How can a timer keep me on task?

A secret strategy for productivity management is the implementation of a simple timer to make your results more productive. Take a look at the following steps for information on how this is done.

Choose the Timer

You can use a stop watch, an ordinary alarm clock, or the alarm on your cell phone. The point is to get something that allows you to track a predetermined amount of time. The timer can count down or count up.

Choose the Type of Task Wisely

Not all tasks are conducive to timing. If you have to depend on others to provide essential information or input, it’s probably not a good task for using a timer. Use a timer for tasks and productivity you have control over.

Race the Timer

If you have a difficult time staying focused, set your timer and race it. This creates urgency and helps you to overcome outside interruptions.

Work For 25 Minutes

Research has shown that working in smaller blocks of time can actually increase productivity. By setting your timer to 25 minute intervals you give yourself a fairly short burst of time to concentrate on a project or task before taking a break.

Take a Short Break and Repeat

When you take a break it should be for no longer than about five minutes. You can use this time to stretch your legs, get something to drink or simply to clear your mind. When this time is over you should get back to your project and reset your timer.

Using a timer in this way can have a huge impact on your overall results.

Becky Esker is a certified professional organizer, national speaker, owner of Get Organized! L.L.C., and the forthcoming author of a new organizing book. Becky and her team provide hands-on services to those in the greater eastern Iowa area and also provide a wide array of products and service to businesses and individuals nationwide through their website. For more information access http://www.theorganizingchoice.com/, http://www.secondgoaroundauctions.com/; http://www.itssimplyserendipity.com/; and http://www.outstandingseminars.com/

Outsource and Delegate

Today's news about Congress fighting over the Payroll Tax cut reminds me quickly why I choose to outsource and delegate some things.

As a business that has employees, we have to provide payroll regularly. And I am SO glad that I have an accountant that handles all our payroll. I don't want to keep up with all the ever changing payroll and IRS rules.

For instance, if this payroll tax cut is extended for just 2 months as proposed, I would have to remember to change the payroll tax deductions in 2 months. Or if the payroll tax cut is passed for one year, I would have to remember in one year to check to see if he payroll tax cut is still in place OR I would have to have payroll software that is ALWAYS current and up-to-date. Because failing to do so would cause big problems with the government!

Whew that's a lot to think about...when would I have time to actually work my job? While I have accounting that needs to be done in my business, I don't want to be an accountant...that's why I outsource that to the professionals and I can focus on being a professional organizer and not a professional accountant!



Becky Esker is a certified professional organizer, national speaker, owner of Get Organized! L.L.C., and the forthcoming author of a new organizing book. Becky and her team provide hands-on services to those in the greater eastern Iowa area and also provide a wide array of products and service to businesses and individuals nationwide through their website. For more information access http://www.theorganizingchoice.com/ http://www.secondgoaroundauctions.com/; http://www.itssimplyserendipity.com /; and http://www.outstandingseminars.com/