How’s Your 2012 Productivity?

by Martha on January 17, 2012

PinExt Hows Your 2012 Productivity?

OK, we’re ONLY 17 days into 2012, so if you haven’t gotten your productivity mojo on, you’ve still got time to pump it up!

Here’s some ways to get yourself moving in the right direction NOW!

  • Write those goals down. And did I mention put them where you can see them every day?  There is something powerful about the written word and reinforcing by reading your goals daily will always get you moving!
  • Work in small chunks. Break your daily goals down into 1-2 hour chunks and they are easier to get accomplished.  Remember to take 10-15 minute breaks between each chunk!
  • Be consistent. Rome wasn’t built in a day but it was built by people doing something every. single. day.
  • Find a buddy. This has to do with accountability.  If you have someone  you can tell your goals to and who will hold you accountable, you are more than half-way home!
  • Watch out for shiny objects. Distractions can destroy your productivity.  Be aware of what yours are, and take precautions.  Limit phone calls, social media time, and  goofing off time!
  • Use the “Rewards System.” Yes, for yourself.  Put a reward out there for yourself (something tangible) that you will receive when the job is done.
  • Clear your workspace. This one tip can make all the difference.  If you are surrounded by clutter, it’s impossible to be productive.  Once you tidy up your space, you’ll find your mind and body more inclined to follow your daily plans.

While productivity isn’t the sexiest topic in the world, it is important for your online business success.

So, now you know!

Peace,

-Martha

{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }

Nadia January 17, 2012 at 11:23 am

Those are good reminders. If I’m not careful I can fall into the trap of working for 5 hours without a break. Not good for the body, or the brain. Thanks Martha!

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Martha January 17, 2012 at 11:35 am

Same here! Time flies when you’re having a good time! LOL
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Akos Fintor January 17, 2012 at 12:39 pm

Hello Martha,

I pretty much live by these principles however I have some trouble with taking breaks. Sometimes I sit in front of my computer and be thirsty for hours before I get up and sip something. …. :) I know I have real problems. But you probably had that happen when you’re inspired and you just want to get it out of your system before you forget it, right? I think it’s called “inspired action”.

excellent share!
best

Akos
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Martha January 17, 2012 at 12:51 pm

Well, I’m all for taking inspired action and I’ve been living the inspired life for many years now. However, a good break is in the interest of good mental and physical health!
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Cathy Miller January 17, 2012 at 3:19 pm

And then there’s the great equalizer – technology problems. :-) I’m happy to say, I’m back on track.

Great focus to this post, Martha.
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Martha January 17, 2012 at 6:44 pm

Tech problems are my biggest fear that’s why I turn them over to somebody else!
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Gemma January 18, 2012 at 12:45 am

Learning soooo much! Thank you! :)
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Martha January 18, 2012 at 11:22 am

Thank YOU for stopping by!
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Jayne Kopp January 18, 2012 at 2:01 pm

Hi Martha,

These are Excellent Suggestions. I am a huge proponent of actually ‘writing’ my goals down and keeping them in front of my nose. I also take breaks in between just to get my mind renewed.

As far as socializing, I limit it to certain days and a certain number of hours. … but this is a new habit as before I was too scattered.

My rule for the last couple of years has been “if the phone rings, I don’t have to answer it”… that is if it’s a call from a friend, etc.

The only way to reach goals is to stick to it and not let anything distract you.

Thanks for sharing.

Jayne
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Martha January 19, 2012 at 11:48 am

oooh, REALLY like your attitude about the phone. I’m taking this idea with me today. I’m one who tends to catch it as it rings and sometimes it can lead to huge distractions. Thanks!
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Cindy Murphy January 18, 2012 at 2:28 pm

Hi Martha,

Thanks for these great reminders. Working from home can be lonely and sometimes it’s hard to stay focused. Since this is my year for results, I am using some of your tips myself.

Taking small steps,, working everyday, being consistent and writing a journal each day with each task that I complete. It’s really helped me focus and I have gotten so much done each day that I am getting ready to log off for the day and meet some awesome friends for dinner later.

