Swift To-Do List 11
Swift Mind Freedom
Meta Productivity
Daily To-Do List
We’ve all had those times where we wish we could add hours to the skimpy 24 hour days we’re limited to on this planet. As the work day rolls along, we look at the clock and say “Hey, where did the time go?” Well I haven’t figured out a way to actually add hours to a day, but here are 10 ways to at least preserve the precious hours you do get:
- When a task comes along that you can do in less than 2 minutes, do it and be done with it. E-mails are a great example; it takes time to read an e-mail, so when it’s something quick, deal with it right at that time.
- Related to tip number 1, don’t be a slave to your inbox. Studies have shown that it’s better to concentrate on one task and finish it before moving on to the next. Turn off your e-mail notifications, finish your project, then check it and follow rule number 1 for e-mails that you can address quickly.
- Make phone calls standing up. Research shows that you’re less likely to shoot the breeze when you are standing. (As an added bonus, you actually burn more calories for those of you interested in that).
- Batch similar activities. If you have several calls to return or e-mails to send, group them together to do at one time.
- Use a scheduler. I know it sounds obvious, but it’s amazing how many people don’t schedule their day – plan the work and work the plan.
- Don’t multi-task. Research has shown that you actually get less done when you try and pack 10 activities in at the same time. Sequential is better.
- Use information management software. Statistics show that office workers spend an average of 48 minutes a day just looking for misplaced information.
- Delegate. Not all of us have this option, but for those of you who do, there are probably plenty of tasks that could be done by someone else. Even if you work alone, you can get outsourced help for just about every task imaginable online these days.
- Cut down on your e-mail newsletters. Most people are subscribed to way more e-mail newsletters than they’ll ever read and having them in your inbox still takes time to deal with them. Take the time to unsubscribe.
- Limit the amount of socialization you engage in. I know it’s fun and it does provide a nice break, but try to limit it to a set amount of time.
These 10 tips come from Telexis. Telexis produces software that helps offices stay organized and manage their time: GroupReady scheduling software and PHONEslips office management software.
I use Comindware task manager to make my day more organized and effective, but your tips can also be very useful.