Get more done in less time – Seven tactics for over-achievers.
September 29, 2014
Seven tactics for over-achievers.
These helped me double my own productivity.
1. Take the initiative.
Need uninterrupted time for a big project?
Close and lock your office door.
Post a sign on the door if needed:
“I’m available after 3 p.m.” or something like that.
2. Anticipate emergencies.
They will happen. Bet on it.
Let your assistant or voice mail catch calls.
Only respond to genuine emergencies.
3. Block out response times.
Set times to return calls and only return them then.
Record this on your voicemail.
This will let callers know when you will be in touch.
4. The same for e-mail.
Check it in the morning, before lunch and at 5 p.m.
Check at no other times. Limit checks to 30 minutes.
Email can be a blessing . . . or a time waster.
5. Start your time meter.
“Got a minute?” means just that — 60 seconds.
Oprah Winfrey practices this ruthlessly.
Her people ask for 15 minutes. She gives them five.
Time is money and Oprah knows it.
Why do you think she is so wealthy and successful?
6. Just say “no” . . . or “not now.”
No one can take advantage of you. Don’t let them.
This is a problem I’ve struggled with for years.
You feel compassionate when some asks for help.
Their asking implies respect for your opinion.
Requests can suck up your time.
They can leave you little for your own needs.
Feel guilty about saying “no?” Then say “not now.”
7. Stay out of the social media quick sand.
Don’t get sucked into these time traps.
Focus on the high payoff projects on your goal list.
Wait until after lunch for anything else.
Recommended Reading
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