Traffic engineers have masterminded the most efficient way for us to get from Point A to Point B. Without these intricate highways, we would lose all sorts of time going up hill and dale, like they did in years gone by on dirt roads. How can we engineer our days so that we get from Point A to Point B more efficiently–and effectively? Let’s look at several things we can do to tighten up our journey.
Tip #1: Stop Multitasking
There’s a modern belief that we can get so much more done if we do more than one thing at the same time. Not true! When we are focused, we have a better chance of getting one thing done effectively. Otherwise, we may indeed complete more than one task, but perhaps neither in a stellar way. Instead, look at what you need to do in a day and get those things done one at a time. You may not get everything done by the end of the day, but you will do a much better job with each task. Take it one task at a time, and you will be more efficient.
Tip #2: Start Delegating
Too often we think we can do it all. If there’s someone else who is willing and able to do that task, say thank you! Give the person a brief rundown of the goal of the project, and send them on their way. If you are too busy, that makes others nervous. They have a sense that you don’t have time for them, or for anything else. You may find that the other person completes the task even better than you would. Pass along the task and you will be more efficient.
Tip #3: Communicate Appropriately
If we send an email when what would work better is a face-to-face conversation or a phone call, then we have not used the right communication channel. When something has all sorts of details, very few people can remember all of those – so put those in writing, perhaps in the form of a checklist. Plan what you need to say so that you don’t waste time communicating. Too many people veer from the purpose of their message. Match the message with the means and you will be more efficient.
Tip #4: Put Things Away
Get organized. Find a place for everything, so you won’t lose time looking for lost items! Too often we can’t remember where we put our keys or our phone or maybe the TV remote. We’ll search everywhere, practicing some common swear words, and fumbling through all of our stuff. There’s little that makes us grumpier than not being able to find something – and then once we find it, we are grumpy about the time we wasted looking for it. Manage your things and be consistent – put them in the same place each time – and you will be more efficient.
Tip #5: Plan Your Day
Make a list. Figure out what you are going to do and when. There’s much satisfaction to be had when you get to cross something off your list. On that list, estimate how long it will take to complete the task and stick to that. Stay focused, or you’ll find that you ricochet through your day, doing this and then skipping several of the details when you go on to that. At the end of the day, you want to have a sense of accomplishment – not just several tasks only partially completed. Create a schedule and stick to it and you will be more efficient.
Being efficient sure makes your life easier! You can get more done in less time–just think what you could do with “extra” time! As Stephen Covey reminds us, “If the ladder is not learning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.” Speaking of that, if you would like to climb up the ladder to the top rung, come join us at Online Sales Pro. We’ll teach you how to become much more efficient in your online marketing business and take it beyond Point A and Point B to Point Z.
