In over 2,000 Time Management seminars, which I have
conducted for more than 100,000 people from around the globe during the last 20
years, I have shown people how to get more done in less time, with
less stress; to help them have more time for the things they want to do
in their work and personal lives.
If you can recapture a wasted hour here and there and
redirect it to a more productive use, you can make great increases in your
daily productivity and the quality of your life.
Here are five of the many techniques I share in our Time
Management seminars, each one of which will help you to leverage your
time and get at least one more hour out of your day for additional
productive time to do the things you really want to do.
1. Systematize Stop reinventing the wheel and recreating the
same things over and again. Create systems to handle repetitive
tasks. For example, I have standard letters all created and saved in my
computer along with standard documents such as directions to my
office and various articles I share with others. Be sure to have
adequate supplies you can readily access. Use one calendar to keep track of
appointments. Work with a clean desk and have most frequently used items
within arm’s reach. Schedule maintenance for your equipment and yourself.
2. Plan Adequate Sleep You can have a great to do list for
your next day but if you are tired, your productivity will be
adversely impacted. Schedule a sufficient amount of sleep. The amount
is different for each of us. Some need eight hours, some more, and some
less. Your body knows the answer.
3. Attend a Speed Reading Class The average person reads at
about 200 words per minute and spends a couple of hours each day
reading. What if you could double your reading speed? What takes two hours
can now be done in one hour or you can continue to spend the same
amount of time reading, but read twice as much. Sign up for a speed-reading
class. I teach one. It’s a six-hour seminar and at the end of the day
everyone in the class will at least double their reading speed and
significantly increase their comprehension.
4. Develop Your Communication Skills A lot of your personal
success in the future will be in direct relationship to your ability
to competently and confidently communicate what you know both
orally and in writing. Make it an ongoing commitment to continue to
improve your speaking and writing skills. You’ll save time and have a
more successful career.
5. Develop Your People Network Personal productivity in
large amounts has to do with the good cooperation of other people.
Someone who does not enjoy the good cooperation of others can surely be
productive but not as productive as one who enjoys that cooperation. On
an on-going basis, develop your list of personal contacts, your
networking list. Always offer to help everyone on your list whenever you can.
(“To have a friend, first be a friend.”) Do it right and your network
will be there for you when you need it.
About the Author
Dr. Donald E. Wetmore-Professional Speaker
Productivity Institute-Time Management Seminars
127 Jefferson St., Stratford, CT 06615
(203) 386-8062 (800) 969-3773
fax: (203) 386-8064
email: ctsem@msn.com
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Professional Member-National Speakers Association since 1989