25 simple productivity tips &tools

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  • 1. 25 Simple Productivity Tips &Toolswww.thetimedoctor.co.uk

2. In todays busy world, the daily task of staying productive is becoming more important than ever. Staying on top of everything you need to do seems tobecome more of a challenge as each week passes. Thankfully, you can take control of your work and timewith a few small changes that produce a huge difference in your productivity and peace of mind.Try these strategies to boost your productivity 3. 1. Clear Your DeskHow clean (or dirty) is your desk? One of the best things you can do for yourself is to leave your desk nice andtidy the day before. Leave only items that need your immediate attention on top. Its productive to start the day with an organised and tidy desk. 4. 2. Clear Clutter From Your DesktopYour computer is the heart of your productivity. Keep itclean and clutter free. Keep icons to a minimum. Emptythe recycle bin regularly. Keep games out of sight withonly the programs you use for work in view. Calendarsand notepads are good provided youre using them productively. 5. 3. Social NetworkingSocial Networking sites can sap hours away from your productivity. Stay away from chitchat withfriends and playing games. Save those activities for breaks and after hours. 6. 4. Paper Files and FoldersColor-coding your files makes it easier and fasterto find information. If your files become over- stuffed, its time to clean them out. Use a labelmaker to label the tabs so you can easily tell what contents are in each folder. 7. 5. Organize Electronic Files And FoldersTake the time to organise the files on your computer into folders so you know exactly where everything is. Itll increase your productivity considerably by making it easier to find the files you need. 8. 6. Be Productive With Your Keyboard Use keyboard shortcuts whenever you can. VisitMicrosofts support site to find some basic keyboardshortcuts you can use. Or read your programs Help section for specific shortcuts. 9. 7. Schedule Your HoursHaving a deadline for everything you do is important andsticking to it is even more critical! To stay effective, planthe hours of your day so you know what youresupposed to be doing and when. 10. 8. Communicate Effectively. Ask and answer questions promptly. Do your best tocommunicate well and youll stay on track more easily. 11. 9. Plan AheadUse a personal planner or desk calendar to track your schedule and deadlines. Write everything down.Include birthdays, appointments, meetings, and otherhelpful notes. Your planner is your lifeline; use it faithfully. 12. 10. Use To-do ListsDevelop the habit of writing down everything you needto do. Cross off tasks as theyre completed. This keepsyou motivated as you see your progress throughout the day. 13. 11. Use Browser Add-onsBrowser add-ons can help you fill out formsquickly, access your favorite websites in a flash, andmore.Learn how to utilise these tools to automate commontasks. 14. 12. Keep it Simple When a project or task allows, use paper. Itssimple, affordable, and readily available. Turn off thecomputer and see how productive you can really be. 15. 13. Beat Stress Stress zaps production. When your nerves start to get a little frazzled, take a step back and reassess thesituation. Grab a stress ball, take a healthy foodbreak, or go for a walk. Breathe in slowly, and then let itout. 16. 14. Use Email Effectively Sorting through hundreds of emails a day takes away from productivity. Have your personal email sent to another email address or designate a new one strictlyfor work. Label those that are spam and delete themimmediately. Check work email only during work hours. 17. 15. Remember The Five Sentence Rule.Email should seldom be more than five sentences long.All you really need is who, what, where, when and why.If you get to the point quickly, the response you receivewill also get to the point and save you time. 18. 16. Clear The Clutter Clutter wastes time and reduces productivity. Keepyour workspace free from junk, and surround yourselfwith only the tools and papers you need to get the jobdone. 19. 17. Beat ProcrastinationProcrastination kills productivity. Focus on the task athand, and do it now. When you need to, take a shortbreak. But stay on task until the job is done and youllbe glad you did. 20. 18. Give Multi-tasking The Boot. Contrary to popular belief, youll accomplish muchmore by focusing on one task at a time. Youll feel less stress and produce better results, too. 21. 19. Learn To Say No And Mean It.Keep a calendar of upcoming events. When its full, sayno to obligations and requests until youre caught up onyour work. If possible, try to delegate to save your time for the important things. Guard your time and say no when necessary. 22. 20. Stay Razor Sharp.Focus hard on being productive for thirty minutes. Workonly on one project. Focusing on one thing for thirty minutes often helps you get more work done than hours of multi-tasking or hopping from project toproject. 23. 21. Create MotivationMotivate yourself with positive quotes and affirmations.Doing so gives your brain a boost and kick starts yourdrive to continue moving forward. 24. 22. Separate Personal And Work RelatedTasksResolve to focus on the job you have to do. When you go home, leave work at the office and enjoy yourfamily. Allow your batteries to recharge for a more productive tomorrow. 25. 23. Try A Micro-nap.Need a fresh start? Take a 2-5 minute micro nap. Finda place to rest your head and close your eyes. Use a timer if necessary. Itll leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the pile of work again. 26. 24. Music Or Silence? If noise distracts you and keep you from being productive, cut the noise. Use earplugs if needed. Ifmusic gets your blood pumping and energizes you, onthe other hand, turn it up! 27. 25. Slow Down.Being productive is not always about accomplishingmore in less time. Sometimes rushing causes you tomake mistakes. The best way to speed up is to slowdown. 28. Surround yourself with what it takes to increaseyour productivity and enjoy a greater level ofachievement every day.Thank you for watchingIf you have found this useful and would like some more tips on time management click on the link below to get The Time Doctors latest free booklethttp://www.thetimedoctor.co.uk/20-top-tips/