10 Productivity Killers

GTA: 10 Productivity Killers... And How To Avoid Them

Hey there,
In these difficult times, productivity is becoming
increasingly important. Developing a reputation as
someone who can get things done is a great way to get
noticed, and that can mean greater job security, better
pay and even opportunities for advancement.

You may also be facing the challenge of trying to
accomplish more with less - less support, less money,
and fewer people in your team.

A lot of people look for productivity tips that can
save them a few minutes here or there, but they don't
do anything about the time leaks that are costing them
HOURS of wasted time each and every week!

They don't realize they are wasting so much time
because they CAN'T SEE their own time leaks! They think
they are being productive and getting things done when
the truth is that they are wasting huge amounts of time
without even realizing it.

Becoming aware of and actively eliminating time
leaks that waste your time and distract you from your
most important work is a simple and effective way to
increase your productivity and do more with less -- it
can give you the winning edge you need to stand out.

Here is a list of ten common productivity killers,
with suggestions of how you can avoid falling under
their spell.

As you read through this list, be honest with
yourself - how many of these productivity killers creep
into your work life? If you identify with one or more
of them, don't despair, because you CAN change your
work habits and plug the leaks.


Productivity Killer # 1 - Distraction

Have you ever had one of those days where you just
can't seem to focus? Where even simple tasks seem
overwhelming because you already have a million things
on your mind?

Distraction is typically a result of scattered
thoughts, chaotic surroundings, or lacking clarity. Regardless
of the source, it's clear that when you're distracted,
you are not usually working productively.

One of the best ways to deal with distractions is to
first find a quiet place to think and plan, then
organize your thoughts by writing them down (this alone
helps immensely!). Use your effective to-do list to
capture and prioritize what you need to do.

If your distraction is caused by chaotic
surroundings, you may need to find a quieter place to
work, or if that's impossible you might simply use
headphones or earplugs to block out as much distraction
as possible.

Most important is to simply have a plan for your
day; a clear idea of what you need to work on and when
you are going to work on it.

You can learn more about how to do that here:
http://www.effexis.com/achieve/tour/plan-your-work.htm


Productivity Killer # 2 - Over-Committing Your Time

It is hard to say no when a co-worker or supervisor
asks you to contribute to a project or participate on a
company committee. You want to appear willing and able
to be productive, but if you say yes too often you
actually become less productive because you become
over-committed.

Over-committing yourself is usually caused by two
things - attempting to do too many different projects
at the same time and/or underestimating the amount of
time it will take you to complete the work required.

These two causes are often linked together, so if
you address them together you will very likely increase
your productivity.

Start by being realistic about the number of
projects you can effectively work on at any one time.

Realistically, most people can't just work on one
project and shut everything else down, but if you try
to do too many things at once, you only spread yourself
too thin. The key is balance between these two
competing goals.

When determining how many projects you can take on,
also be realistic about the amount of time each one
will require. Map out a regular schedule of work and
milestones so that you will make steady progress, and
ask for help right away if it looks like you do not
have enough time to do the work.


Productivity Killer # 3 - Unresolved Issues

If you've ever had an unresolved burdens weighing on
you, you're all too familiar with the way they can
drain your time and energy. These "open loops" in your
life have a way of nagging and distracting you when you
are trying to work on something important, and require
constant psychic energy to keep pushing away.

Unresolved emotional issues can range from anger and
resentment about current problems to grief and trauma
from past experiences. Avoiding these issues can often
feel like you're trying to move underwater. You feel
sluggish, weighed down and held back from creating a
more balanced life.

It may sound overly simplistic, but working through
them is the best way to resolve them once and for all!

If you still hold a lot of anger toward someone in
your past and refuse to forgive them, you're only going
to keep harming yourself. Likewise, if you feel angry
or resentful toward someone in your life right now,
avoiding the issue will only make it worse.

Instead, make a strong effort to work through these
situations. There are numerous ways to do so, from
having a heartfelt talk with the person you're angry
with, to journaling your feelings, to working with a
qualified therapist or counselor.

