The Importance of SMART Goals

At In Order To Succeed® we help clients succeed. Whether it’s achieving a more organized lifestyle, accomplishing a difficult move, using technology to keep our households on track or editing a wardrobe—it gives us sublime pleasure to help others embrace and achieve an organized life. One of the ways we do this is by working with clients to set themselves up for success rather than failure using measurable goals that meet the benchmarks of appropriate goal setting. We use the metric of SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time Bound. Today we’ll take a look at how to set goals in a way that makes sense and so that clients achieve success over failure every time.

SMART Goals

Acronyms are popular for a reason: they give people a way to remember a more complex idea by giving them a device by which to remember it. This is more than a hip buzzword, though, they are a practice that when applied help businesses, other organizations, and individuals progress at a new pace.

What are SMART goals? A way to check to see if goals are realistic. Let’s say you want to use technology to make your life easier, you might set a New Year’s Resolution of “Use technology more.” Sounds like a great idea for most people, right? The scraps of paper, notes scrawled hither and thither, texts and emails and other electronic communications sent over various platforms easily missed and not close to being efficient—what could be better than streamlining through technology? But how does “use technology more” measure up as a goal when we use a metric like SMART? What does it mean? What can you tell from the goal? SMART is a way to look at your goal to decide whether or not it can help you achieve.

Do You Have Specific Goals?

“I want to use technology more” While it is a goal that specifies an area where you want to accomplish something, it’s vague. Why do you want to use technology more? Are you learning a new program related to your philanthropic ventures? Have your kids gotten frustrated with a voicemail, text, Facebook Messenger AND email reminding them to walk the dog? Be specific in your goal and you’re likely to be more successful. “I want to use technology to run a more efficient household.” Giving your goal a specific reason, even if it seems obvious to you, makes it more than just an item on a to do list. It helps you to set a powerful intention.

Do You Have Measurable Goals?

So, you want to start using apps and other technology. And you want to do it to be more efficient in how you run your household. That’s a good start to your goal. But, technically, you could simply just start using one mode of communication, like texting, and have met your goal. Or, on the other side of the coin, you could start using seven apps that all do the same thing, wasting lots time. People like to see progress and chart changes—think about the popularity of apps that track everything from water intake to steps taken and stairs climbed. By making your goal measurable you accomplish a few things:

  • You put more thought and time into setting the goal, which makes you more invested.
  • You can track your progress which helps you feel successful along the journey rather than just at the end.
  • You are more likely to hold yourself accountable.

Your goal might now look like, “I want to use technology to find one app that will help me run a more efficient household and use only that app for 90 days.”

Are Your Goals Achievable?

An important part of setting better goals is assessing whether or not they are achievable. Like the investment of time in making measurable goals, taking time to assess whether or not goals are achievable is an important step. If you are in the midst of a life-changing event, don’t know how to download apps and sync them across users, or have not spent any time researching good ideas for apps, you’re not going to achieve your goal. If members of your family don’t use smartphones you’re also not going to achieve it. While your SMART goal doesn’t need to change in wording ask yourself if it’s doable — is it possible for every member of your household? Have you built time into your schedule to research apps?

Are Your Goals Realistic?

There’s a difference between “Achievable” and “Realistic” albeit subtle. Anyone can use technology to help their household be more efficient. But should anyone? If your household is attempting to communicate through more “face time” this might not be a realistic goal that helps you overall. When looking at goals make sure they are doable (achievable) and that the outcome meets the needs of your motivation.

What’s Your Time Frame?

Attaching time to a goal might seem like it would only serve to make you nervous but it actually helps empower you along the way. You can’t get efficient in a week using technology. You might, though, be able to get a grasp of whether a particular app works for you and learn its intricacies over 90 days. Using this type of thinking forces you to mindful of many aspects of the SMART goals process including asking if you have measurable goals.

“I want to use technology to find one app that will help me run a more efficient household and use only that app for 90 days.” Does it pass the test? We already know that this goal is specific and measurable. It’s achievable and completely realistic. It has a time frame, too, meaning it meets the criteria.

SMART Goals For All Of Your Goals

This is just one example of how to set measurable goals but let’s look at other areas of our lives.

Traditional Goal: I want a more organized kitchen.

SMART Goal: I’d like to organize my kitchen this weekend so that I have more room to keep it looking its best and so that I can find things I need instead of wasting time going through everything.

Does It Meet The Benchmarks of SMART goals? You’ve been specific that you’re targeting a kitchen in order to live more efficiently and not waste time. You’re going to get it done this weekend. This goal meets the criteria. How will you measure it? When you cook at the end of the weekend!

