How to Wrap Up Your Day for Higher Productivity

05 Jun, 2017

Beth Braccio Hering 

Writer, Freelance Jobs

Want to get more work done tomorrow and aim for higher productivity? The time to start, literally, is today.

“How you prepare for your day the day before will have the biggest impact on your daily production,” says Mitzi Weinman, author of It’s About Time! Transforming Chaos into Calm, A to Z. “Because you just ‘lived’ your day, it’s still fresh in your head. If you wait and plan in the morning, there’s a better chance that distractions will end up preventing you to plan, and you’ll be in reactive mode throughout the day.”

Set yourself up for higher productivity by completing these productivity-promoting tasks before calling it a day:

Revisit your to-do list.

Deal with the entries on today’s to-do list that haven’t been crossed off. Transfer each item either to tomorrow’s agenda or to a time slot at a later date. Include appropriate notes, such as where you left off or who you need to contact before resuming. Break projects into smaller, more doable pieces if necessary.

Before tossing today’s list, take a moment to reflect on what you accomplished. Too often, workers focus on what they did not get done instead of taking pride in strides made. Feeling good ends the day on a positive note and boosts motivation for tomorrow.

Check your calendar.

Get a heads-up on what to expect tomorrow by looking at the upcoming day on your calendar. This action will put you in the proper frame of mind and enable preparation for what’s coming, such as securing data before a meeting.

Glancing a few more days ahead can be a good idea, too. Maura Thomas, author of Work Without Walls: An Executive’s Guide to Attention Management, Productivity, and the Future of Work, suggests color coding your calendar appointments according to type to get a quick sense of what is coming up without having to read every entry.

Prioritize tomorrow’s tasks.

With all items you’d like to accomplish tomorrow jotted in one place, begin ranking them in order of importance. You’ll be able to dive in head first instead of wasting time wondering where to start. Prioritization will increase your productivity tenfold.

Tidy up.

“Clean off your desk. Coming into a space that is clutter-free can be energizing!” Weinman says.

Since energy and time left are often low near day’s end, this also can be a good opportunity to complete mundane tasks such as refilling the printer, filing papers, or ordering supplies. You’ll prevent delays during “quality” time.

And don’t forget your email inbox while cleaning your office. Take action on each message, such as deleting, responding, filing, or marking for future attention. New emails will likely arrive before the next time you check, so dealing with what you can now will limit clutter and stress tomorrow.

Photo Credit: bigstockphoto.com

7 Productivity Hacks for a Remote Office

April 14, 2017

By Beth Braccio Hering

Great employers are always on the lookout for productivity hacks, and that holds true regardless of where their staff members are located. While their “office” might be different, remote workers thrive just like on-site ones when management provides tools, strategies, and inspiration to maximize success.

Eager to improve your remote operations?

Consider these seven productivity hacks that can spark noticeable results:

1. Make sharing easy.

Emailed documents can get buried in an inbox, or the sender forgets to attach, or another co-worker should have been copied, or a newer version exists, or … you get the picture. A central, online place to store and share files (such as Google Drive or Dropbox) ensures team members can gain access to what they need at any time from any location.

2. Communicate in real time.

Hold an immediate conversation rather than waiting for an email response by making an instant-messaging platform part of your team’s arsenal. Tools such as Slack or HipChat mimic the back-and-forth that would take place if someone dropped by a colleague’s cubicle.

3. Create a guide.

A comprehensive, easy-to-navigate manual detailing procedures and offering answers to common questions helps telecommuters get the information they need quickly (and without having to disturb someone else). Consider assembling a wiki, which allows revisions and ongoing input from staff.

4. Focus on performance.

Giving telecommuters the freedom to complete tasks when their energy level is best or when one’s home environment is most conducive can foster greater results than insisting on a 9-to-5 schedule. Likewise, managers concerned with results rather than with “catching” someone slacking free up their own time for more productive activities.

