Want to be more productive at the office?

Looking for a few quick tips you can implement right away?

In this post, I offer several suggestions to help you get more done at the office.

Set three specific tasks to accomplish each day.

Stay focused by setting three specific items you must accomplish by the end of the day. You might want to write down these tasks on a piece of scratch paper or sticky note to remind you of what you need do accomplish.

Even if you don’t get much else done at work, you’ll have at least completed three items. That’s better than completing no items, right?

Say “No.”

Think for a moment before responding to any non-urgent or non-essential query or request. Must you attend a meeting that really has nothing to do with you or your department? Is there someone else who is better suited to complete the task? Will you be able to complete your own work if you take on this task? Don’t feel guilty about saying “no.” You need to protect your time and energy.

Don’t let email dictate your day.

It’s easy to get caught up in the world of email when you’re at work, so much so that you end up focusing on email and not your other work. If possible, forgo checking your email until you’ve finally decided what you want or need to accomplish that day. After checking email, you might find it helpful to completely log out of your email so you can attend to other matters.

Ask to not be disturbed.

Sometimes you have to ask for what you want. This includes peace and quiet! If you’re having trouble getting things done because of constant interruptions, it might be worth asking your colleagues or coworkers not to disturb you for certain period of time as you work. You don’t have to hole up in your office or cubicle for the entire day, sometimes just thirty minutes or an hour is all you need to focus on the task at hand and get your work done.

Take regular breaks.

Give your mind and body a break from your work. Take a short walk outdoors, do some stretches, sit quietly for a few minutes, get a glass of water, listen to some music, and so on. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to jump back into the thick of things in no time.    

Work in focus view on your computer.

No matter what computer programs you may use at work, it’s worth finding out if you can use these tools in focus view. Focus view allows you to only see and use the specific computer program in which you’re working. You won’t be distracted by an open internet browser or desktop and get can on with your work.

How about you? Which of these tips will you try out today or later this week to ensure you have a productive day at the office? Join in the conversation and leave a comment below!