 

Traditional Goal: I want to use my smartphone more.

SMART GOAL: In the next thirty days I would like to use my phone to help me stay organized instead of scraps of paper that can get lost and look messy.

Does It Meet The Benchmarks of SMART goals? Add this to your list of measurable goals. It is one that sets a specific time limit to achieve something that is possible and for the reason of de cluttering your life. Maybe it’s your first step to going paperless?

By redesigning your goals as SMART and focusing on what can be measured you will achieve your desired results. The consultants of In Order to Succeed® are available to help you develop your plan and set you on the right track, whatever your goals might be, personal or professional!

5 Tips to Help You Get Back to Work

People take breaks from work for all kinds of reasons. Some sip margaritas in the Bahamas for two weeks; others are at home with a new baby, and others may be forced to take time off while they battle a serious illness. Whatever the case, that first day back to work can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.

Depending on how long you were gone, you may be coming back to new projects, new coworkers or other unexpected changes. That’s in addition to the transition back into your old routine. If you’ve been practicing organizational strategies such as taming your email inbox, your transition back to work will be much less hectic.

Instead of stressing on your first day back, try some of these techniques for getting back into the work groove.

Do Nothing the Day Before

If you come home from vacation on Sunday night, you won’t be very productive on Monday morning. The same goes if you’re running endless errands the day before. You might want to tie up loose ends before returning to work, but it’s best to take it easy the day before going to work.

You play a different role when you’re away from work: student, caretaker, patient or beach bum. It takes time to get back into the working mindset, and you need that one day to clear your head and make the transition back to employee.

Get a Good Night’s Rest

The first day back will be harder than you might anticipate. Trying to get through it on four hours’ sleep or with a hangover will only make it tougher. Go to bed early so you can return with the right energy and temperament to face the day.

You already know what can happen when you don’t get enough sleep. Those effects can be even more pronounced when you’re going back to a job you haven’t done in a while. Some people need more sleep than others but try to get at least eight hours of sleep the night before going back to work.

Start the Day Early

One reason to get to be early is because you’ll need some extra time to get reacquainted with your office, paperwork, and other workplace issues. Your colleagues will be ready to go once the work day begins, so get in a little early and get caught up.

Just as you’d do warm-ups before working out, give yourself an hour for low-effort activities before everyone else comes in. Check emails, read office memos or just sit at your desk with a cup of coffee. Whatever you do, use the time to get ready for the day ahead.

Take it Slow

Some cars can go from zero to 60 in five seconds. Mentally, it’s a lot harder for people to do this. You won’t have the same stamina as before, especially if you were out because of an illness. Don’t feel like you have to jump in head-first on your first day back.

You’ll have a full plate already, so don’t volunteer to take on additional projects. Focus on small and easy tasks and save larger tasks for another day. Go out for lunch instead of eating at your desk. After a day or two, you’ll be ready to return to your normal hectic pace.

Don’t Do Overtime

It’s not uncommon to work late because you want to get ahead or because the job calls for it. However, constantly working overtime can cause all kinds of health problems. Some of these ripple effects include drugs and alcoholism. Working overtime might be standard practice in your office, but try not to make it a daily habit or you may end up taking the 12 step program to recovery.

Sickness plus overtime equals disaster. The body doesn’t heal as quickly when it’s under stress, so burning the midnight oil won’t make your transition any easier. Even if you can’t stick to a 40-hour work week over the long term, allow yourself to do it when you first go back.

Whether you’re excited to get back to work or dreading the thought, follow the tips above and that first day back won’t seem so overwhelming.

Author: Jesse Aaron is a professional blogger with a passion for homebrewing. He writes on a variety of topics on his blog, Mashbout. Follow Jesse on Google Plus.

How to Focus on Work

People take breaks from work for all kinds of reasons. Some sip margaritas in the Bahamas for two weeks; others are at home with a new baby, and others may be forced to take time off while they battle a serious illness. Whatever the case, that first day back to work can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.

Depending on how long you were gone, you may be coming back to new projects, new coworkers or other unexpected changes. That’s in addition to the transition back into your old routine. If you’ve been practicing organizational strategies such as taming your email inbox, your transition back to work will be much less hectic.

Instead of stressing on your first day back, here is how to focus on work to get yourself back into the work groove.

