|
In over 2,000 Time Management seminars, which I have conducted for more than
100,000 people from around the globe during the last 20 years, I have shown
people how to get more done in less time, with less stress; to help them
have more time for the things they want to do in their work and personal
lives.
article continued below...
If you can recapture a wasted hour here and there and redirect it to a
more productive use, you can make great increases in your daily productivity
and the quality of your life.
Here is part three of a three part series of time savers, with five more
of the many techniques I share in our Time Management seminars, each one of
which will help you to get at least one more hour out of your day for
additional productive time to do the things you really want to do.
1. Systematize.
Stop reinventing the wheel and recreating the same things over and again.
Create systems to handle repetitive tasks. For example, I have standard
letters all created and saved in my computer along with standard documents
such as directions to my office and various articles I share with others. Be
sure to have adequate supplies you can readily access. Use one calendar to
keep track of appointments. Work with a clean desk and have most frequently
used items within arm's reach. Schedule maintenance for your equipment and
yourself.
2. Plan
Adequate Sleep.
You can have a great to do list for your next day but if you are tired, your
productivity will be adversely impacted. Schedule a sufficient amount of
sleep. The amount is different for each of us. Some need eight hours, some
more, and some less. Your body knows the answer.
3. Attend a
Speed Reading Class.
The average person reads at about 200 words per minute and spends a couple
of hours each day reading. What if you could double your reading speed? What
takes two hours can now be done in one hour or you can continue to spend the
same amount of time reading, but read twice as much. Sign up for a
speed-reading class. I teach one. It's a six-hour seminar and at the end of
the day everyone in the class will at least double their reading speed and
significantly increase their comprehension.
4. Develop Your
Communication Skills.
A lot of your personal success in the future will be in direct relationship
to your ability to competently and confidently communicate what you know
both orally and in writing. Make it an ongoing commitment to continue to
improve your speaking and writing skills. You'll save time and have a more
successful career.
5. Develop Your
People Network.
Personal productivity in large amounts has to do with the good cooperation
of other people. Someone who does not enjoy the good cooperation of others
can surely be productive but not as productive as one who enjoys that
cooperation. On an on-going basis, develop your list of personal contacts,
your networking list. Always offer to help everyone on your list whenever
you can. ("To have a friend, first be a friend.") Do it right and
your network will be there for you when you need it.
About the Author:
Dr. Donald E. Wetmore, a full-time
Professional Speaker, is one of the foremost experts on Time Management and
the author of "Beat the Clock" and "Organizing Your
Life". If you would like to receive a free copy of his article,
"Getting Out of Balance", which outlines seven pitfalls to avoid,
email your request now for "balance" to: mailto:ctsem@msn.com
=======
| 