5. Boost morale.

When your remote staff seems sluggish, consider measures to pump up energy levels. Friendly competition to complete tasks faster or increase output incites engagement, especially if a small prize is involved. Or try a virtual lunch. Let telecommuters order pizza on your dime, and eat together via video chat or online hangout. Feeling connected to the company and fellow workers often triggers motivation.

6. End today thinking about tomorrow.

Encourage telecommuters to create a to-do list and share it with you. Such an action creates focus, and you’ll be able to offer input and confirm that priorities match. Where most people go wrong, however, is composing it at the start of worktime rather than at the end.

“How you prepare for your day the day before will have the biggest impact on your daily production,” says Mitzi Weinman, author of It’s About Time! Transforming Chaos into Calm, A to Z. “Because you just ‘lived’ your day, it’s still fresh in your head. If you wait and plan in the morning, there’s a better chance that distractions will end up preventing you to plan, and you’ll be in reactive mode throughout the day.”

7. Ask for a weekly report.

Finally, remember that accountability promotes productivity. A short summary of where things stand helps both employer and employee look at the big picture and stay aware of what is being accomplished. The recap also provides a wonderful chance for a manager to recognize achievement—something that spurs even greater effort.

16 Nov, 2016

6 Ways to Turn Procrastination into Productivity

Beth Braccio HeringWriter, Freelance Jobs

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Nearly all job seekers have the occasional day when they just can’t seem to get moving. But instead of turning to daytime television or a Candy Crush marathon when the going gets tough, consider activities that provide a breather, turn procrastination into productivity, and offer the possibility of actually helping your job situation.

Here are six ways to turn procrastination into productivity:

1. Try exercise.

All those hours in front of the computer may be taking a toll on your body. A brisk walk, a yoga DVD, or an hour at the gym may boost energy and eliminate those neck and back aches that make sitting still so difficult.

2. Organize your space.

Clutter inhibits focus, so clean up your workspace. You’ll spend less time hunting for things when you do return to job search activities, and the tidiness itself may lure you to sit down and stay a while.

3. Get social.

Connections remain a primary way of finding positions, yet job seekers often overlook networking in favor of solitary activities such as searching job boards. Loneliness might be at the root of your procrastination, so seek opportunities to be around others.

Invite a former coworker to lunch. Research meet-up groups of interest in your region. Explore community service opportunities—employers love to see volunteer work on a resume, and you’ll make new acquaintances.

4. Indulge your inner gamer.

Check out Habitica, a fun app that rewards productive behavior (such as sending out a certain number of resumes) and issues consequences for procrastination.

Join a community of fellow job seekers for extra support and accountability.

5. Make an inspiration board.

Use Pinterest or a good old-fashioned bulletin board to produce a visual reminder of your dreams. Fill it with inspiring quotes, reminders of why you do the work you do, people you admire, things you’d like to buy … anything goes!

Not only can the act of creating it help you focus, but also you’ll have something tangible to turn to on other days when motivation slumps.

6. Take the afternoon off.

While it initially may sound counterproductive, a good break may be what you need to return to your hunt with new vigor. Take in a matinee, explore a museum, or see what’s new at your local library.

“Allow yourself to have fun,” says productivity expert Mitzi Weinman, author of It’s About Time! Transforming Chaos into Calm, A to Z. “A person can’t and shouldn’t spend entire days on job searches.”

6 Job Search Habits to Keep Productivity Up by Beth Braccio Hering

Maintaining productivity increases the chances of discovering your perfect job. But sustaining focus and motivation can be challenging, especially during a long hunt. Make your hours count and keep productivity up by incorporating these six job search habits into your daily routine.

Here’s are job search habits to keep productivity up when you aren’t feeling motivated:

1. Create a plan.

Want to make tomorrow great? Formulate your course of action before you stop working today.

