task, though it seems counterproductive. But only this way we can put some focus on things that need be done. Thanks for the great article!
I love this! You actually inspired me to get back into the mode of making a list today…I forgot how much lists really help me! Great post!
Great information and tips here! Working on a deadline is a positive thing for me. I DO get more completed! Thanks for the great article.
Great ideas Kelli. After thinking on your ten tips, I believe I need to work on number 3. Schedule The Fun First!
“This tip will kill procrastination. If not it will drastically reduce it because by doing the fun things first, your brain won’t feel threatened when you want to do the work, because it will know that the fun is guaranteed”. It makes sense that it will get you into action and transitioning from one completed task to the next is easier than procrastinating on the one big task you don’t want to do! Excellent!
Fantabulous tips darlin! Thanks so much for the great tips!
Great productivity tips Kelli – glad I had the chance to see them. I especially liked your comments that ‘To increase the quality, you need to decrease the quantity. ‘ and ‘ complete your tasks before they become urgent’. Just the messages I needed to hear today – Thanks!
Great tips!! One that stood out to me was discovering and accepting your most productive times….eventually I realized that mid afternoon was just not my strength…but for gym it is perfecti accepted that and now take 2 hours out to prepare for, gym and return from before hitting the work again….it is a perfect shift and boost for me…fits beutifully though maybe not the norm!