Ann, what are your three favorite personal productivity techniques, habits and/or tools?
Ann Michael:
- The single most important productivity habit I’m developing is using my most productive time of the day (when my brain seems to work its best!) on the hardest or most creative things I need to do. When I hit the points where I’m naturally less focused, I use that time for highly structured tasks, errands, catching up with friends and family, or exercise.
- The second most important technique I’ve discovered is saying “no” when I need to--or helping identify alternatives to non-productive tasks. When you first start a business it’s very tempting to do anything anyone wants you to do whether or not it contributes to your business goals. While I’m still working on this, I’m getting better at redirecting, redefining, or even declining work that doesn’t contribute to my client’s or my own success.
- Finally, as odd as this may sound, reaching out to people and helping them to be successful tends to positively impact my own productivity. I’m an extrovert. People energize me. I crave discussion and, as a result, I enjoy working with people on their goals. An interesting side effect has been that when I need help there are always people willing to help me.
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