Do Nothing the Day Before

If you come home from vacation on Sunday night, you won’t be very productive on Monday morning. The same goes if you’re running endless errands the day before. You might want to tie up loose ends before returning to work, but it’s best to take it easy the day before going to work.

You play a different role when you’re away from work: student, caretaker, patient or beach bum. It takes time to get back into the working mindset, and you need that one day to clear your head and make the transition back to employee.

Get a Good Night’s Rest

The first day back will be harder than you might anticipate. Trying to get through it on four hours of sleep or with a hangover will only make it tougher. Go to bed early so you can return with the right energy and temperament to face the day.

You already know what can happen when you don’t get enough sleep. Those effects can be even more pronounced when you’re going back to a job you haven’t done in a while. Some people need more sleep than others, but try to get at least eight hours of sleep the night before going back to work.

Start the Day Early

One reason to get to be early is because you’ll need some extra time to get reacquainted with your office, paperwork and other workplace issues. Your colleagues will be ready to go once the work day begins, so get in a little early and get caught up.

Just as you’d do warm-ups before working out, give yourself an hour for low-effort activities before everyone else comes in. Check emails, read office memos or just sit at your desk with a cup of coffee. Whatever you do, use the time to get ready for the day ahead.

Take it Slow

Some cars can go from zero to 60 in five seconds. Mentally, it’s a lot harder for people to do this. You won’t have the same stamina as before, especially if you were out because of an illness. Don’t feel like you have to jump in head-first on your first day back.

You’ll have a full plate already, so don’t volunteer to take on additional projects. Focus on small and easy tasks and save larger tasks for another day. Go out for lunch instead of eating at your desk. After a day or two, you’ll be ready to return to your normal hectic pace.

Don’t Do Overtime

It’s not uncommon to work late because you want to get ahead or because the job calls for it. However, constantly working overtime can cause all kinds of health problems. Some of these ripple effects include drugs and alcoholism. Working overtime might be standard practice in your office, but try not to make it a daily habit or you may end up taking the 12 step program to recovery.

Sickness plus overtime equals disaster. The body doesn’t heal as quickly when it’s under stress, so burning the midnight oil won’t make your transition any easier. Even if you can’t stick to a 40-hour work week over the long term, allow yourself to do it when you first go back.

Whether you’re excited to get back to work or dreading the thought, follow the tips above and that first day back won’t seem so overwhelming.

Author: Jesse Aaron is a professional blogger with a passion for homebrewing. He writes on a variety of topics on his blog, Mashbout. Follow Jesse on Google Plus.

Six New Year’s Resolutions

4191485585_99932470ab_oHappy 2010. This New Year why not want make resolutions that are not only easy to keep but will improve your productivity, time management, organization and success. Here are six new year’s resolutions to simplify your life:

Stop Multitasking
Take on one thing at a time. Give your family, your friends and your personal and professional issues your full attention.

Tackle Clutter
Begin the organization process with areas that are most visible and/or problematic. Start small and be sure to allow sufficient time for each step in the process (sort, purge, assign a home, containerize, then maintain and equalize regularly).

Aim for Success not Perfection
Any job or project has a point of diminishing returns. Think of time as return on investment. Will the payoff of this task be worth the effort that you’re putting into it? That is the juncture at which additional time or effort spent is not going to significantly affect or enhance the end result. Beware of trying to complete an action step more perfectly than is necessary to satisfy your boss, client or yourself. A job that is done “too” well may require the devotion of time that could be better applied somewhere else.

Learn to Say No
Devote time to your goals. Lessen your commitments in accordance with your big picture life goals and say no to things that do not fit in with those goals.

Recharge Yourself
Give yourself some down time. Schedule it to be sure that you make it happen.

Be Thankful for What You Have

Further Reading
Six Ways To Boost Productivity
15 Productivity Pearls to Create a More Organized Life
Manage Your Actions and You’ll Free Your Time
In Order To Succeed
Photo courtesy of: tourist1000’s photostream.

Manage Your Actions and You’ll Free Your Time

 

Denise Caron-Quinn

by: Denise Caron-Quinn
President & Founder of In Order To Succeed

In a recent Wall Street Journal article we’re told of the development of a new type of drug designed to battle biology. This pharmaceutical agent is growing in popularity for it assists sleep-deprived individuals to remain awake, less groggy and supposedly more productive. The desire for extended periods of rest is being overtaken by a zeal in our society to banish fatigue and maximize our capacity to get more done each day.

