You don't need a massive game plan for the day, what you need is a simple Action Plan that allows you to focus your attention on the 3 - 5 things you actually need to accomplish during the day. It's all about priorities, so work on the few things which will allow you to make the biggest impact!

1. Have a Daily Action Plan!

If you want to be more productive and effective then you have to work to a schedule. You have to give yourself a chance to focus and do what needs to be done within a certain time frame. The good news is that you get to choose that time frame! So start getting into the habit of starting and finishing projects within a reasonable time frame. Then you can move onto the next task or project with a clear mind and fresh outlook.

2. Set Deadlines!

If you want to be more effective, then you have to learn to slow things down and be more deliberate in your approach to work and life. Stop rushing around and start giving yourself enough time to gather your thoughts and put yourself in a powerful state of mind. Be in control of yourself at all times!

3. Give yourself time!

You can't be effective in any way if your mind and attention is constantly scattered. Limit your meetings, discussions, social media and any activity that ultimately isn't related to the current task at hand. Give yourself designated times throughout the day to check your social media or call your partner or take meetings. A lack of focus is what kills productivity and effectiveness.

4. Limit distractions!

Open your ears, rather than your mouth. If you learn to listen more effectively you will be able to identify the opportunities and challenges that exist in front of you. You can save a lot of time and stress by learning to listen and pause before you respond thoughtfully.

5. Listen!

The most important thing to focus on is what you can do right now with the information you have at hand. Make informed decisions and find a way to move forward. Being effective means you find a solution and don't dwell on the problem and what has already occurred!

6. Focus on what you can do!

6 Tips To Help You Stay Focused And Productive

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personaldevelopment

Personal Development

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

While “no” is a loaded word, it protects your time, energy and focus. Most people sense they need to say it more often, but tense up at the thought of delivering it. Typically, they realize they should have said no only after they failed to do so.  In our jumpy work world filled with hallucinated urgency, we often respond with what I call a “flash response” — an immediate answer to a yes or no request, and is fueled by reflex, impulse and distraction. Luckily, through years of researching the smartest and most productive employees.

The smartest people use a simple model and these 6 phrases to say 'no' when they need to

<ul><li>At the top of the Hourglass, begin by noting the flash response you initially had to the request: Yes or no? Write down whatever you felt like saying in the moment.</li><li>Next is the critical consideration phase, in which you pause to examine three things: Your motives, your history, and your future.</li><li>Ask yourself if you are enthusiastically accepting an opportunity you want or, conversely, people-pleasing, operating on fear or kissing up. If you're seeking the feeling of being needed, liked or gaining visibility —own that truth.</li></ul>

Saying 'no': How to use the Hourglass method

<ul><li>Jot down a few private thoughts about your motives, whether negative or positive. </li><li>Consider next your recent history of similar yes or no choices. Think about if you’ve volunteered too much in the past and felt a pinch of resentment. Also look for where you may have said no to opportunities that left you curious and hankering for involvement. Let your past experiences play into the choice before you.</li></ul>

Saying 'no': How to use the Hourglass method (cont'd)

<ul><li>The last step before responding is to consider the future. Project whether your yes or no benefits or harms you or your team days from now. How will your response protect your time and focus? Howwill it impact results? Will it challenge or support your relationships and influence?</li><li>At the base of the Hourglass, it’s time to make your decision and note your considered response. Make a choice, write it down, then deliver it with the confidence bred by the intentionality you’ve shown. (This entire process can shorten to an automatic moment or two once it has become familiar.)</li></ul>

In simple situations, you’ll benefit from the collection of phrases below that can adapt to fit your style.<ul><li>“May I take a day to get back to you?” Buy yourself time to work the Hourglass. When the interpersonal contact is broken, the intellect engages, better quipping you to make rational decisions.</li><li>“I can do it for you this time, but I can’t do it for you every time. Ease a demanding person back slowly from their expectations, and set up a future no.</li><li>“It does not [or will not] work for me to ... ” This clause is a marvelous neutral beginning to any no. Be cautious of harshness in your tone</li></ul>

Example phrases to help you say no

<ul><li>I can’t, but here’s another option for you.” Share an alternative or suggestion in place of you being able to help.</li><li>“It’s not good for me now, but let’s look ahead in our calendars.” Be careful not to use a delay to avoid a necessary no. Of course, if timing is really the issue, then push the commitment back.</li><li>“Sorry, no.” Yes, this is a complete sentence. Get it out and say nothing more.</li></ul>

Example phrases to help you say no (cont'd)

The ability to say "no" is an important skill for career growth. It protects your time, energy and focus. A CEO and productivity expert shares the model she uses when deciding whether to refuse a request at work, along with six example phrases to politely get your message across.

6 Tips To Help You Stay Focused And Productive

The smartest people use a simple model and these 6 phrases to say 'no' when they need to, says CEO—here's how it works

Krazy Kid