Stay On Task in 7 Simple Steps by Melanie Roum Time Management Coaching

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	Stay On Task in 7 Simple Steps
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	Submitted Wednesday, June 10, 2009
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Anyone who has difficulty staying on task will tell you that they usually feel like they are always trying to get started, and hardly ever finish things. They have trouble with having enough time to get everything done, whether they are at home or at work. If this is your plight, then I have great news!

There are a few very simple ways to regain your focus and stay on task. In fact, some of these strategies are so easy that you may question their true effectiveness. However, the simplest of strategies often yield the best results. You will also become more productive in the process.

1. Keep a list. Write a daily task list on a calendar for your whole day or week.

Creating a list in your mind is not just as effective. You're will likely waste precious time just trying to remember what else you need to do. Rank each item in the order of importance and start with number one. You will be sure to finish jobs that need to be done right away! When you take the time to create a list, you're giving yourself a visual confirmation of what's next. When you have a list to refer to, there's no arguing what comes next and you won't have any excuse to stray from your plan.

2. Schedule available times for meetings and events. Set up specific times when people can come in and interrupt your work. Let your co-workers and family know what works for you and strive to stick to it as much as possible. For example, it's often helpful if your co-workers know they need to leave you alone for an hour or so in the morning. After this time, they can come in and ask questions or get advice from you as needed. I recommend using a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your closed door.

3. Use headphones or earplugs to block out noise. If you have trouble focusing on your work because of the noise around you, wear a pair of noise-canceling headphones. If you don't want any sound at all, get some earplugs.

4. Check email and voicemail only a few times a day. If you interrupt your workday by checking your email often, you will probably get side tracked. Set specific times when you check email. If you are concerned about the feelings of your callers, use an automated reply that explains when you check email or voicemail and when they should expect a response from you.

5. Do not use Twitter, Facebook, or Yahoo Instant Messenger during scheduled task times. You cannot build momentum with your tasks when you are constantly interrupting the flow of your work with these communication tools. Instead, use them only during breaks.

6. Get a comfortable chair. Having a comfortable chair makes a huge difference in how you think, feel, and perform. Your productivity will certainly improve. Being uncomfortable is a distraction that many people don't notice unless they are in pain.

If a new chair is out of the question, get a fluffy chair cushion. Be sure you have good back support.

7. Organize your workspace. When your desk is clean and tidy, it's much easier to stay focused on the task at hand. Why? Because you don't have to wade through the stacks and paper to find what you need. Even seeing the piles of clutter in your peripheral vision may increase your internal tension! Keep only what you need for your current task and put everything else away.

As you put these simple ideas into practice, you'll experience a huge difference in your productivity and - more importantly - your happiness, when you apply even just a few of these time-saving techniques. You'll be able to get more done faster than ever, leaving you with time for more important things, like family and recreation!

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	This Article has been viewed 67 times. Article added to SearchWarp.com on 6/10/2009 3:50:03 PM. View other articles written by Melanie Roum ⁽¹³⁶⁾ Melanie Roum

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