Is there anyone who CAN’T increase their productivity? Living with a deteriorating eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa changed my routine often, forcing me to search for ways to improve my time in order to function and survive. No matter what messes up your time, what age you are, or what obstacles block your path, the following tips might increase your productivity some. Others might be reminders, but that’s okay too.
1. Set daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals to refer back to. Without goals you wouldn’t have direction. Make the yearly one broad (i.e. Increase income), then break it down with more specifics. (i.e. Find a part-time job might be a monthly goal and filling out five applications a weekly one. The daily could state when and where you’re filling out applications).
2. Make lists from your goals grouping them into categories (personal care, household, financial, family, etc.). Prioritize within each category and altogether. Refer to daily and weekly lists every night to plan the next day. Review at lunch or some other break when possible for possible revision.
If you’re not a goal-setter or list-maker, make a “to-do” list and use this principle.
3. Place lists where you see regularly (refrigerator, mirror, or computer). Utilize a paper or phone calendar to fill in important items among appointments. Color code if helpful. Just make sure you choose what is easy for you. Tablets and phones have plenty of apps and reminders to aid in our productivity planning.
4. Group like tasks together when planning. You don’t want to run two errands, come home to answer emails and put a load of clothes in the laundry then run another errand. Have all computer and sitting tasks grouped together, outdoor ones, ones involving the car, etc.
5. Learn to say “NO” in order to protect time. If this is difficult for you, ignore the phone when you believe you’ll be asked to do something, or use your spouse as a buffer (i.e. “I need to see if my spouse wants to come,” or “He/she has an appointment.” The appointment might be helping you).
6. Hunt for time zappers like social media, video games, phone calls, or reading books at the wrong time. Don’t be scared to use a timer.
7. Organize objects and supplies near their function. Hats, mittens, and umbrellas need to go close to doors; a stapler with office supplies; and trash cans where mail is opened or snacks are eaten. Beware of creating a work environment near a window if you’re a day dreamer.
8. If you run late to appointments, like myself, try counting backwards. Subtract from your appointment time for each activity: getting dressed, eating, gathering belongings, starting the car, finding a parking place, and walking inside. Us concrete thinkers can benefit from this strategy.
9. Allow time for rest and flexibility when planning. Don’t micro-manage. Everyone needs time for memory-making and spontaneity.
10. Always remember lists are a guide – not a legal contract with severe punishment for incompletion.
These time management tips were fairly general.
What ones can you add?
…now, let’s get busy!
© 2015, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
I too am in agreement that number 5 is the hard one. I am so much better than in years past though. Maybe ther is something to older and wiser? Hmmm? Great post Jeana.
Well, June, let’s just thank God for the improvement, no matter what the reason, and thank Him for continuing to improve this quality or skill. Amen?
Great list, Jena. # 5 is particularly important.
Saying no definitely seems to be one of our toughest to do. We’re often fraid to let people down believing they’ll like us less. God needs to give us the wisdom to know when to say yes and when to say no.
Hello Jena!!!
What came to my mind when I read this article is organization for planning grocery shopping and meals.
I like to plan meals for my family and make a list of every ingredient that I am going to need when I go shopping at the store. This way, If I stick to my list, I have everything I need for the week and I don’t purchase random items that might sit in my cabinets unused.
By choosing my meals ahead of time and creating my shopping list it helps me to increase productivity in preparing meals nightly for my family.
Blessings!
Pastor Robin
Good advice once again Miss Robin. You’re so right. There are many specifics one could add when it comes to meal plannning and preparation. I hope to teach classes on this to those receiving food baskets someday. Maybe we can plan a course next summer…hint,hint.
Number 5 is the biggie for me. Learning to say “No” has been hard, not only because I felt guilty if I didn’t do it but I never wanted to offend anyone by not doing what they ask. Still learning how to say it! Good advice!
Hi Jean, thanks for stopping in. We’re all a work in progress when it comes to saying no. Since my husband is weaker than I in this area, I’ve seen what can happen from a different perspective. Let’s pray for God’s strength and leading. Amen?