HIGH PRIORITIES RULE
Get The Important Things Done Everyday

Do you find that all too often you are feeling unproductive because your highest priorities are getting pushed aside? If you feel you have lost control to interruptions, procrastination, or too many demands, you are not alone. You can turn this around by developing a few new habits. The rewards will be life changing. That’s not an overstatement. I know because I did it and my work life and personal life have become amazingly productive and rewarding. Let me share the strategies it with you.

At the end of each day, decide what your high priority tasks are for the next day. Most of us can target about 3 or 4 highest priority items.

Now, dedicate 20% of a traditional 8-hour workday, 96 minutes. With single-minded focus, spend that 20% on your highest priorities. That means eliminate interruptions, have all the needed tools with you, and put only the project or task presently under way in front of you. For me, the best time is very early in the morning, before the work-a-day pressure cooker builds up steam. If you need to arrive a little early, it’s worth it.

Things to avoid are:
The nagging desire to check your e-mail before you begin or during your 96 minutes. You will surely get bogged down in the biggest time waster of all if you give in.
Answering the phone. Voice mail is a beautiful thing. You can dedicate time later to catch up on the calls you missed.
Interruptions from colleagues. It isn’t a crime to close your door if you have one, or put up a do not disturb sign to ward off trivial matters. If someone absolutely can’t get along without you, take just a moment to find out what is needed. If you can take care of it in 5 minutes or less, do so. If more time is needed, make an appointment to follow-up later. Make a quick note of it so you won’t forget. Now you can resume your 96 minutes of focus time. You might find that before long others in your office will learn to leave you alone during your 96 minutes.
Being sidetracked by desk clutter. Many people can concentrate and focus better with a clean and clear desk. Best to have only the project of focus in front of you.

Try this new habit for 3 weeks. I can’t believe you would ever go back. You’ll find most days you have the day licked by lunchtime. You’ll shine like a star and be the role model of your entire department.

Let me know how it feels at the end of a day that begins with the 96-minute technique.