Before you start each day (whether it’s early that morning or the night before) confirm your activities and put together the items you will need to be successful. Taking a few extra minutes to organize yourself will save you time in “deciding” (read: “procrastinating”) what to do or finding what is needed to do it.
2. Time yourself
Set a stopwatch while you complete basic tasks (like brushing your teeth) without distractions or multitasking. The added pressure of timing yourself will provide the focus/motivation you need to become more efficient.
3. Group your activities
Schedule like activities (like various phone calls, running errands in different parts of town, project work, etc) back-to-back to reduce the time spent transitioning between tasks.
Are you a morning person or an evening person? Schedule the tasks that require your most focused attention for the times of day it is easiest for you to be productive.
5. Set your alarm
Getting up earlier or staying up later by even 30 minutes will probably not significantly detract from how rested you feel, but it can provide you with extra uninterrupted time to complete tasks.
6. Don’t be afraid to say “no”
Most of you have heard this tip before, but you may still feel uncomfortable saying no. Whether it’s unsubscribing from a mailing list, firing a client, turning down a meeting, it’s okay to say no. In fact, there will be requests for your time that you must refuse to ensure that you will have that time to say yes to more pressing matters.
7. Make time for yourself
No one can be “on” 24/7/365. Determine how you recharge (whether it’s spending time with your family, working out, sitting quietly, or something else) and include time for that in your schedule. Think of this as an investment in your long term productivity.
8. Obtain assistance
Especially during busier times of year, call on your friends and family for help (show your appreciation and pay it back/forward however you can). Also, consider hiring an outside source to provide some assistance with tasks you can’t (or don’t care to) complete.
Robyn Davis - Owner, When I Need Help (WINH)
Robyn helps exhibitors improve their results at conventions and trade shows by providing on-site sales and marketing support, pre-/post-event consulting services, and convenient products. Contact Robyn to discuss your situation today!
