<div><p><span>If you see a task or action that you know </span><span><b>can be done in two minutes or less, do it immediately.</b></span><span> </span></p><p><span>Completing the task right away actually takes less time than having to get back to it later.</span></p></div>

Follow the "two-minute rule"

<div><p><span>If you absolutely must have a meeting, there's some evidence that standing meetings (everyone stands) can result in </span><span><b>increased group arousal, decreased territoriality, and improved group performance.</b></span></p></div>

Hold standing meetings

<div><p><span>The average office worker spends over 31 hours each month in unproductive meetings.</span></p><p><span><b>Before booking your next meeting, ask yourself whether you can accomplish the same goals or tasks via email, phone, or Web-based meeting.</b></span></p></div>

Just say no to meetings

<div><p><span><b>Only around 17 % of people are able to accurately estimate the passage of time. </b></span></p><p><span>Using the right tool can help by letting you know exactly how much time you spend on daily tasks, including social media, email, word processing, and apps.</span></p></div>

Track and limit your time spent

<div><p><span>Using work time to exercise may actually help improve productivity.</span></p><p><span><b>If possible, build in set times during the week for taking a walk or going to the gym.</b></span></p></div>

Take exercise breaks

<div><p><span>Set aside time for responding to emails, but don't let them determine what your day is going to look like.</span></p><p><b>Have a plan of attack at the start of each day, and then do your best to stick to it.</b></p></div>

Be proactive, not reactive

<div><p><span>A manageable level of self-imposed stress can actually be helpful in terms of giving us focus and helping us meet our goals. </span></p><p><span><b>For open-ended tasks or projects, try giving yourself a deadline, and then stick to it. </b></span></p></div>

Set self-imposed deadlines

<div><p><span>Psychologists have found attempting to do several tasks at once can result in lost time and productivity. </span></p><p><span><b>Make a habit of committing to a single task before moving on to your next project.</b></span></p></div>

Quit multitasking

<div><p><span><b>Taking scheduled breaks can actually help improve concentration. </b></span></p><p><span>Some research has shown that taking short breaks during long tasks helps you to maintain a constant level of performance.</span></p></div><div><h2></h2></div>

Take regular breaks

<p><strong>Outfitting an office</strong> with aesthetically pleasing elements --like plants-- can increase productivity by up to 15 percent. </p>
<p><strong>Jazz up your office space with pictures, candles, flowers, or anything else that puts a smile on your face.</strong></p>

Look at something nice

<div><p><span>Researchers at Florida State University have found elite performers (athletes, chess players, musicians, etc.) who </span><span><b>work in intervals of no more than 90 minutes are more productive</b></span><span> than those who work 90 minutes-plus. </span></p><p><span>They also found that </span><span><b>top-performing subjects tend to work no more than 4.5 hours per day</b></span><span>. </span></p></div>

Work in 90-minute intervals

<div><p><span>This goes for any unexpected "bonus" time you may find on your hands.</span></p><p><span><b>Instead of Candy-Crushing or Facebooking, use that time to pound out some emails, create your daily to-do list, or do some brainstorming.</b></span></p></div>

Take advantage of your commute

<div><p><span>Brief interruptions appear to produce a change in work pattern and a corresponding drop in productivity. </span></p><p><span><b>Minimizing interruptions may mean setting office hours, keeping your door closed, or working from home for time-sensitive projects</b></span><span>.</span></p></div><div></div>

Minimize interruptions

<div><p><span>It's common for entrepreneurs to get hung up on attempting to perfect a task.</span></p><p><span><b>It's better to complete the task and move it off your plate; if need be, you can always come back and adjust or improve it later.</b></span></p></div><div><h2></h2></div>

Give up on the illusion of perfection

<div><p><span>No one can be expected to resist the allure of an email, voicemail, or text notification. </span></p><p><span><b>During work hours, turn off your notifications, and instead, build in time to check email and messages. </b></span></p></div>

Turn off notifications

There are only so many hours in the day, so making the most of your time is critical. There are two ways increase your output--either put in more hours or work smarter. I don't know about you, but I prefer the latter.

Be proactive, not reactive

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