Posted by Admin on August 11, 2009 under Marketing, Productivity | 
When you have a crushing deadline, the adrenaline kicks in and you almost always complete the task on or before the deadline. And when you have an ultra-important task, then too you’ll find that you usually complete it.
But what about those tasks that aren’t a high priority? I’m talking about the sorts of tasks that you really want to do, and yet they never seem to get done. Like maybe you tell yourself you should clean the hall closet. Or perhaps there’s a business idea rattling around in your mind that you seem to never get around to executing.
The problem is that since you don’t absolutely NEED to get the job done, it never does get done. You always seem to find a dozen other tasks to fill your time. If you want to get the job done, then it’s time to make the job a priority and get it done. Here’s how…
* Put the job on your list. Up until now, the job hasn’t seemed all that important, and so perhaps it’s never made it to your “to do” list. Now is the time to make your commitment to the job official by adding it to your list and making it a top priority.
*Sign a contract. If the simple act of adding it to your to do list doesn’t make it feel “real” enough for you, then you need to do something else that will help you feel committed to the job. And one way to do that is to create and sign a “contract.”
It’s simple – just put it in writing that you intend to complete the job by a certain date. Then just as you would do with a real contract, print it off, sign it… and perhaps hang it someplace you’ll see it every day.
* Make a public commitment. Finally, the last thing you need to do is to publicly commit to completing the task. That means that you tell other people your intentions.
For example, you can tell at least three friends and family members that you intend to do a certain job by a certain date. Or better yet, give them a signed copy of your contract, and ask them to sign the document as a witness.
Bottom line: Ideas will never materialize and tasks will never get finished until you hold yourself accountable and publicly commit to completing a task. Do you have such a task in mind? Then commit to it right now – and get started immediately!
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Posted by Admin on August 9, 2009 under Marketing, Productivity |
You have a big job looming over your head. Maybe you need to create an ebook on a topic that will require lots of research. Or perhaps this is a personal task you need to complete, like thoroughly clean an entire apartment so you can get your rental deposit back.
Either way, you get a slight feeling of panic washing over you every time you think of the task. You feel overwhelmed. It’s like this job is so big you might never finish it. And so you get paralyzed, not even sure where to start.
Sound familiar? Sure it does — we’ve all been there. And the next time you find yourself in that position, follow these quick and easy steps:
* Take action fast. The more time you spend thinking about a big job you have looming over your head, the greater chance you have of starting to feel overwhelmed, worried and even outright panicked.
The greatest way to stop fear in its tracks is to take action. That action starts by quickly following the next three steps – and then you need to actually start working on the project itself. The sooner you do, the better you’ll feel.
* Slice and dice the big job into small steps. Now it’s time to create a to-do list. But putting huge tasks on your list (like “write an ebook”) will only further serve to panic you.
Instead, break the big job up into little tasks. Some of your small bite-size tasks may only take ten minutes to complete, while others could take a few hours. Just don’t put anything on your list that takes more than half a day – if it does, break it into smaller pieces.
* Prioritize the list. Next, prioritize your list in order of importance. If you have a chronological task (where certain things needed to be completed first before moving on to the next task), this step is easy. If nothing seems particularly more important than another step, then put the tasks you least like at the top of your list.
* Cross off anything that doesn’t need to be done. Finally, cross off anything on your list that simply isn’t important. If it doesn’t need to get done, then it only serves to make you feel overwhelmed.
It’s true — a journey of a 1000 miles begins with one step. And the faster you take that first step, the faster you’ll completely your journeys. In short: Speed is the key when you want to boost your productivity!
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Posted by Admin on November 26, 2008 under Productivity |
Quick, what do you think of when you hear about improving your productivity?
If you’re like most folks, the first things that spring to mind likely include productivity-boosting activities like prioritizing your tasks, making to-do lists, careful planning and so on.
These are all important, yes. But here’s one that some people overlook: Creating an environment that’s conducive to high productivity. Here’s how to create your own productive workspace:
* Create a cone of silence. If you’re having to stop continuously to answer the phone, answer the door, answer email and answer your child’s questions, you won’t get anything done. That’s why you need to clear out the distractions and create a “cone of silence” in your workspace.
If you’re working from home and you others living in the house, it’s probably next to impossible to have an entirely distraction-free day. Instead, set up specific hours where family members and friends can’t interrupt you. Tell them it’s no different than if you worked away from home at an office.
* Clear the clutter. One person’s idea of clean is another person’s idea of chaotic clutter. And that’s ok. The idea here isn’t to create a workspace that meets someone else’s idea of clutter-free. Instead, you should strive to create a workspace that’s organized in such a way that you can find things fast.
If that means you use shoe boxes stacked five feet high in lieu of a file cabinet, so be it. As long as you can quickly get to the papers you need when you need them – and as long as you’re comfortable with the LOOK of your workspace – then that’s all that matters.
>>> Bottom line: Create your workspace for you, not to impress someone else. <<<
* Own your workspace. Another thing you can do to make it easier to get things done in your workspace is to “own” it. That means you put up pictures, knick-knacks, and whatever else makes you feel like this is YOUR workspace.
If there are other people living in your house, ask that this space be truly yours. That way other people’s papers, books and other items don’t take over your area, nor do your resources and other items get pushed aside.
If you don’t feel good about your workspace (and if your workspace doesn’t make you feel good, creative and energetic), then you need to make changes. Sometimes it’s as simple as making sure your room is the right color and that you’re getting the right amount of lighting (including natural light).
Make these small changes, and I guarantee your productivity will soar!
