Saying No & Time Blocking - Tips for Getting Things Done

We live in a busy world. We're all so busy. How many times has this happened to you in the past week?

    "___, how are you?"
    "Great, so busy."
    "Me too, crazy busy. Not enough time!"

I used to have a problem saying no. (No, it's not what you think.)

 I'm a pleaser. I want to help people. I enjoy it but sometimes I overcommit to too many things and I wind up not enjoying what I'm doing.

That's why when things started ramping up this Fall, I made the decision to change a few of my time-management habits and it's working! I feel less stressed, I'm enjoying things more and I feel more productive.

It's easy. Start by following these simple tips.

1. Use lists. Determine your MOST important task for the day. Do that first. It'll give you a big energy boost and you'll feel amazing.
2. Don't feel guilty saying no. I have a lot of interests, I'm a mother and I'm involved in a variety of groups. People ask me to do stuff ALL THE TIME. Don't say "Yes" to everything. Determine what you'll enjoy most, what gives you the most pleasure and what aligns with your goals. Say "Yes" with restraint but with pure joy.
3. Block off time in your schedule for your own PROJECTS. If you share calendars with colleagues or family members, block off time that you can dedicate to your own projects. Your project may include catching up on some work, taking a walk, getting some exercise or having lunch with a friend.
4. Create mini-task lists. I often have 5-10 minutes between things on my schedule - not enough time to really dive in to a project but ENOUGH time to accomplish a small task. This is really low-tech, but every morning I place a post-it with the short, little stuff I need to do. This might include buy tickets to the ballet, schedule dentist appointment, read a favorite blog or make a phone call. When I have a short amount of time I take care of one of my mini-tasks.
5. Ask for help. I know, we're Minnesotans and this can be hard. There are things that other people can do much easier and better than you enlist their HELP.
6. Don't get sidetracked. This one is REALLY hard but give this a try. Close-out of your email. Don't sign-in to IM and turn your phone on mute. FOCUS.
7. Don't overuse technology. I love technology. That said, sometimes it can keep us from the root of what we're trying to get done. Don't get hung up on using every new bit of technology. Sometimes a notebook or a post-it is ENOUGH.
8. Schedule your work appropriately. Are you most productive in the morning? More CREATIVE at night? More social in the afternoon? Make sure your schedule mimics your natural rhythms.
9. Be realistic. Once you've hit your wall take time for yourself and RECHARGE. Spinning your wheels won't make you more productive.
10. Take time to reflect. Think about when you were really in "the zone." What was the EXPERIENCE like? Where were you? What were you working on? What time of day was it? Did you feel more alert, motivated...look for trends and leverage them.