How to a have a more productive day: 10 tips

I found this long ago in Facebook and I immediately saved it on my desktop. It's been sitting on the little corner of my screen and I thought I should share it with you :)

So here it it is! 10 tip top tips on how to have a more productive day:

Want to have a more productive day? Follow these 10 simple steps:

1. Make a plan for your day.

For this one to work best, create the next day’s play the night before so that every morning you spend time executing, not planning.

2. Break larger tasks down into easy to accomplish bits.

Splitting a project into smaller pieces can help you feel a sense of accomplishment as you check the items off your list, and it can provide you with a way to finish the project without being overwhelmed.

3. Prioritize …ruthlessly.

It’s important to accomplish the most important tasks first: always set your priorities. Figure out what must be done, do that first and rank the rest of your work according to importance. 

4. Block out distractions.

When you have real work to be done block out distractions If appropriate, turn off your phone, or let it going to voicemail. In some cases, you might be able to use the equivalent of “do not disturb” to keep distractions at bay.

5. Set a timer to define uninterrupted work stretches

One way you can focus your energy is to set a timer. This can also help you avoid distractions because you’ve set aside time for a specific purpose. Don’t allow yourself to do anything else while the timer is on. You might be surprised at what you can get done here.

6. Take breaks to recharge and refresh

Taking a break can help you be more productive. A 10 to 15 minute break after a dedicated period of work can help you refresh yourself and recharge. Recharging can help invigorate you and reset your mind to work more efficiently for your next productive period.

7. Don’t make excuses or procrastinate.

Instead of making excuses look for ways around the problems. Find creative solutions and try to maintain a bright outlook. You’ll get more done if you focus on solutions and stop wasting time making excuses.

8. Reward yourself to reinforce success.

One of the best ways to avoid burnout – and resulting drop in productivity – is to reward yourself. Provide a small reward if you meet your productivity goals for the day. Remember, these don’t have to be material: in many cases, verbal reinforcement of success is equally rewarding.

9. Maintain a positive outlook.

Scientific studies provide it time and time again: positive attitude can help you improve your productivity. Look on the bright side and you’ll have more energy / your mind will be clearer, helping you identify solutions more readily, and get more done. 

10. Know how hard you work, and when.

Be aware of when you are most productive. Pay attention. If you are most productive in the morning, that’s when you should hit it hard and do as much as you can. Keep on top of your work habits, and you’ll be more productive.

Things I wish I knew before I graduated from school: Making a Roadmap

I remember the moments that I was so eager to graduate from college. I anticipated the moment when I can finally call the shots on whatever I want to do with my life. The financial freedom, time...oh how I awaited the moment that I can finally move freely. Now that I finally got it, I don't know where to start.

Freedom after graduation is both exhilarating and overwhelming. For a good 20 or so years of your life, you take orders from your parents/older brothers and sisters etc. Now you are thrown in to a new phase that no one but you can make the decisions that will shape your future. Exhilarating because you feel a sense of independence, overwhelming because you have no one to blame but yourself if you mess up.

Going back to my crossroad, I really did not have a solid plan as to what I would be doing after graduation (crazy right?). I thought that I would be fine with doing anything as long as I can manage to do it. However, it only left me confused. I was jumping from one career path to another in just a span of 5 months after graduation.

Word of advice: start drafting your roadmap when you are nearing graduation time. Trust me, it will really help you a ton once you step off the stage and receive your diploma. You will have a direction and a goal and you will not be wasting time trying to figure things out.

Job Life 101: Nuggets of Wisdom- Sending Your Application

Finally I have thought of something sensible to write about which I can do on a regular basis. Anyway, currently I am working as the marketing supervisor for the company I work in. I feel that I was thrown in the position too soon considering my career so far (I only graduate last March 2013 and as of this writing this is my 5th month at work).

As a supervisor, one of my concerns is to screen applicants and find out who fits to work with me in my team. Apparently, I discovered, that a cover letter is a very important part in sending your application. There were a lot of applicants who just submitted their resume without even indicating the position that they are applying for. What the heck am I supposed to do with your application if you just sent your resume?

A cover letter shows your sincerity and courtesy in the job and the company you are applying for. If you think that you can score an interview if you mass send your application (one applicant even had more than 15 recipients in his/her email), it does exactly the opposite of that. No one will waste their time entertaining your application (or if they are sorely desperate, maybe they will). So yeah, if you are sitting on your lazy bum waiting for a callback, maybe you didn't include a cover letter. Better get started to writing one.