The most important thing is to work through the
feelings you are holding inside so you can finally
release them and close that "open loop".

Once you do that, you will find yourself feeling
much lighter and freer - which will provide the space
you need to better balance your life.


Productivity Killer # 4 - Wasting Time

We all do this one occasionally; sometimes
deliberately and other times inadvertently. Wasting
time can include actions such as:

* Making unnecessary phone calls

* Visiting or talking with others in the office

* Spending more time getting organized than actually
doing work

* Delaying or avoiding the start of a project

* Scheduling or attending unnecessary meetings

* Playing computer games

* Browsing the Internet

* Reading a magazine or book

* Taking an extra long break or lunch

Some of these things are obvious time wasters, but
others can easily give the illusion that you are busy
and productive.

Talking on the phone, getting organized,
participating in meetings - all are activities that can
be either useful or unnecessary, depending on why you
are doing them.

The key is to become more aware of the way you are
spending your time (a simple time log is a great way to
do this). Then, be completely honest with yourself,
identify the biggest time leaks and start plugging them
one at a time.


Productivity Killer # 5 - An Open Door

Most modern office environments encourage an "open
door" culture that creates an atmosphere of
collaboration and communication. For the most part, it
is a very effective strategy that allows colleagues to
interact freely and work in a friendly, enjoyable
environment.

There are times, however, when the open door culture
lowers your productivity dramatically. For example, you
may need to focus on something important but the
general noise level in the office is particularly high
on that day, or you may find yourself frequently
interrupted by co-workers coming in to speak with you.

You can keep the open door from affecting your
productivity by adopting a "modified open door" practice.
With this strategy, you keep your door open
as much as possible, but when you really need to focus
on something and do not want extra distractions you
close it part way or even all the way.

You can hang a small white board just outside the
door with a note to let everyone know you are not being
rude, just focusing.

A brief statement of "Working on project deadline,
please come in if you need something important" lets
everyone know that you are focused on something
important but remain available if they really need you. It
also lets everyone know that this is not a good time
for others to drop by for a visit or a casual chat.

Another strategy is to borrow an idea from college
professors and have regular "office hours" where you
are available for handling all non-emergency requests
from your staff.


Productivity Killer # 6 - Poor Health Habits

Poor health habits can have a powerful and
significant negative impact on your productivity. When
you don't get enough rest, don't eat nutritious food or
try to get by using large quantities of caffeine and
sugar, your body and brain cannot function at an
optimal level!

They just don't have the fuel necessary to meet the
demands your busy schedule places on them. As a result
you end up feeling fatigued, cranky, distracted and
mentally foggy.

Poor health habits create a big "hole" through which
your energy and focus drains away, leaving you without
the energy, focus and brainpower to meet the demands of
your life.

The answer is obvious; start taking better care of
yourself!

Make it a priority to get adequate sleep each night,
schedule in time for exercise and proper meal-planning,
and don't forget to make time for fun, recreation and
personal time.

Though it seems like these activities will "take
away" time from your already-overloaded schedule, when
you take good care of yourself you'll find yourself
with much more energy, focus and stamina, so you end up
being able to accomplish more than you would otherwise.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but taking rest and
recovery breaks during the day can actually make you
more productive than when you skip them.


Productivity Killer # 7 - Avoiding the Hard Things

It's just human nature to be anxious about (or even
dread) difficult or challenging tasks that you know
need to be done. This can lead you to procrastinate
getting started, avoid working on the task, or
otherwise find ways not to do the work you know you
should do.

Then when the deadline approaches you find yourself
under a lot of pressure to get it done, often putting
your other projects and tasks behind schedule as well.

As difficult as it may be, face your difficult tasks
earlier rather than later. Getting started is often the
hardest part, so do not delay - schedule an hour or two
right away to get familiar with the task at hand and
plan out your approach.

Try breaking your work sessions up into several
smaller chunks of time instead of fewer longer chunks
of time. This will help keep you motivated because you
do not get overwhelmed with tough tasks and can refresh
with breaks or easier tasks.

