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Tips for staying dynamic -  when busy:

James MurrellBusiness Analyst
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It's me... if google cannot help i can
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I am forever hearing "If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it," which only is effective because the person whom one may ask works in a certain way. This is my way; I hope it helps you.

Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared.
- my little motto

Work in reverse from goals to milestones to tasks.
Writing “launch MIS System” at the top of your to-do list is a sure way to make sure you never get it done. Break down the work into smaller and smaller chunks until you have specific tasks that can be accomplished in a few hours or less. That’s how you set goals and actually succeed in crossing them off your list.

Stop multi-tasking.
Switching from task to task quickly does not work. Be forceful about stopping distractions. Lock your door, put a sign up, turn off your phone, texts, email, and instant messaging.

Timetable your email.
Pick two or three times during the day when you’re going to use your email. Glancing at your email constantly throughout the day creates a ton of distractions and kills your output.

Use the phone.
Email isn’t meant for conversations. Don’t reply more than twice to a email. Pick up the phone. This one is a must.

Work on your own agenda.
Most people go right to their emails and start panicking. You will end up at clean inbox, but accomplish nothing. Start with your tasks and then you can prioritise the day.

Work in 60 to 90 minute intervals.
Your brain uses up more glucose than any other bodily activity. Typically you will have spent most of it after 60-90 minutes. (That’s why you feel so tired after meetings.) So take a rest: go for a walk, have a snack, do something completely different to recharge.

Remember these tips are not in any specific order — that would mean writing another list...see above.  

Did you vote "yes" for this article? hope so ;-)
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James MurrellBusiness Analyst
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It's me... if google cannot help i can

Comments (4)

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Commented:
Voted Yes for helpful article, above
Kevin CrossChief Technology Officer
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Commented:
James, I loved reading this!

I made a concerted effort at every tip on the list today and it definitely felt like a more productive day. *smile* You definitely have my Yes vote above; I forwarded this to a coworker and am linking this from a new article I am writing.

To many of your points regarding multi-tasking and working one's own agenda, delegation is important. I struggle at times with sticking with my agenda when others are running about the office because of personal fires they are facing. Learning to quickly assess if someone else can spray the Fire Extinguisher is valuable. It reminds me of a fun book I read in business school: The One Minute Manager Meets The Monkey by Ken Blanchard, et al.

Anyway, nicely done, sir!

Cheers,

Kevin

Commented:
Good reminders here! There are echoes of David Allen's book "Getting Things Done" (specifically the task list) which I've endeavored to apply in my own life.
James MurrellBusiness Analyst
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Author

Commented:
Thanks for your comment, have to check out that book..

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