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7 Ways to Get More Done in Your Day

by Lorraine Pirihi

There are many ways in which you can get more done in your day. You'll find the simplest ideas work the best.

And it can be so easy to do; it's just a case of doing it!

#1 Look After Yourself First

Exercise regularly, eat healthily and be around positive people. Feed your mind by attending personal development courses. Read self-help and motivational books, listen to tapes.

Do the right thing by yourself and you'll have heaps of energy, be motivated which in turn will help you be more productive.

#2 Clean out the Clutter

You will save yourself heaps of time, energy and money if you clear out your work and home environment...paperwork, books, old equipment etc. You'll be able to find things, save money because you won't have to buy what you already have hidden somewhere, plus you'll be less stressed.

#3 Use the Right Tools

It's no good having the latest whiz-bang computer when the desk that you sit at is too small to accommodate it, or the chair has poor back support, or the lighting is dull causing you eyestrain and fatigue. All these factors heavily influence how you work. Invest or ask for a decent desk, purchase a desk lamp or request the light globes be changed.

Don't avoid the warning signs your body gives you. Take action now before you have eye, back or neck problems.

#4 Use a diary or digital organiser

With so much to organise in your busy life you need to record your appointments, things to do and goals somewhere. Preferably in a paper diary or digital organiser that you can take everywhere. This is the most effective way to get things done, plan your work and your life.

#5 Learn to say "No"

To dramatically improve your productivity and do more of the things you want, you have to be firm with others and let them know if you cannot, will not or are unavailable to fulfil their requests. If you constantly say "yes" to everyone else's requests you will never have the time to do what you really want to.

Book yourself into a self-assertiveness course to learn these skills if you feel you need to.

# 6 Do What You Do Best and Delegate the Rest

At work see if there are ways you can delegate tasks which would suit someone else's talents. Many office and home based workers are spending heaps of time on mundane secretarial tasks which would take a person who is trained in that area a quarter of the time to undertake.

At home hire a gardener and cleaner to take care of the basic household chores. It's worth investing the extra dollars if you can have more free time to do what you want to.

#7 Avoid Unnecessary Meetings
Before agreeing to attend a meeting, check if you really need to be there. Maybe a phone call or email will be just as effective.

The Final Word

By following these simple yet very effective ideas you will have more control over your work and your life, experience less stress and be more proactive. All of these factors affect your general well-being, confidence and results.

Yes, these strategies are simple and you probably already knew what you need to do, you just haven't done it yet.

Isn't it time you took action?

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