Grade school students are introduced to the concept of time management at increasingly younger ages. These youngsters are challenged to plug more activities into their schedules while maintaining high academic performance standards. Whether studies, sports, work related or leisure – these fuller schedules of youths and adults heap on the stress for all of us who attempt to masterfully juggle a wider array of events into each day.

How do we stay on top of all the unfinished work, tasks and projects without being consumed by the anxiety and stress of having so much lingering on our daily to do lists? The answer lies not so much in the concept of how we manage our time but more appropriately how productively we manage our actions.

Getting projects completed on time and maintaining a sense of control over our business and personal affairs requires effective oversight of a variety of actions that are crucial to the success of each task or endeavor. These actions whether done or delegated need to be prioritized, categorized and followed-up to prevent mishaps or crisis from occurring. The idea of working smarter instead of harder is imperative if we wish to reach our goals and still find time to decompress.

It’s been observed that some relatively simple action management strategies can be successfully incorporated into our routines to maximize our achievement of stress-free productivity. Described below are five extremely useful methodologies that can help you regain control of your life and experience a clearer sense of order and achievement.

Using a Master Action List.

Whenever we have an obligation to fulfill or a goal to reach, we remain thoughtful of its presence as long as it remains undone. We’ve all experienced from time to time the sense of stress related to having too much to do and not enough time. This unrelenting bombardment upon our conscious and subconscious thought brings about that sense of discomfort, anxiety or dread as long as the task remains outstanding. This state of mind is unproductive and often unnecessary. The use of a Master List coupled with systematic strategies allows us to more effectively manage actions thus alleviating the apprehension of unfinished business. Often we feel some relief just by committing the action item to the list – even without yet taking any action upon it.

To begin a Master Action List, simply write down or type absolutely everything no matter how small. Develop the list without considering the importance or significance of each item. This will be looked at later. It does not matter whether you create your list using paper or a computerized devise. What is important is that you remove everything out of your head and get it onto your list Write down all things for which you have even the smallest responsibility to change, finish, get involved with, handle or do something about.

Once completed, create sub lists by grouping and consolidating similar actions. Examine how to best subcategorize the items on your list. Some tasks may be associated with certain days of the week or need to be done in a specified location or even with a particular person. Try not to over-categorize but keep the breakdown simple. I prefer to keep my action lists on my Palm Pilot. The categories, which I find useful, are: Errands, Calls, Online actions, Computer work, Agendas (according to project, committee, or partners with whom I’m working), Pending or Awaiting Response (for those activities that have been delegated), to read/research, and Projects. I also maintain categories for my partner, key clients, technological advisor, and assistant. This helps me remain focused upon the work with which they are or will be involved. Upon defining your own personal categories, move each action item onto an appropriate sub-list. This will facilitate reviewing and accomplishing each step.

Examine each list daily or as often as you need to get them off your mind. Now it is recommended to look at your pending tasks giving consideration to their overall importance and due date. Identify the action items that offer the greatest return on investment. Also note those action items that hold the greatest potential to escalate into a crisis situation if ignored. Schedule a time for a comprehensive weekly review of these lists. Reevaluate and reassess for the coming week.

Making the Most of Delays and Short Windows of Time.

 

Expect the unexpected as scheduling set backs are unavoidable. Be prepared to fill in gaps as they arise. Keep on hand reading/ reference material, files/folders, and contact management tools so you can make use small parcels of time making appointments, returning phone calls, or responding to emails. When no work is on hand consider sorting receipts or cleaning out a briefcase or wallet. A considerable impact may be made upon your action management lists by regularly taking small bites. Develop the habit of handling instant tasks (2 minutes or less) as they arise or at the first reasonable opportunity.  You’ll gradually make an impact as you continue taking small bites.

Aim for Success not Perfection.

Any job or project has a point of diminishing returns. Think of time as return on investment. Will the payoff of this task be worth the effort that you’re putting into it? That is the juncture at which additional time or effort spent is not going to significantly affect or enhance the end result. Beware of trying to complete an action step more perfectly than is necessary to satisfy your boss, client or yourself. A job that is done “too” well may require the devotion of time that could be better applied somewhere else.

Backward Scheduling.

 

Determine the time you need to leave the office and that which must be completed before heading home. Schedule your tasks into the day beginning with the time you need to finish. Be sure to overestimate the time that it will take to complete tasks as things always seem to take more time than we expect.  If travel is involved, allow a buffer zone for traffic or subway jams. Include break time for lunch and a snack, as this too will improve your productivity.

Identify and Master Recurrent Timewasters.