If avoiding the hard things is a common or
particularly difficult problem for you, I think you'll
find my Psychology of Procrastination program very
helpful:

--> http://www.GoalsToAction.com/EndProcrastinationNow/


Productivity Killer # 8 - Stagnant Situations

Similar to unresolved issues, you may need to look
for closure on situations that no longer serve you.

This might include relationships that have become
empty and unproductive, a "dead end" job that no longer
fulfills you, old activities and time commitments that
are keeping you from pursuing your goals, or even
financial habits that are causing greater expense than
they need to.

The answer is simple, but not always easy. Be
willing to let these things go and get closure on them.

Ending things can be hard, there's no doubt about
it. But by being willing to let go of what no longer
serves you, you make room for better things that do!

The process often becomes easier when you keep that
in mind. Rather than focusing on what you're "losing" by
letting go, acknowledge what you stand to gain.

Then take a deep breath and do some heavy pruning in
your activities, habits and relationships. It may not
be fun while you're in the process, but afterwards
you'll marvel at how energized you feel... and how much
time you've freed up to pursue more worthwhile things.


Productivity Killer # 9 - Lack Of Sleep

We all find ourselves working long hours sometimes,
even well into the night at times. If this occurs
occasionally, you can usually get through it just fine,
but if it occurs regularly, you will quickly find
yourself less productive and less effective.


When you do not get enough sleep at night, your
brain does not get the rest it needs to rejuvenate and
be ready to work the next day. And when you are tired,
you do not work as effectively or productively. Things
just seem to take longer, and you will often find it
difficult to concentrate and focus.

Instead of staying up late and sacrificing sleep,
make a point of going to bed at a regular time each
night so your brain and body are well rested.

This will improve your energy, productivity and
allow you to get more accomplished in the end.


Productivity Killer # 10 - Unreasonable & Demanding
People

Demanding, irritable, needy people often feel like
"psychic vampires." Simply being in their presence can
be draining and exhausting.

They are often impossible to please; they focus on
negative aspects of situations and events; they find
fault with things you do and say; and they generally
make you feel like you're constantly swimming against
the current.

If you spend a lot of time with these psychic
vampires, you'll quickly find your energy, time and
focus draining away.

The solution seems obvious: stop spending time with
people like this. However, when "people like this"
happen to be your family members or co-workers or even
long-time friends, the situation becomes a bit more
complicated.

You often can't simply shut them out of your life
and move to a mountaintop somewhere to avoid them. In
that case, it's better to develop some strategies for
coping with them more effectively.

First, limiting your exposure is a good idea. You
may not be able to avoid them completely, but you can
definitely do your best to spend less time with them.

They'll probably be unhappy about that at first
(remember, they find fault with everything anyway), but
eventually they will find another target for their
venom.

Second, try to be mindful of the real reasons for
their dour demeanor. Believe it or not, they probably
don't act that way just to cause you grief.

Most likely, they have some deep-seated emotional
issues that make them miserable. When you look at it
that way, it's easier to feel empathy and compassion
for them. That doesn't excuse their behavior, but at
least makes it easier for you to understand it and not
take it so personally.

Finally, remember that their beliefs and perceptions
DO NOT have to become your own. Learn to step back
mentally from the things they say and do. Avoid getting
sucked into their dire predictions and negativity as
much as you can.

Action Exercises

1) If you can relate to any one of these common time
drains, pick one that you feel would make a difference
in your life and come up with a small step that you can
take this week to start plugging that leak.

It could be keeping a time log, making a phone call
to start the process of closure, planning your day
better, getting more sleep, or enhancing a health
habit.

2) We've covered some pretty big issues that can drain
your time, energy and resources, but there are many
more.

What other energy or time drains do you deal with on
a daily basis? Take a close look at the areas of your
life where you seem to experience trouble or
difficulty, and see if there are any other time or
energy "holes" that you need to plug.

3) I recommend you take a close look at the Top Ten
Time Management Mistakes report in the Goals to Action
subscriber area because it can be a real eye-opener!

Even if you've read it before, take another look and
see if you can find any other time leaks to start
plugging.