Want to get more done in less time?  Time is the one constant in all our goals that  raises problems. We waste it daily on different tasks that should be done in much less time. I’ve just read a book called “175 Ways to Get More Done in Less Time”. While many of those tips are just to fill the space and don’t do that much, I checked those that I think are truly valuable and I’ve made my own version of that list. The result is a list of 60 ways to improve your productivity.

Getting Started On The Right Foot

1. Know how you spend your time

Much of our daily time goes on unimportant tasks that don’t help us in any way to get the work done. Observe how you spend your day and which are the areas that you can improve.

2. Focus on starting tasks rather then finishing them

Rather then thinking in the terms of doing something, focus on trying to start it first. That’s usually the hardest part, starting to work on something. Once you get it going you’ll find that it’s easier to actually finish it.

3. Expect the unexpected

Unexpected events will take place every single day and they will eat some of your time. Don’t plan all your day in advance. Instead, leave 20% of your work time unscheduled. If there are only minimal interruptions then use that extra time to work on tasks that are more enjoyable or get a head start on the next day with something more important.

4. Write it down

Relying solely on your memory isn’t the best way to remember to get things done. We forget things all the time, so it’s best to write down your to-do lists and the problems that you need to fix.

5. But don’t write it on pieces of paper

When you write down something that needs to be done don’t do it on pieces of paper that can be lost. Use a spiral-bound notebook or an agenda and a pen. Take them with you wherever you go and write everything down in it, from to-do lists to phone numbers.

6. Learn to speed read

Being able to read documents and books faster will definitely bring you extra time. Plus, it’s something that it’s useful your entire life. Take a course on speed reading or look for ways on how to do it online. I think this will be my next article.

7. Less clutter, better productivity

Ask yourself this question “What’s the worst that can happen if I throw this away?”. If you can live with the answer then throw it away. We cling to lots of things from our past that don’t make sense on keeping. Unless it’s got sentimental value, it’s not worth keeping.

8. Date stamp what you can’t decide to throw away

If you can’t decide to throw something away because you might need it again, put a sticky note on it with the current date and store it in a special drawer for all this stuff. If in 90 days you didn’t need it, get rid of it.

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