Productivity Tips:
Accelerate productivity, pay yourself time first, counter-point time management, build a results list and two questions that can save time

ACCELERATE PRODUCTIVITY
Use blank spaces of time well. A blank space of time is any amount of time in which you are waiting for others, or you are put on hold for whatever reason. Perhaps you are waiting for a meeting to start.
Blank spaces can be used in two general ways. One: use blank spaces of time to complete mini-tasks that might take only a few minutes. Always have something with you that you could be working on, or carry an article with you to read. Two: use blank spaces to manage your energy level. It often takes only five minutes or so to win back energy. Change a routine; take a walk around the building, do stretching or some deep breathing. These techniques can work wonders.
It’s just as important to manage your energy as it is to manage your time. Blank spaces of time are golden opportunities. Don’t let them go to waste.
NOT ENOUGH TIME FOR YOU? PAY YOURSELF FIRST
On airplanes, in case of an emergency, we are told to put on our own oxygen masks first and then to help our child. When investing money, we are encouraged to pay ourselves first. Why? We have to take care of ourselves to serve effectively.
But a mind-set that says we must first satisfy the demands of others often leaves us lacking energy for the things we care about. This ultimately leaves us with less energy and resources, not only for ourselves, but for others as well.
COUNTER-POINT TIME MANAGEMENT
Do you get stressed waiting in lines? Or, maybe traffic congestion is driving you crazy. Try counter-point time management. It’s simple! Plan to grocery shop, run errands, go to lunch, or commute at times different than the masses. It will save you time.
One executive found that leaving fifteen minutes earlier for work saved him thirty minutes on the other end.
BUILD A RESULTS LIST
I’ve never liked the term “to-do list.” A to-do list connotes procrastination because it’s only a list of intentions. To be effective, build a “results list” at the beginning of each day and label it Results List! This is a list of things you will make happen with the investment of your time and energy. Make the listed results absolutely specific.
For example: “call twenty clients” not “call clients.”
At the end of the day, you’ll have measurable results for your effort. You will also feel a sense of self-management power because you were effective.
Power is the ability to produce effect. Power is the ability to get results. Make each day a powerful day with a results list.
TWO QUESTIONS THAT CAN HELP YOU SAVE TIME
It’s often said that the biggest waste of time is doing something well that needn’t be done at all. It might feel good to get it done, but why do it if it isn’t necessary? Analyze your actions with two questions:
1) What am I doing now that doesn’t need to be done by me or anyone else?
2) What am I doing that others can do? When you have the answers, you can lighten your load.
Source: Charles R. Hobbs — Time Power
