When you go to work, do you really want to be there? For a lot of people, the answer is no. The reason they are there is for the paycheck and the paycheck alone. The problem with feeling this way is not at all conducive to a productive day. I’m not going to go into what you should do to make your specific situation better because each situation is so different. What I will talk about here is why a change in attitude can really increase your productivity. … [Read more...]
Interruptions seek to siphon the life out of your workday. They're around every corner, draining your focus and stealing your attention. But with a handful of smart, simple strategies, you can regain control. Instead of bouncing from distraction to distraction, try these tips that turn the tide in your direction. With these 5 distraction-destroying tools in your toolbox, nothing can stand in your way. 1. Write it Down Want a quick way to bust through stress in a hurry? Capture every idea … [Read more...]
An astounding number of factors can contribute to productivity, or lack thereof, in the work environment. The most common elements are the people we share our work space with, the tools we use and our attitude. There is, however, one other very important factor that is overlooked when designing office space: lighting. … [Read more...]
Have you ever sat down at your computer with the best intentions; perhaps to finish a big project or start writing a draft? You have everything you need with you and you’re motivated to finish your assignment. Just as you’re about to start, you hear that familiar ping, signalling that you have a Facebook message/new email/contact that came online. Before you know it, you’ve spent 4 hours procrastinating on the net, with no single stitch of work done. … [Read more...]
Who hasn’t struggled with concentration at work and with any other place or activity for that matter? We all do in different ways, depending on our personality tendencies, strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes it is not nearly enough to tell yourself, “Snap out of this and concentrate!” Many times, starting this internal dialogue leads to negative self-talk, procrastination and feelings of worthlessness (especially if you seek approval from others with work). In order to truly make ourselves … [Read more...]
Sometimes I’m amazed at what I can get done in one hour. Other times I’m appalled. Like an athlete leaving nothing but net and sinking shot after shot, don’t you wish you could be in the Zone more often, if not all the time? There’s lots of advice out there to help you do just that, but I’ve found that one of the key first steps is figuring out just where your “Zone” is. … [Read more...]
I once had a boss who, behind her desk, had posted a cartoon of a woman sitting at an impossibly messy desk reading a catalog. The caption read, “Faced with yet another pesky deadline, Enid was compelled to read the Acme Seed catalog from cover to cover.” Do you know the feeling? It seems that whenever I’ve got something particularly difficult to do I find myself more than usually distracted. … [Read more...]
In recent weeks I have been absolutely overwhelmed by friends and associates telling me I need to be involved in Twitter and Facebook and countless other internet sites that supposedly contribute to marketing success. They reportedly present boundless benefits for those who master the subtle strategies related to those sites. I know I am going against the popular trend here, but I have given the issue of social media a lot of thought and am convinced it is a huge distraction machine that most … [Read more...]
