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Simple Ways to be More Productive

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Productivity is a pretty hot topic in today's busy world... everyone {including myself} wants to do more in less time and be MORE productive. This can seem like an overwhelming and somewhat impossible task, especially if your schedule is already filled to the max. However, there are a few simple ways you can you can be MORE productive... starting today!

1. Know your Ending Goals

If you don't know what your business goals are or where you're going, chances are you won't get very far. Setting reachable goals and then working towards those goals is one of the best ways to be MORE productive.

2. Make a List

There are so many distractions in today's busy world that it's almost impossible to remember every single thing you need to do each day and each week. Whether you use an electronic calendar, a daily planner, sticky notes, or even a napkin... you will be much MORE productive if you have your day mapped out and your "to-do's" written down.

3. Keep Your Work Space Organized

If you can't find what you need when you need it, you'll waste valuable time looking for those things. Get in the habit of quickly cleaning up your work space at the end of each day and you'll be MORE productive as a result. It's also important to keep your computer files and email Inbox organized so you can find any digital items you need at a moment’s notice.

4. Limit Distractions

I've found that I am much MORE productive if I simply shut down my email and social media when I'm working on an important project with a deadline. I will often turn of my phone as well so I can't be tempted to waste time or get distracted.

If you work from home, try not to get distracted by people coming to your door, personal phone calls, dinner preparation, or household chores.

5. Set Time Frames

I have found that in my own life, I often get frustrated if I give myself a strict deadline for a specific task and then fail to meet that deadline because of unexpected interruptions or any other number of reasons.

So lately, I've been working with "Block Schedules" which give me more of a time frame to finish my tasks rather than an exact time. By using "time frames" instead of exact times, I feel less stressed and am MORE productive as a result!

These are just a few of the many things you can do to increase your productivity and get more done in less time. Pick on idea and start today... then add another in next week! 

What are your best tips to increase productivity?

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