Eight Simple Changes that will Boost Your Productivity and Bring True Success!

There is so much outdated information in the media today and most companies have no idea how to enhance productivity in their leaders and front line employees. Every day you read, "You must be prepared to work 70 hours a week to keep your job here!" Here are eight simple changes you can make that will boost your productivity, reduce your stress, improve your work/life balance, and help yopu achieve true success.

1. Download my Timekeeping Journal and record where you're spending all your time. Compare what you planned to do, to what actually happened. You will start to see where you can improve and why you're so frustrated.

2. Identify your energy cycles. Work on difficult tasks at peak times and easier tasks when your energy is lower. (A suggestion would be to work on emails when energy is low.) Difficult tasks take less time when you work on them with high energy and focus.

3. Plan tomorrow at the end of each day. Leave work at work mentally. Already have your plan ready when you come to work the next day.

4. Focus on getting more done in the first half of your day. Most people leave too much work for the afternoon (a lower energy cycle) and end up having to work late.)

5. Look for Ways to Batch Similar Tasks (Batching like tasks is the 2nd fastest way to improve productivity.) Batch returning calls, responding to email, and like tasks. This will prevent you from jumping from task to task.

6. Reflect at the End of each Day – What Did You Do Well and How Could You Improve Tomorrow’s Results?

7. Stop doing every request instantly. Doing things instantly is the #1 PRODUCTIVITY KILLER! Stop responding to email the second you hear a ding. You are setting up unrealistic expectations in others. Always ask, "When do you need it by?"

8. Manage requests and interruptions using the "Art of Deferring". Don't say no. Ask, "Could I get that for you by the end of the day?" See what they say. What's the worst they could say? No? 70% of the time you will negotiate a time that works better for you and still works for the requestor!