Productivity
1.
Multi-tasking –
Have you ever been in the middle of one task and then started
another, only later to realize that you didn’t finish either? Multi-tasking seems like
a good idea at the time, but often leads to many things started and nothing done.
Concentrate on the important task until it is finished, before starting something else.
2.
Making Excuses –
We have become desensitized to accountability. When something
doesn’t get done, we immediately look for something or someone else to blame. As the
cliché goes, “Life Isn’t Always Fair.” It doesn’t matter, get your stuff done anyway.
3.
Checking Your Email Repeatedly –
How many times do you check email in a
day? 10, 20, 50, 100? Stop checking your email. Instead, do your work.
4.
Reading the News Too Much –
The news is best consumed in small doses. If you
read the news these days there is simply too much. Too much negativity. Too much
inaccuracy. Too much wasted time. Don’t endlessly surf the news websites, and instead
let the news come to you. Get a few RSS feeds. Read the news once a day.
5.
Having an Unclean Desk –
You may be telling yourself (and others) that you know
exactly where everything is on your desk. However, a messy desk impedes your
ability to efficiently do work. Piles are not organization, so clean them up today.
6.
Complaining –
Don’t be one of those people who goes through life complaining instead of
doing. If you aren’t happy about something, then do something about it. You can leave your
job. You can start new relationships. You can even change yourself if you try hard enough.
7.
Eating a Junk Food Lunch –
Eating junk food on a regular basis is a sure-road trip to an
unhealthy lifestyle. However, it is also responsible for derailing your energy level in the afternoon.
Instead of being a post-lunch zombie, eat a healthy meal that will actually fuel your body.
8.
Skipping Exercise –
When things get hectic, one of the first things to go is exercise.
“I don’t have time to workout,” is an excuse. (See #2) You do have time to work out.
Don’t underestimate exercise’s ability to power your motivation and energy level.
9.
Letting Your Phone Be a Leash –
Who is in charge, you or your smartphone? Don’t
answer it just because it rings. Don’t jump at every beep, chirp, and vibration.
Remember, it is there for your convenience, not the other way around.
10.
Not Doing it Right the First Time –
When you don’t give something your all, you end up with a
half-done job. As Jeffrey Mayer said, “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time
to do it again?” Always bring your A-game, and do it right the first time and do it with class.
HR
The Time Management Ninja blog/site is written by Craig Jarrow. The mission of this site it to help individuals
and companies reclaim their time. Articles cover time management, productivity, and goal setting. And also
new technology and tools that Craig is testing. Craig’s time management philosophy is about learning proper
skills, habits, and tools that empower people to take control of their professional and personal lives.
10 Bad Habits
You Need
to Break to Be More Productive
By Time Management Ninja
18
HR
West
®
