During the past year, I’ve studied many systems and read many articles on Time Management. What I wanted to do, today, is to give you the top three tips that enabled me to manage time better and be more productive.
First: My Daily Night Cap!
Before I pack up for the day and close shop, I take a few minutes and jot down the Top 3 Items that I need to accomplish in order to really move my business forward. These items are not visions or ideas, but short-term, achievable, actionable steps that will move my goals to the next plateau. I might repeat an item multiple days sometimes, but I’m clear on what part should be completed each day. It is important to schedule time to complete these Top 3 items – hopefully in about 4 hours time.
Second: Shut Down E-mail!
I use an auto reply feature on my e-mal and post a note informing everyone that I will not be able to access my e-mail for the first 4 hours of my day. I have found that by posting this note, I reduced my e-mail load by about 25%. I am also able to concentrate on what is most important, but not urgent – which always produces better long-term results and moves everything forward. For all of you, like me, who find that upsetting e-mails have ruined your workday and upended productivity, you just gained four hours of tranquility and focus. Priceless!
Third: Take a Brake!
I use the first 4 hours of the working day to accomplish the Top 3 Items scheduled the previous night. I’ve mentioned that these items were scheduled for up to a total of about 4 hours. This will come to play at this time. I set my timer to 50 minutes. Whether the item is finished or not, I stop and “Take a Break”; release, exhale, stretch (no Facebook, texting, talking to coworkers…)! I move to the next item and repeat. At the end of the third item cycle, I will still have an entire 50 minute segment to complete any unfinished business from any of the 3 items.
It will take discipline at first but following this system will move you forward. Now is your turn. What other systems or ticks are you following and working for you. Share in the comments below.
Until next time,
Yours truly,
Tommy Antonopoulos, Blogger for OfficeTime
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