Each morning, we all face a new set of problems that can sap the very lifeblood out of us!
Each person needs to have 3 critical conditions to be successful each day. If you cannot have these conditions met, your chances of success will be limited
1. Focus
One of the hardest things to achieve. It can take up to 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back on track to a complicated project. Each time you switch, a minimum of 3 minutes is lost. According to Jonathan Spira, up to 6 hours a day can be lost to interruptions.
Add on top of that if you have an ADD mind like mine and this gets really tough. Try for short bursts of 10-15 minutes of focus, to begin with. It is very hard to get more than 20 minutes of focus unless you are extraordinary or confused!
2. Environment
One of the worst places for focus is in an office…especially an open office.
The environment you choose to work has so much to do with your productivity.
The weird part is how each person wants a different environment.
Some want the quietness of a cemetery – not even a bird chirping.
Some go to a coffee shop to work. Even though the place is noisy, it is a perfect environment for some because they don’t know anyone. They strap on the headphones, put on their favorite tunes, and get the work done.
Some like to go outside on a sunny day and work while sitting on the grass.
Few want to be in a busy office where their desk turns into Grand Central Station.
It does not matter what environment you work best in…you just need to figure out what are the conditions that allow you to be at your productivity maximum.
3. Tools
My father was a mechanic and farmer. One important lesson he taught me was the importance of the right tools.
I scraped my knuckles countless times while trying to use vice grip pliers rather than a proper size rachet and socket on a bolt.
Even though my father was not a rich man, he did spend a large amount of money on the correct tools.
The same goes for technology tools.
The right laptop with adequate battery life, power adapter, and other accessories will aid in getting the job done.
Yes, I know that is basic and I am not trying to insult your intelligence but it is surprising how many have run out of battery without any other source of power. I always carry a second battery in my backpack that will keep me powered for hours.
The right software is critical including Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Evernote, PowerPoint, spreadsheets, etc. are all critical to getting the job done.
Data connection to a cloud system where you have all your documents stored or accessing your documents on a flash drive are all important.
Good luck in increasing your productivity!