High achievers know that to boost their own productivity they must focus on the first 60 minutes of each day. But did you know that the first 60 minutes of every day is affected by the last 10 minutes of the day before.Here are some tips for you to try before you leave your workplace:
Clear & tidy your desk
By clearing your workspace you will also clear your mind and start the new day with a clear desk. Try to only have one working file or project on your desk at any one time to allow you to focus your attention on that one activity.
Throw unnecessary paper in the bin
Get in the habit of removing rubbish and unwanted paper from your desk each day. This will also assist your ‘clear desk policy’ if that works for you.
Put files away each day
Keep files off your desk unless you are working on them. It is not good for office security to have valuable company information available to anyone who might wander past your desk, place them in locked cabinets or drawers.
Check the time of your first appointment the next day
This will assist you in planning your next morning if you know what your first commitment for the new day will be. This will also allow you to book travel time to that appointment and any preparation you may need to do before that time.
Start your “to do” list for the next day
Carry over important tasks from your current day’s list, add new tasks for the following day and your planning will save you a few minutes the next morning.
Put your reading file in your briefcase
Start a reading file and carry it with you to read on your way home on public transport or while you are in a queue – you can get through your reading easily if you carry it with you and make the most of each opportunity.
Wash your coffee cup or empty your water bottle
Start each day afresh by cleaning up the night before.
Place your phone on voicemail if appropriate
If you are not going to be in the office until later the next morning this will allow any early morning callers to leave you a message. If you are not going to be in the office the next day you may like to change your voicemail message to advise callers where they could reach you or an alternative number.
Switch off your computer, screen and printer
Be environmentally friendly and save power and money where you can.
Remind yourself of your achievements of the day
Take a minute to remind yourself of what you achieved in your day – you may like to record it in a journal or your diary. Celebrate your successes.
Try these tips out and your days will become even more productive.
