June 24, 2006

4 Ways To Get More Done and Feel Less Stress Right Now

Here are some “small” things you can do - starting right now - that have been scientifically proven to boost your productivity and reduce your stress level.

A study by Australian ABC’s “Catalyst” science show found that 4 of the top causes of high stress and low productivity in the workplace were (in no particular order):

1. Too much stimulation - noise, television, music playing in the background, etc.

2. Multi-tasking - spending 2-3 minutes on one task before doing something else.

3. Poor ergonomics - a small computer screen.

4. Using email to communicate all the time.

It’s no surprise that by addressing each of these 4 items YOU can become more productive and less stressed at work:

1. If possible, work in a quiet place and, especially when you need to concentrate, have NO background noise.

2. Stop multi-tasking!

It’s a fallacy that multi-tasking enables you to get more done.

In most, if not all, cases the truth is the opposite: By doing ONE thing at a time, you’ll get each task done more quickly, with fewer mistakes.

Think about it. If you only spend a few minutes “unfinishing” something, then each time you return to it you’ll have to spend a few seconds - sometimes minutes - reacquainting yourself with what needs to be done. If you don’t spend enough time doing so, you’ll probably make a mistake or two that you’ll have to rectify.

Had you performed the task from start to finish, you wouldn’t waste ANY time on re-acquainting yourself with the task or fixing silly mistakes.

Also, jumping from unfinished task to unfinished task creates a somewhat frenetic work style that is almost bound to make you a little anxious.

Some obvious exceptions to this rule are where there’s a benefit to taking a break and approaching the task with fresh eyes, and where you simply don’t have all the information or resources to finish the task straight away.

3. If possible, get a larger screen, or even better, two computer screens. A larger screen has been shown to increase productivity by up to 40%!

4. Don’t email someone when calling them on the phone would be quicker.

Certain exceptions: when emailing a short message would be quicker than talking with someone on the phone; when you literally just want to leave a message; when you want something in writing; and when you want to reach several or many people at once.

Start implementing these techniques today and let me know if you notice any changes!

Now, if you’re more concerned with “bigger” challenges at work - like being able to manage staff properly - I urge you to invest in my How To Manage People System.

It’s a small investment and, in fact, many people have told me that the System is underpriced. So much so that I’m seriously considering increasing the price SOON. (Plus, I’m losing money on the shipping - it’s expensive from Australia!).

So if you want to know how to manage people better, get your copy of the How To Manage People System NOW, before the price goes up.