Six Ideas to Make Your Day More Productive

I’ve received dozens of requests to share with you my top five tips for making each and every day more productive. I’ve noted my most important tips below with an added bonus idea for you.

Ready?

1. Start each day by reviewing your goals.

What do you want to accomplish today, this week, this month and this year? Don’t worry about planning “how” at this point, just be clear on “what” you want to accomplish.

2. Clear your mind.

With your goals clear spend each morning dusting out the cobwebs and getting your blood flowing. It’s been proven (and said, at least by me) hundreds of times that exercise is the best way to start your day. Go for a walk, a run or go to the gym. Either way starting your day with some exercise clears your mind and helps to rapidly increase your energy levels.

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3. Schedule buffer time.

Haphazardly moving from task to task, call to call or meeting to meeting is not only a time waster, but it drains your energy. Set up your calendar and insert some time to deal with the unexpected. I learned this many years ago when I used to fill my calendar from top to bottom, and then found myself struggling at the end of the day to get everything done, simply because I didn’t insert any buffer time.

4. Network at lunch.

I don’t know anyone who has met their most significant goals without the help of others. However, the problem is that if you’re trying to be productive, lunch can often be considered a waste of time. I spent years eating my lunch at my desk while working until one day I went for lunch with a colleague and realized a solution to an obstacle I was facing. Use lunch as a time to network with others, meet new people and share your goals. You’ll find new ideas, new opportunities and unwavering support to be the result of your efforts.

5. Plan downtime.

Whether you are married, single or have a family, we all need some downtime. I’m not here to tell you how much as your desired lifestyle and commitments will be the judge, but plan downtime daily. Regardless of the intensity by which you work, taking some time to relax, reflect and just have fun is key if you are going to be recharged and ready to go the next day.

6. Sleep.

I’m not going to tell you to get enough sleep, because the amount of sleep we each need can vary. What I am going to suggest however is that you get to bed in enough time to allow you to wake up early. As I write this I’m working on moving my wakeup time from 6:00am back to 5:30am. It’s challenging, but I’ve repeatedly found that any work that I might stay up late to complete can be completed in less then half the time in the early morning. The early bird gets the worm in nature AND in business!

How can you employ these tips to help you make the most out of every day? Leave a comment below on your most important tips on how to be productive – I’d love to hear from you!

© Shawn Casemore 2015. All rights reserved.