7 Reasons You Have Trouble Getting Things Done (and 7 Easy Solutions)
Ever wonder why you don’t get more done every day? You might be trying to do too much, and the competing demands in the office aren’t making it any easier to accomplish your goals.
One study showed that after an interruption, it took office workers an average of more than 23 minutes to refocus on their original task. With multiple projects, open offices, and constant notifications, it’s amazing anything gets done in the office.
The good news is that there are ways to make life easier. If you’ve ever thought “how am I supposed to do all of this??” this list is for you.
1. The email just keeps coming. It seems like every minute, there’s another email in your inbox.
Solution: Turn off desktop email notifications. The emails will be there when you’re ready for them, but that little box popping up won’t constantly remind you of what you’re not getting to. If you share an inbox with others, try Email Center Pro to handle your email more efficiently.
2. Too many meetings. When you spend all your time in meetings, when are you supposed to do the work?
Solution: Schedule blocks of unavailable time on your shared calendar. Use private events in Google Calendar or similar tools so that your colleagues know you’re busy.
3. It’s hard to keep track of everything. It’s easy for projects to drop off your radar when you’re juggling a lot of work.
Solution: Use a task list app like Wunderlist to quickly enter and manage your tasks. Assign dates and cross tasks off as you complete them. You can also share lists with others who need to know what you’re working on.
4. Your to-do list is long and overwhelming. Now that you have a task list, you may feel even more stressed and unsure where to start.
Solution: Prioritize your tasks using the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Timely). Set goals that are clear and achievable, and work on one task at a time.
5. Constant interruptions. Distractions like co-workers popping by, phone calls, and emails can throw you off track.
Solution: Use instant messaging instead of in-person interruptions. Set your status as “away” to indicate when you’re busy. Consider using chat or messaging clients like Trillian, Yahoo! Messenger, or Google Chat.
6. Trying to do too many things at once. Multitasking may sound productive, but it often leads to stress and poor quality work.
Solution: Focus on one task at a time. Give each task your full attention and consider if it’s necessary before taking it on.
7. The little things get in the way of the big things. Random requests and small tasks can accumulate, leaving you behind on important projects.
Solution: Prioritize the big projects and tackle them first. Use uninterrupted time, such as early mornings, to work on major tasks. Save smaller tasks for times when distractions are more common.
What other problems prevent you from being productive? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
Hello!
I’m Andrew Brooks, a seasoned finance consultant from the USA and the mind behind phonenumber247.com.
My career is built on a foundation of helping individuals and businesses thrive financially in an ever-changing economic landscape. At phonenumber247.com, my aim is to demystify the complex world of finance, providing clear, actionable advice that can help you navigate your financial journey with confidence. Whether it’s personal finance management, investment strategies, or understanding the nuances of market dynamics, I’m here to share insights and tools that can propel you towards your financial goals.
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