I learned this great time-management tip over a year ago, but frankly didn't try it until about a month ago when I was under too many deadlines and found my productivity suffering.
Alex Mandossian's idea is this:
1.Figure out what has to be done today.
2.Prioritize the list.
3.Do the fun or enjoyable thing first.
4.Set a kitchen timer for 45 minutes and dive in. Work straight through for 45 minutes. No phone calls; no breaks.
5.When the bell rings, STOP. Do something restful or rejuvenating for 15 minutes. Have some coffee, take a walk, exercise. (I like to go outside and pull weeds - but then I have a home-office!)
6.Repeat.
A 45-minute hour could be reserved for returning phone calls, answering e-mail, doing prospecting calls etc. Whatever you do, do it with a passion and then take a break. It's rather like cross training with wind-sprints. The very fact that there are time-limits increases productivity. And changing activities often keeps your interest.
Alex's last tip: When you have met your productivity goals for the week such as 10 sales or $XXX in sales. QUIT for the week!
Now isn't that a motivating thought?
