Get Proactive About Productivity

It’s never too late to encourage positive habits that can make life a little more productive (and peaceful!) in the workplace and at home.

The first step? Help employees become more aware of how they spend their time.

Here is a checklist for workers on how to get focused, stay organized, and feel more energized at work:

Focus on one task. Multitasking is a talent, but this sort of mental race can also wear you down. Try making a list and focus on each task individually.

Handle important stuff first. Do you tend to address matters that are urgent over those that are important? Could be procrastination—you may be getting things done, but are you making progress?

Organize your activities. Chart your “to do” list by the month, and then by the week in more detail. This step can keep you focused, and help reduce errors that hinder productivity and cause stress, which can lead to various life threatening illnesses including heart disease.

Review your priorities each day. To gain momentum, start by completing a key item on your list, such as walking for 30 minutes or longer, or making a difficult phone call.

Eliminate one unproductive activity. Cut out things like gossip or “cyberslacking” (surfing the Web for non-work related information) that don’t provide satisfaction or enhance your success at work.

Use the quickest form of communication. Make every minute count by picking up the telephone or sending an e-mail to handle issues instead of traveling by foot or car, which could waste time and resources.

Final Tip: You’ll have more energy to tackle anything that comes your way when you start the day right. Fuel your body every day with healthy foods like whole grains, fresh fruit and produce, and lean protein. Also, 30 minutes or more of daily exercise can help prevent fatigue, and increase focus and confidence in the workplace.