How is it that one person is super-productive, calm and collected, while the person at the next desk is behind schedule and frazzled?

The super-productive person has learned the secret of “leverage”: the power to act in a way to achieve a desired result.

Leverage enables us to multiply our abilities by applying pressure in the right places.

Organize your day: The most effective producers plan their days in 10-to-15-minute chunks of time, with a focus on the most important issues at the beginning of the day.

Use other people’s time: Productive entrepreneurs are willing to delegate, encouraging others to assume responsibility for tasks so they can focus on their priorities.

Use Technology Wisely: It’s tempting to spend your time replying to non-essential emails, texts and voicing your opinions on social media. But is it sucking time that can be spent on more essential tasks?

Get it out of your head: Your brain can only hold so much. When an idea occurs to you, write it down, come back to it when you have checked off your current priorities. Getting it out of your head allows you to focus energy elsewhere.

Keep learning: If you stop seeking out fresh ideas you start recycling the same old tired solutions. Be open to interesting people and new avenues of thought: read, listen to podcasts, travel, attend workshops and seminars. Join business groups, maybe a business roundtable.

Take time for yourself: We’ve all been spread too thin; it creates stress and causes errors. Take time each day to truly relax, be it meditation, a quiet cup of your favorite beverage or doing nothing. Don’t check email, don’t call a friend, just unwind and let your mind recharge. It’s incredibly refreshing.

When you learn to leverage your time, you’re more effective, efficient and productive.

The road is easier together,

Linda Laitala, President
Raven Performance Group