Tag Archive for 'productivity'

Top 10 Time Tamers: Simple strategies that put you in control.

Published
by
Warwick
on August 11, 2010
in Skills
. 0 Comments

How can you become more productive? Here are the most popular and powerful time tips, all in one spot.

  1. Write down your long-term goals. Use the SMART formula; make them Specific, Measurable, Appropriate, Realistic and Time-bound.
  2. Every day, divide your tasks into A, B and C priorities. Always start with a high priority “A” task, even if you can only accomplish a small part of it.
  3. Block off time for activities that are important. Make an appointment with yourself, and don’t let anyone schedule anything for the time you’ve put aside.
  4. Stop spending time on trivia. Don’t spend hours preparing a high tech presentation when a good conversation will suffice. And stop fussing over routine administrative tasks. Delegate or automate them.
  5. Have the courage to say no. Don’t try to please others all the time. Create personal policies that make it easy to say no and stick to your plan.
  6. Always start meetings on time. Don’t punish those who show up on time and reward those who are late. Do something however minor, but get started.
  7. Slow down. Productivity isn’t about going fast. It’s about doing the right things. Stop rushing around, driving too fast and getting upset at things you can’t control. A couple of minutes gained aren’t worth the added stress.
  8. Avoid procrastination by completing unpleasant tasks first. The tough stuff usually turns out to be not so bad. Break complex tasks into easy pieces and give yourself a reward for getting something done.
  9. Don’t be a slave to technology. Communication devices are simply adding more and more ways to be out of touch with each other. Simplify your life and leave your phone off now and then. Plan for people to reach you some of the time, not all of the time.
  10. Create time for balance in your life. Set aside time for family, fitness, social, educational and spiritual needs. Plan for balance the way you plan for work.

Source: http://getmoredone.com/2010/01/top-10-time-tamers/

Word of the day “Staycation” from Warwick John Fahy Change Catalyst

Published
by
Warwick
on December 13, 2009
in Health
. 0 Comments

Staycation don't have to be this dullStaycations have become more popular during the tougher economic times of the past year. Essentially this means that people are staying at home or close to home instead of taking overseas trips. That’s good news for the local economy and especially home entertainment products,like video games.

Most people have one or two big vacations a year and spend a lot of time planning and anticipating them. But wouldn’t it be great to have an ongoing vacation throughout the year. This is where the staycation idea can be used.

My wife and I plan monthly ‘away days’ where we take a weekend to visit somewhere outside the city, like a mountain or scenic spot. If we are really pressed for time, we visit a large park for a day. Taking the time away from our regular city life provides an opportunity to destress and reflect on life. We always come back refreshed and more purposefull about the month ahead.

Even busy city professionals can add a staycation idea to your regular week. I like to take a day (or half a day) off-site from the office and choose a cosy coffee shop or healthy restaurant (with Wifi!) and work in a different environment. Really it’s no different from the office. I have my SKYPE, my telephone and computer. The new space helps me think in different ways and without the small interruptions of office life, I am much more focused and concentrate on my work with a higher level of clarity. This also means that you schedule your time more effectively when you are in the office.

So see how you can insert blocks of staycation time into your schedule. It will break up your week and refresh your energy levels. Living in a city is tough on the mind and body so do yourself a favour and take a regular staycation.

Links:

What is a Staycation?

Credit crunch causes £27m UK holiday boom as ’staycations’ sees tourism industry cash in