Aha! Moment Monday
How do you calculate productivity?
All business leaders are naturally looking for the most efficient and effective ways to generate maximum output whether it’s by machines or people. After all, time is money, right?
And as individuals who have lives outside of work, we’re on the lookout for ways in which to make as many check marks on that “to do” list as we can before it’s time to pick the kids up from school, get to the committee meeting, hit the cottage or tee off. Whatever motivates you to be efficient – beyond the pride of accomplishment, of course – managing time is always of concern.
Of course we know we can’t manage time, we can only manage ourselves; time goes on regardless of how much we wish we could push the pause button. And the best productivity software won’t help if you’re constantly being interrupted, summoned to impromptu meetings, or overwhelmed by urgent emails.
What can we do to keep those time bandits from getting away with those precious sands in our hour glass?
Aha! ~ Just S.T.O.P.
Simplify. Target. Organize. Protect.
Simplify your surroundings by decluttering and keeping only what you need in view. File, discard or delegate the rest. It’s amazing how much more organized and calm your psyche is when you simplify your physical surroundings. (One software developer friend of mine said she is back to using a hand-written “to do” list because it’s just so darn simple.)
Set your targets and goals in all aspects of your life so it’s crystal clear where your time needs to be invested. Don’t be afraid to say no to meetings or politely limit interruptions so you can focus your energies on what really deserves your attention.
Organize chunks of your time in advance and block them off in your calendar. You’ll be far more efficient when you prepare to be.
Protect your focus. (You thought I was going to say, “Protect your time”, didn’t you? It’s deeper.) You know when you’re stuck in traffic how much extra fuel it takes to go the distance when the brake lights in front of you cause you to repeatedly stop and ramp up? Same goes for your mind’s energy. You’re far more productive when you immerse yourself, without distraction, for even 30 minutes in a row.
“Time is more value than money. You can get more money but you cannot get more time.” ~ Jim Rohn.
Make it count.
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