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One great way to increase productivity is to better manage your time. Get time on your side. To begin, get an…
accurate gauge of the real time it takes to accomplish a variety of routine
responsibilities.
- Use a kitchen timer to measure time spent on your work activities. You’ll likely discover that most unpleasant tasks don’t take as long as you think they will. And most pleasant things tend to drag out a bit longer than you’d expect.
- Then, use this information to help schedule future tasks. If checking and returning phone messages takes an hour each day (who knew?), then block off that amount of time for phone calls.
- Clearing off your desk by filing papers may seem like an unending job, but in reality, it may take only ten minutes. Now it seems more manageable!
- Then, become more productive by avoiding interruptions. Did you know that the average office worker is interrupted 73 times every day? Be prepared for these obstacles by setting aside time each day for “open office hours,” and let your colleagues know they can drop by during this time for assistance.
- Use your lower-energy hours as your open office hours so you don’t waste peak productivity periods. That way, you can devote time when your energy is highest to plow through your absolutely-must-do tasks.
- Close your door or consider putting up a “do not disturb” sign outside your doorway to let office mates know when you need privacy. Of course, emergencies will pop up occasionally, but by following these guidelines, your productivity will soar. © 2011 Articles on Demand™
This article is posted with permision from Articles on Demand. I realize that some of the language implies working in
a corporate office setting. So where it fits, use words that fit for home based office setting. Even though we have our families to care for, using these tips will increase our productivity and decrese our level of frustration. Getting the family on board with you will actually give them more of your time in the long run.
“Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” ~Carl Sandburg
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Hi Judy:
What a great suggestion to use a timer to blot out our day. Such a simple solution can put a much needed end to the ciaos in our everyday routine. When you use this and a calendar as tools you allow your self more time freedom, increase production, and create positive results. Learning to use your time efficiently will also help reduce stress in our over busy lives.
thank you,
Carol
Thank you Carol, for taking the time to comment. I am glad the information here was helpful
and sounds like you will put it to good use.
Judy Narum
Great tips! Time can really look like the enemy sometimes, huh? Managing it isn’t an easy task but its definitely something that needs to be done, regularly. I find it hard to do my priorities when I’m drowning in work, that’s why I try to get ahead of my work so I can lessen the load when that time comes and be totally prepared for it.
Hi Jesse,
You have a very good point. It is hard to focus on priorities when you are
distracted by unfinished work. Do a little bit each day on a consistent basis.
That works will in the business world as well as home. Thanks for sharing
your comment.
Have a great day,
Judy Narum
Love the first point, using a kitchen timer. Sometimes when I have a task that I do not want to do like cleaning, I would set up the timer and just give it 15 min or so. Knowing that I only have to commit a small amount of time makes the task more manageable and helps me to keep track of my time.
-Sam
Great! That’s a good idea Sam and if you plan to do
the tasks you like least first, The rest of the day will
be a breeze. Thanks for taking the time to leave a commet.
Have a great day,
Judy Narum