Getting Your Stuff Done
What is the difference between people who to get things done and those that complain about being soooo busy but don’t accomplish much?
I’m sure you’ve met:
- The guy in the next cubicle constantly complaining about his work load but every time you pass his desk he is playing Angry Birds.
- The nurse who complains about “staffing levels” but is never around when one of her patients call button goes off and takes 2 hours to chart about one patient.
- The supervisor who is always on your case about production but has never provided a clear goal on your group’s latest project.
In today’s digital world it’ easy to become distracted. How do you keep your focus when all around you are losing theirs?
You can spend money on productivity software or read one of the many great books on the subject… If you are like me, though, you don’t have time for that…
Quick Tips to Improve Focus:
- Set goals-Choose a time to look over what you need to accomplish this week and write them down-Sunday night works if you are not on shift work-otherwise, pick your time and make it a habit. Use your phone and calendar to remind you until its routine.
- Make a daily list-Take a few minutes before work and write down what you want to get done that day.
- Review your daily list at the beginning and end of your work day.
- Eliminate distractions-You may not be able to keep your boss out of your office, but you can kindly ask your co-workers to not disturb you for a period of time.
Timer?
- Timers-Use your watch, phone, or buy a cheap egg timer. Use it to remind you to take a brief break every 30 minutes of computer time. Stretch briefly, roll your neck, and walk around your desk. Also use the timer when you are checking email or surfing the web- don’t let your 5 minutes of down time turn into hours of non-productive activity.
- Off button-if you can’t keep from peeking at your phone or computer every few minutes when you aren’t using them, turn ‘em off.
- Time management-begin to estimate how long you think a project will take, write it down, and evaluate your accuracy at the end of the project. This will improve your ability to program your time.
Practicing these tips will improve your ability to focus. You will be much better at “getting it done!”
Good Reads For YOUR Spare Time!
Money Reasons explains how to set up an income stream for the kids when they are grown. Beats the heck out of spending on toys that are forgotten the next day. Discussing income streams is such a great way to explain the advantages of not just having a “job”.
Barbara Friedberg has a guest post about investing for the upcoming increase in inflation. Definitely worth thinking about, but not until you have the basics down and are out of consumer debt-IMHO…
Budgeting in The Fun Stuff has a guest post by Bogey (kewl name) about the scariness of becoming an entrepreneur and what is keeping him from making the leap. It sure isn’t cash-with 14 months of expenses in the bank!
Invest it Wisely has an anniversary contest going with great prizes-check it out if you’re feeling lucky!
The College Investor writes about “buying more to save more”….I agree with Robert’s assessment. Why didn’t you take a pic of the $20,000 tub though Robert?
Life and My Finances wants to know about buying glasses and contacts online-what do you say? Anyone done it and were you happy?
Everyday Tips and Thoughts shares password frustration. Make sure you know the code to get to her blog!
Check out these great blogs and take a minute to leave a comment. Join the conversation.
Enjoy your day and plan on getting better FOCUSED next week.
(photo-credit by comedy_nose)
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