“How you prepare for your day the day before will have the biggest impact on your daily production,” says Mitzi Weinman, author of It’s About Time! Transforming Chaos into Calm, A to Z. “Because you just ‘lived’ your day, it’s still fresh in your head. If you wait and plan in the morning, there’s a better chance that distractions will end up preventing you to plan, and you’ll be in reactive mode throughout the day. Also, moving undone tasks forward in the calendar means that you are taking control of your tasks and don’t feel like you’re always behind—no need to look backwards to see what you haven’t done.”

2. Start big.

Ranking activities in terms of importance can help ensure that the most promising or pressing things receive due attention. Weinman suggests tackling these tasks first each day. You’ll get a mood-boosting feeling of accomplishment and reduce stress when that important custom cover letter is complete rather than hanging over your head all day.

3. Limit interruptions.

While it may not seem like a big deal if your child comes by to ask for a snack or your spouse decides now would be a great time to discuss paint colors for the bedroom, being pulled away even for a moment disturbs focus. You’ll waste time trying to get back in the zone and increase the odds of making errors. Deal with issues before you start to work, and let others know the “do not disturb” sign on your closed door needs to be respected.

However, it isn’t only other people who lure your attention elsewhere. Self-interruption can be a huge distraction. Since we often worry that we’ll forget something if we don’t act on the thought immediately, keep a notebook next to your work area. Quickly jot down whatever pops into your mind—returning your sister’s phone call, searching for a missing library book, making a weekly menu. Then, pick a time later to deal with this list and assign each item a place in your master schedule.

4. Control social media usage.

Facebook, Twitter, and the like rank among the top modern-day time zappers. But since these things also have a role in job searches, people often consider time spent on them justified. Instead of giving yourself free reign, be strategic. Close anything you’re not using to avoid the “I’ll just look for a second” temptation. Block out time to complete specific activities on LinkedIn, which tends to be the most useful professional platform. Save the primarily personal-use sites until the end of the day when other tasks have been accomplished and “wandering” won’t be so disruptive.

5. Schedule in breaks.

Lunch is a necessity, not a luxury (and eating at your desk doesn’t count). People need time to relax and recharge. Looking forward to a planned break can make work hours pass more pleasantly. Even if you fill the time with a “practical” activity such as unloading the dishwasher, moving around and thinking about something else besides job hunting for a bit can revitalize your efforts when it’s time to return.

6. Surround yourself with positivity.

Finally, don’t underestimate the energy required for a successful job search. Fill your life with people and activities that keep your spirits up. Make time to exercise. Create a dream board. Hang out with friends who offer hope and reminders of your great attributes. Feeling confident can boost productivity because you’ll be excited to show others what you have to offer!

Readers, what job search habits do you employ to keep productivity up in your job search? Share your tips with us below!

This article appeared in the January 22, 2016 edition of FlexJobs blog.  

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Celebrating National Clean Off Your Desk Day!

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Check out the link.  Happy National Clean Off Your Desk Day!

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Vague Deadlines -- Missed Deadlines

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Not Planning = Lost Time

Quick Fact: Not Planning = Lost Time

If you don't think you have time to plan and organize, think again!

Take a few minutes (5-10 max.), everyday to regroup, evaluate and plan. Not only does planning reduce your stress and anxiety, it keeps you focused and your priorities on track. Not planning is a major timetrap. Saying you're too busy to plan is an excuse to be reactive rather than proactive. Don't fall into the trap.

Daily planning is preventative, proactive action that works.

The start of 2010 has been quite busy with our many speaking engagements. I would like to thank everyone involved in Yankee Dental Congress 35, Boston's largest conference. The many room monitors and participants of "Go For It! Gettting To Your Goal!" and "Balance? Juggle? Find Time For You!" programs made this conference a wonderful 3 day experience.

Also a big thank you to all who attended The RDH Study Group and Abington Child Study Group. What amazing energy emanated during each of these special events.

Your feedback and ideas to write about are important to me, so please stay in touch.

Warmly,
Mitzi

One Final Time Thought!

"The reward of a thing well done is to have done it." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson