<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>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>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>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>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>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

<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><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>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><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

<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

<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>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>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>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

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.

Minimize interruptions

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