Minimizing outside interruptions is a crucial aspect of an effective action management program. The first step is becoming aware of how, why, and when interruptions prevent you from completing work. Then consider ways to deter these common breaks in your schedule. Establish private time during the workday if your business will permit such a practice. Private work time periods should ideally be without instant messaging interruptions or the distraction of pinging notifications of arriving emails.

Callers should either speak to a secretary or be routed into voicemail. Remember to change your greeting during “do not disturb” periods to inform callers that you are in the office but unavailable until a given time. Either forward callers to a suitable designee or advise them how to reach you if they have an emergency requiring your immediate attention. You may wish to appoint staffers as liaisons to regular callers or clients.

The staffer could be titled “account manager” or “personal representative” and empowered to handle all calls of a routine nature – forwarding only problematic matters to you. Return calls all at one time if possible and keep them brief. Plan callbacks when people are less likely to chat – such as before lunch or at the end of the day.

Drop-in visitors are another challenge requiring forethought and finesse. Ask your secretary to protect your interruption-free periods and angel her desk to provide a physical barrier between you and the would-be intruder. If you don’t have secretary, you may choose to reposition your own desk to avoid direct view of those passing by your office, close your door during private work time and put up a sign-notifying visitors when you will be available. If you plan to establish regular interruption-free periods each week then notify staff of this new practice in a memo. When someone does manage to get in front of you while you’re busy with other work, ask if the matter could wait and if so, schedule a time later in the day to address it.

Having worked for many years as a Registered Nurse, I admit to having philosophical conflicts when I think about widespread use of drugs aimed at helping us work harder and for longer periods. No one will dispute the existence of the fast paced, high-pressure environment that surrounds our homes and workplaces. Survival of the fittest still remains a truism and if we are to reach new heights on the productivity fitness scale, we must assimilate effective action management methodologies and strategies into our routines. Successes will be achieved when we find proper balance in the various spheres lives. I’m highly skeptical that any pharmaceutical agent can provide us with this; however, implementing the strategies described above will get us soaring in the right direction.

Manage Your Actions, Free Your Time

 

Denise Caron-QuinnA recent Wall Street Journal Article explains the development of a new type of drug that is growing in popularity. This pharmaceutical agent helps sleep-deprived individuals to remain awake, less groggy and supposedly more productive. The desire for extended periods of rest is being overtaken by a zeal in our society to banish fatigue and maximize our capacity to get more done each day.

Grade school students are introduced to the concept of time management at increasingly younger ages. These youngsters are challenged to plug more activities into their schedules while maintaining high academic performance standards. Whether studies, sports, work related or leisure, these fuller schedules of youths and adults heap on the stress for all of us who attempt to masterfully juggle a wider array of events into each day.

How do we stay on top of all the unfinished work, tasks and projects without being consumed by the anxiety and stress of having so much lingering on our daily to do lists? The answer lies not so much in the concept of how we manage our time but more appropriately how productively we manage our actions.

Getting projects completed on time and maintaining a sense of control over our business and personal affairs requires effective oversight of a variety of actions that are crucial to the success of each task or endeavor. These actions whether done or delegated need to be prioritized, categorized and followed-up to prevent mishaps or crisis from occurring. The idea of working smarter instead of harder is imperative if we wish to reach our goals and still find time to decompress.

Some relatively simple action management strategies can be successfully incorporated into our routines to maximize our achievement of stress-free productivity. Described below are five extremely useful methodologies that can help you regain control of your life and experience a clearer sense of order and achievement.

Using a Master Action List.

Whenever we have an obligation to fulfill or a goal to reach, we remain thoughtful of its presence as long as it remains undone. We’ve all experienced from time to time the sense of stress related to having too much to do and not enough time. This unrelenting bombardment upon our conscious and subconscious thought brings about that sense of discomfort, anxiety or dread as long as the task remains outstanding. This state of mind is unproductive and often unnecessary. The use of a Master List coupled with systematic strategies allows us to more effectively manage actions thus alleviating the apprehension of unfinished business. Often we feel some relief just by committing the action item to the list, even without yet taking any action upon it.

To begin a Master Action List, simply write down or type absolutely everything no matter how small. Develop the list without considering the importance or significance of each item. This will be looked at later. It does not matter whether you create your list using paper or a computerized devise. What is important is that you remove everything out of your head and get it onto your list Write down all things for which you have even the smallest responsibility to change, finish, get involved with, handle or do something about.

