How To Manage Your Time, Energy & Attention

Are you working non-stop against the clock, just trying to check things off your to-do list? You may not be using your time, energy, and attention the most effective way.

1. Think about how you spend your time.
   We often overlook certain routines that are likely leading to lost productivity. When possible, delegate or outsource tasks that provide little or no value. Then, focus on one thing at a time, accomplishing it, then moving on to the next task.

2. Proactively manage your inbox.
   Many people check their messages every few minutes, read them, and take little to no action so they pile up and cause more stress. Instead, open an email and make a quick decision: delete, archive, or act now. Determine the action each message requires: a reply, an entry on your to-do list, or file it away. If a reply will take less than a minute, respond right away. Otherwise, schedule a time to clear your inbox. Also try sending shorter emails. It will take you less time to write them and you're more likely to get a response right away.

3. Analyze your results.
   If you don't take time to assess your results and figure out how to do more of what's working, you will waste a lot of time on activities that hinder your productivity. Examine your work constantly. Track your time spent on each task and determine if you're getting the results you expected. If not, find a system that works for you. Try out different ways to organize your to-do list, such as apps, sticky notes, or color coding.