Have you ever felt exhausted at the end of the day, knowing you worked hard and yet wondering what you actually accomplished or, worse yet, wondering why nothing has been crossed off your to do list? Here are seven strategies guaranteed to increase your productivity !
1. Most To-Do lists are useless. Tasks on a To-Do list have start times, but no end times. If you make just one change, do this: Put a start and an end time for everything you do and watch how much more you get done!
2. Make a schedule. One where you purposefully script out those things that are your priorities for the day and you insure that nothing alters them. Your schedule should include those things that you need to do every day until you have built a routine around them. Write one every day. Another critical tool is a Chat Pad. I have a steno notebook for each client/key person that you deal with and keep a list of what you need to discuss with them (and the resulting actions of that discussion) so you can group phone calls or send one summary email rather than several throughout the day.
3. Ask this question. What is the most effective use of your time right now? For those rare times when you havent scheduled your time, ask yourself the above question and then follow through with working on the answer. You will dramatically increase the quality of the work you do.
4. Know your worth. How much money do you want to make this year?
5. Delegate, dont abdicate. As an entrepreneur who now knows the value of his time, you recognise that it is worthwhile to delegate those activities that you either aren’t good at or dislike. While delegating is critical to the most optimal use of your time and energies, be sure not to abdicate responsibility for those items. Keep a running list of the tasks youve delegated and check in with that person.
6. Post your goals. Having your goals posted provides consistent motivation on why you are doing the things you are doing. Post a picture of that new car, new home, or dream vacation. Seeing the reason you are working to meet your goals will provide your subconscious with extra motivation to get the job done.
7. Keep a success journal. Success journals can be done several ways. You can simply keep a written record of all your successes or, you can follow Arnold Palmers method: he had a table wherein he inlaid his golf medals and, when he placed one medal in the table, he had a new hole grouted for the next, as-yet-to-be-won medal. Always looking ahead, always anticipating the next success.
Remember this: time can not be replaced. You can replace money, you can replace clients or projects. You can not replace time. Use it wisely.
Copyright 2006 Sandra P. Martini
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