Once completed, create sub lists by grouping and consolidating similar actions. Examine how to best subcategorize the items on your list. Some tasks may be associated with certain days of the week or need to be done in a specified location or even with a particular person. Try not to over-categorize but keep the breakdown simple. I prefer to keep my action lists on my Palm Pilot. The categories, which I find useful, are: Errands, Calls, Online actions, Computer work, Agendas (according to project, committee, or partners with whom I am working), Pending or Awaiting Response (for those activities that have been delegated), to read/research, and Projects. I also maintain categories for my partner, key clients, technological advisor, and assistant. This helps me remain focused upon the work with which they are or will be involved. Upon defining your own personal categories, move each action item onto an appropriate sub-list. This will facilitate reviewing and accomplishing each step.

Examine each list daily or as often as you need to get them off your mind. Now it is recommended to look at your pending tasks giving consideration to their overall importance and due date. Identify the action items that offer the greatest return on investment. Also note those action items that hold the greatest potential to escalate into a crisis situation if ignored. Schedule a time for a comprehensive weekly review of these lists. Reevaluate and reassess for the coming week.

Making the Most of Delays and Short Windows of Time.

 

Expect the unexpected as scheduling set backs are unavoidable. Be prepared to fill in gaps as they arise. Keep on hand reading/ reference material, files/folders, and contact management tools so you can make use of small parcels of time by making appointments, returning phone calls, or responding to emails. When no work is on hand consider sorting receipts or cleaning out a briefcase or wallet. A considerable impact may be made upon your action management lists by regularly taking small bites. Develop the habit of handling instant tasks (2 minutes or less) as they arise or at the first reasonable opportunity; you’ll gradually make an impact as you continue taking small bites.

Aim for Success, not Perfection.

Any job or project has a point of diminishing returns. Think of time as return on investment. Will the payoff of this task be worth the effort that you’re putting into it? That is the juncture at which additional time or effort spent is not going to significantly affect or enhance the end result. Beware of trying to complete an action step more perfectly than is necessary to satisfy your boss, client or yourself. A job that is done beyond well may require the devotion of time that could be better applied somewhere else.

Backward Scheduling.

Determine the time you need to leave the office and that which must be completed before heading home. Schedule your tasks into the day beginning with the time you need to finish. Be sure to overestimate the time that it will take to complete tasks as things always seem to take more time than we expect. If travel is involved, allow a buffer zone for traffic or subway jams. Include break time for lunch and a snack, as this too will improve your productivity.

Identify and Master Recurrent Time-wasters.

Minimizing outside interruptions is a crucial aspect of an effective action management program. The first step is becoming aware of how, why, and when interruptions prevent you from completing work. Then consider ways to deter these common breaks in your schedule. Establish private time during the workday if your business will permit such a practice. Private work time periods should ideally be without instant messaging interruptions or the distraction of pinging notifications of arriving emails.

Callers should either speak to a secretary or be routed into voicemail. Remember to change your greeting during do not disturb periods to inform callers that you are in the office but unavailable until a given time. Either forward callers to a suitable designee or advise them how to reach you if they have an emergency requiring your immediate attention. You may wish to appoint staffers as liaisons to regular callers or clients.

The staffer could be titled “account manager” or “personal representative” and empowered to handle all calls of a routine nature and forwarding only problematic matters to you. Return calls all at one time if possible and keep them brief. Plan callbacks when people are less likely to chat – such as before lunch or at the end of the day.

Drop-in visitors are another challenge requiring forethought and finesse. Ask your secretary to protect your interruption-free periods and angel her desk to provide a physical barrier between you and the would-be intruder. If you don’t have secretary, you may choose to reposition your own desk to avoid direct view of those passing by your office, close your door during private work time and put up a sign-notifying visitors when you will be available. If you plan to establish regular interruption-free periods each week then notify staff of this new practice in a memo. When someone does manage to get in front of you while you’re busy with other work, ask if the matter could wait and if so, schedule a time later in the day to address it.

Having worked for many years as a Registered Nurse, I admit to having philosophical conflicts when I think about widespread use of drugs aimed at helping us work harder and for longer periods. No one will dispute the existence of the fast paced, high-pressure environment that surrounds our homes and workplaces. Survival of the fittest still remains a truism and if we are to reach new heights on the productivity fitness scale, we must assimilate effective action management methodologies and strategies into our routines. Successes will be achieved when we find proper balance in the various spheres lives. I am highly skeptical that any pharmaceutical agent can provide us with this; however, implementing the strategies described above will get us soaring in the right direction.

by: Denise Caron-Quinn
President & Founder of In Order To Succeed