August - October 2010
Establishing Productivity Periods

You are at work or home all day and suddenly it is 5 pm and you still have a long list of tasks to accomplish. Being productive is what we all strive for but it often eludes us! Maximizing productivity means getting clear on managing your interruptions and scheduling your time and tasks.

Distractions can be both external and internal. These take on many forms including ringing cell phones, too much email or a co-worker stopping in your office. At home these distractions can be online shopping, watching television or being on Facebook. The first step is to successfully manage and eliminate interruptions. It starts by recognizing your commitment to accomplishing an important task and then acting on this. Set aside time scheduled decisively set for productivity and without distraction. In addition, the space itself can be distracting with piles of papers, loose post-it notes and even too many empty coffee mugs. Eliminate visual clutter to create a focused work space. Create an environment with clear space and have the tools for the job you are doing right there. An uncluttered desk helps with creativity and clarity. Internal distractions can take away from productivity too. If you have a swirl of thoughts, jot them quickly on a piece of paper and then start your project. Set a timer for 15 minutes to help you just get started on a project. Once started, momentum kicks in and you are making great progress on your task.

Schedule two designated work times in your day for productivity. These are productivity periods, 50 minute slots of totally undistracted time. Fifty minutes allows for getting started and continuing on a big project so you can work effectively and solidly. Create two time periods daily for high power work, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Follow up with “time pockets”, ten minute time periods where you return phone calls, make a quick pass over email , and get some quickie items checked off your list. Coordinating these two scheduled times allows you to feel in control and successful.

Whether you are a CEO or a stay at home mom, we thrive when we are productive. In the office, ask your assistant or partner with a colleague to establish your productivity periods as “sacred.” As a stay at home mom, review your schedule and add these times in the morning and afternoon at your highest energy times. Post your productivity times where you can see them every day to adhere to your schedule.

Our greatest satisfaction comes from the feeling of accomplishing a task! Carving out protected time to start and complete a task or project is your best way to maximize productivity.

If I can assist you in assessing or getting started, please connect with me by email, Twitter or my Facebook Fan Page!

    

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