I have discovered, based on casual conversations with friends, family and colleagues, that one of the biggest issues people have that prevent them from achieving a greater degree of productivity and by extension, success, is time management. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to complete all that needs to be done. This goes for entrepreneurs, as well as those working the regular 9 – 5s and also those that do both.

Here are some tips to help you maximize your time

• Create a To-Do List at the Beginning of Your Day
  • This will give you defined timelines and goals to reach throughout the day. Plans can change and things pop up however having a structure to begin with can provide good direction.

• Break Your Tasks up into Smaller Bite Size Chunks
  • POMODORO TECHNIQUE: I recently learned about the Pomodoro Technique and I have found it to be very helpful. It’s basically working tasks into 25 minute distraction-free intervals…You can read more about it here http://pomodorotechnique.com/get-started/
  • FOREST APP: Another spin on the same concept is a mobile app called Forest http://www.forestapp.cc/ “Forest is an app helping you put down your phone and focus on what’s more important in your life.” Whenever you want to focus on your work, plant a tree. In the next 30 minutes, it will grow when you are working. The tree will be killed if you leave this app.” Don’t kill the trees

At the end of the day, try to evaluate how you spend each chunk of the day and make a real effort to improve your efficiency. Honestly, there is no app that can create the desire to improve and the discipline needed to be focused and dedicated to making the most of each day. That is something we all need to work on. We don’t have to do it alone though, get a friend involved, exchange your to-do lists and check up on each other. Set rewards and penalties for completing or not completing tasks. Find the technique that works for you and really get into it. Don’t let time be an excuse anymore, start today… start now!

What are your thoughts? Do you make a to-do list every day? Have you tried the Pomodoro Technique or any similar technique? Leave us your comments on your tips and tricks for efficiency, effectiveness and sure success.

#erdesigns #effectiveefficiency

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