Do you have a list of things you want to do today, in a week or a month? And what about things you know you do but would prefer to stop doing? Do you have a list of those too? No? The Daily Muse website has prepared an article on this topic based on eight points from Tim Ferriss, author of bestsellers about self-management. The aim is to increase your productivity and utilise your time effectively.
1. Unknown callers? Don't answer
Ferriss suggests such an interruption means a great loss of concentration. Moreover, if it is an important call, you are in a disadvantageous bargaining position: the caller is already prepared, while you will be searching in your mind for the correct phrases. The PhoneTag application, for example, may help you with preparation for a call by converting a voice recording to an e-mail.
2. E-mail should be neither the first nor the last thing you deal with
E-mails often disrupt your plans, despite the fact most of them can wait up to 10 hours in the mailbox, according to Ferriss. If they are important and need to be solved, first uncheck another item from your daily schedule and only then start sorting your mailbox.
3. Do not accept anything without a clear agenda, goal or time limit
Lengthy meetings that lead nowhere and often make you wonder why you have to be present at all tend significantly to disrupt your productivity. If all meetings had a clear agenda and desired outcomes, no meeting would last longer than 30 minutes. Ask for the agenda in advance in order always to be prepared.
4. Do not have "weekend" talks with others
Ferriss says a chat with colleagues about a weekend or holiday unnecessarily distracts your attention. So it is a good idea politely to point out at the beginning: "I'm busy but keep talking." Thus you avoid lengthy chat. Be aware, however, that not everyone may agree with this approach and it also depends on the situation.
5. Do not rely on e-mail
Although it is difficult to apply to every profession, nonetheless determine a specific time interval for checking your mailbox. You can also use an automated response even when you are at work: the point is you just do not want to be distracted.
6. Do not be afraid to work a little longer
Feel free to arrive at a meeting a few minutes late with an apology or to make a call only after an important task has been completed. Flitting from one activity to another or stating you do not have time right now indicates that, rather than time, you lack priorities.
7. Do not work in 24/7 mode
Even in the most demanding job you have to rest. Reserve at least one day when you will not even touch your cell phone and will also leave your mailbox unopened.
8. Work to live, not the other way round
Work is not one's whole life. Therefore devote at least the same attention to your non-working activities and meetings as you do to meetings and activities which are work-related.
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