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Work Smarter #46: Tips to get more done each day.
September 27, 2011

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Hi, Kell here!

Welcome to the Work Smarter Not Harder Newsletter #46.

Who doesn't need more time to get things done at home or work? But if you think about it, all of us have the same amount of time in a day, so what is it that characterizes those who accomplish far more than others?

Many of my clients are stretched to capacity believing they can do no more? However, these tips will trim the fat from your day so that you can spend your time on those things that you most care about.

1. Trim the fat and prioritize ruthlessly

Many of us are overwhelmed with too much to do and not enough time. This makes prioritization key to ensuring that you don't get pulled into reactive mode.

How do you prioritize? When I ask my clients this question I often get "whoever shouts loudest," or "depends on when it is due," or "who is requesting it".

Put bluntly, elite performers prioritize based on importance.

Here are some resources on prioritization that include:

2. Chunk your time and batch like with like

When you chunk your time, you are setting specific blocks of time to do related types of tasks.

To do this it will take true commitment to create a new habit.But it will definitely increase your productivity and add value.

For example, do you schedule time to do your emails, or are you responding like a Pavlovian conditioned subject every time mail arrives?

Batching tasks into a chunk of time that are similar conserves energy and maximizes productivity.

For example, if you have to do buy some groceries you wouldn't pop down down to the local store at 9.30am to pick up milk, and then go down at 10am to buy a loaf of bread, and at 11.30am to purchase some cheese. No you can save plenty of time (and gas) by simply batching your tasks together

The same goes for your email, phone calls, paying of bills/invoices or other similar tasks. Whether you have a time management schedule or not, what is important is that you chunk some time each day to do your batched tasks.

3. Simplify your world

You can just simplify your world to reduce stress and focus on what you most care about.

Simplifying your world may involve using these organizing tips to get rid of clutter.

Perhaps you feel pulled in many directions with finances, career aspirations, or responsibilities. In this case, simplifying your world may involve thinking about what is important to you and your family with these personal goal setting strategies.

Simplifying your world is guaranteed to reduce your stress.

Conclusion

While these time management techniques may sound easy they are harder to put into practice.

Changing a habit is hard to do and requires conscious directed effort. Remember the motto "progress not perfection" is what you are after.

Please let us know your comments, views or feedback so that we can improve our site for our most valuable resource

- YOU

All the best,

Dr Kell and the team at Effective Time Management Strategies.
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