Continuing with our series on the Productivity Workflow Formula™ (PWF) Step 4: Process New Information: REDUCE PROCESSING TIME Streamline your information flow, and you'll inevitably cut back on your time expenditures. Make setting up an efficient filing system one of your first tasks. Develop a simple, noun-based labeling scheme, and apply it rigorously to your electronic and paper files. No document should ever take you more than a minute or so to find. You'll also need a reliable personal time management system—some variety of organizer, whether paper, electronic, or hybrid, where you can keep track of all your schedules and contacts. Just make sure it meets the HUG criteria: it must be Handy, Usable, and Garbage-free. Involuntary data inflow, especially email and phone calls, will … [Read more...]
The “Work Less, More Success” Guide to Time Management – Step Three
Continuing with our series on the Productivity Workflow Formula™ (PWF) Step 3: Focus Your Attention: REDUCE YOUR DISTRACTIONS So as you embark on your voyage of self-improvement, don't get in a hurry. Accept that developing a new routine takes time. Leo Babauta, the author of the influential Zen Habits blog, recommends setting yourself a 30-day challenge for changing each habit. In this step, you reduce distractions so you can hone your focus to razor sharpness. Once you know exactly what you should be doing and have captured time to do it, you must focus on completing that important task. Distractions represent some of the worst productivity hurdles; even if they drag your attention away for just a few seconds at a time, they can cause you to lose your train of thought and fall out of … [Read more...]
Too Many Ideas! How Overthinking Can Damage Personal Productivity
One of the chief advantages of the human brain is the ability to think of a multitude of ideas. We call the process "brainstorming," and for good reason: when done right, an actual flood of ideas results. We can then grab the likely looking ones and start throwing them at the problem until something sticks. But human intelligence also has its drawbacks, including a tendency to think too much. That may seem unlikely to those of us who have suffered from the occasional maverick's preference to operate purely on instinct, but believe me, overthinking can be nearly as deadly as a surprise tax audit. Overthinking actually comes in two forms. One is the inability to stem the tide of ideas before virtually drowning in it. In this scenario, every idea seems equally valid, and making a choice … [Read more...]
The “Work Less, More Success” Guide to Time Management – Step Two
Continuing with our series on the Productivity Workflow Formula™ (PWF) Step 2: Schedule Time to Do It: REDUCE YOUR OBLIGATIONS Once you've identified your key tasks, make the time to do them. Remember, time management really boils down to self-management: the willingness to stop misusing time and practice self-discipline. While you’re not going to waste time during the workday, you’re not trying to do it all. Block out time for your critical HIT lists tasks right on your calendar. Work to reduce your obligations by adopting the computer science concept of "caching." This involves developing the ability to add, drop, and refuse new data on the fly, in order to streamline your workload. I call this "availability caching." When you find yourself at or near maximum capacity, it helps make … [Read more...]
The “Work Less, More Success” Guide to Time Management!
Since 1992, I've dedicated my career to teaching people how to do less while achieving more. American workers need this relief now more than ever. In the past decade, we've worked harder and done more with less than at any time since the Great Depression. Unfortunately, the pay hasn't kept pace with our efforts, and we often excel at the expense of our health, relationships, and free time. People are tired of "do more with less" and want to "do less and achieve more"! Overwork may be slowly killing you, emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually. But it doesn't have to. Often, overwork stems from taking the wrong approach to structuring one's schedule. I have a solution to offer—one that will significantly reduce your task load and help you rebalance your work/life ratio in your favor. … [Read more...]
Make Some Waves to Get Rid of Time Drains
Laura Stack, The Productivity Pro(R), says that sometimes you need to speak up about things that are hampering your productivity. (C) 2011 Laura Stack. All Rights Reserved. https://theproductivitypro.com … [Read more...]
Recent Articles on Productivity
Just wanted to share some recent articles on productivity that I thought you all might enjoy! 3 Types of Awareness That Can Improve Productivity at PickTheBrain.com. Effects of Poor Lighting on Employee Productivity at ASuccessfulWoman.com. 5 Things That Waste Your Time at Work at Mashable.com. And finally, We Work Too Hard at Huffington Post online. Have a safe and happy 4th of July! … [Read more...]
What To Do When There’s Too Much To Do released today!
Today is the day! My latest book, "What To Do When There's Too Much To Do" hit bookshelves today. See this video from Brian Tracy talking about the book: Buy the book today from Amazon, BN, 800CEORead or any retailer. Forward a copy of your receipt to [email protected] and you'll receive some special bonuses. Check out the details at LauraStack.com/WhatToDo. … [Read more...]
Productivity Minute Video: Limit Your Socializing to Skyrocket Your Productivity
It's important to develop positive relationships at work. Laura Stack, The Productivity Pro(R), talks about balancing social time with work time so you can get more done. (C) 2012 Laura Stack. All Rights Reserved. https://theproductivitypro.com … [Read more...]
Don’t Buy My New Book!
Don't buy Laura Stack's book until JUNE 26 that is! The Productivity Pro, Inc. is pleased to announce the publication of Laura Stack's newest productivity book, What To Do When There's Too Much To Do: Reduce Tasks, Increase Results, and Save 90 Minutes a Day (Berrett-Koehler). However, DON'T buy it! Yes, that's right--don't buy it--until JUNE 26. Buy your copy on JUNE 26 at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or 800CEORead, and email your receipt to [email protected] for special bonuses from authors Dianna Booher, Eric Chester, Mark Sanborn, Joe Calloway, Terri Sjodin, and Laura Stack! Bonuses Include: Two giveaways from Dianna Booher, plus a bonus offer! FREE recording of The Power of Personal Presence and FREE eBook Presentation Pointers. Tiebreakers by Joe Calloway. Joe … [Read more...]