Thanks for sharing,

Cindy
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Martha January 19, 2012 at 11:50 am

Sounds like you’ve mastered the art of organization and productivity, Cindy! Congratulations! Always appreciate your comments :)
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Dan January 18, 2012 at 7:05 pm

Nice tips, the year is going quickly already. I’m not much good with goals but I have been thinking about writing some goals this year for my blog and this post has reminded me so thanks!
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Martha January 19, 2012 at 11:51 am

Without goals, you’ll lose focus. Do it!
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Sarah January 18, 2012 at 9:14 pm

I agree about the effectiveness of writing goals down instead and making sure it is visible so that I can go over it all the time. This is good way to keep me motivated and inspired. I am slowly avoiding the things that keep me distracted. I usually play pop up games and I decided to finally delete them in my computer. So far my 2o12 is great. Thank you for the tips.
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Martha January 19, 2012 at 11:52 am

Yikes! Those games can be a REAL time killer. Great idea to deleter! Glad you are the success path for 2012. Thanks for your input!
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Knikkolette January 19, 2012 at 11:47 am

Martha, as always you share great content. I love these pointers because they are great reminders… can you remind me of these about once a month? J/K :) I haven’t tried the rewards system – perhaps that will help me reach my goal of recording my videos by the end of the month! :) Thanks again for another great post!
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Martha January 19, 2012 at 11:54 am

Go pick out that new pair of shoes because I KNOW you will get those videos done! Have a good one :)
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Sandra McLeod Humphrey January 19, 2012 at 12:20 pm

Great reminders! I tend to be pretty organized and I’m a “list” person, so I love to set daily goals, just so I can cross them off my list. I also try to give myself rewards as I complete chunks of work. I do tend to get absorbed my projects of the moment, so I need to learn to take breaks and get back to my exercise regimen. Thanks for another great post (as always)!
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Martha January 20, 2012 at 9:04 pm

I like lists too. I make mine the night before so my brain can think about it during the night and come up with smarter and more creative ways to get it all done. At least, that’s my thinking about it! There’s just something magical about marking everything off my list every day :)
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Jayna Locke January 19, 2012 at 1:57 pm

Great tips, Martha! That shiny object syndrome is the biggest hazard of social media and all the amazing networking opportunities we have at our fingertips today. It’s really easy to suddenly discover that hours have slipped away because you just discovered some cool tool or new social media platform.

I’ve found that working on one of my to-do items before I even glance at email or social media in the morning gets my day started off right!
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Martha January 20, 2012 at 9:06 pm

Yes! I don’t look at e-mails at all in the morning unless I am expecting an answer to one. I save that for last thing in the day. I don’t want to use up all that good morning energy on silly emails!
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Anne Egros January 19, 2012 at 2:38 pm

I need those reminders. This morning I had a meeting with a potential client at 9am at Starbucks and worked there. I have been working on my Linkedin profile very effectively as very few distractions are there and with my Ipad it is more difficult for me to jump from one site to another. Agree with the buddy concept. My buddies at “the KIWK facebook group” have been terrific !!! Thanks Martha for sharing your tips in this blog.

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Martha January 20, 2012 at 9:07 pm

Thanks for stopping by Anne! Yes, I enjoy our KIWK buddies too. A lot of great energy in that group. And, I enjoy working at Starbucks on occasion also. Something about that coffee aroma that helps productivity! LOL
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Ryan Williams January 19, 2012 at 7:11 pm

Shiny objects,… My greatest downfall.

Great blog post! 2012 is gonna be amazing!

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Martha January 20, 2012 at 9:08 pm

yes, 2012 is moving along nicely :)
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Dale Myers January 20, 2012 at 12:13 am

Martha,
Thank you for this post – it was short, informative and kind of happy! Prioritization and focus are always the keys for me. There is usually more to do then time allows so I have to do what is the most important first (even if I do not like it), and stay really focused – not get knocked off track.
Thanks again and regards,
Dale M.

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Martha January 20, 2012 at 9:09 pm

Well, I never thought about the post being “happy!” That’s a nice compliment. Thanks! I agree with your point about doing the most important tasks first. Makes all the difference in your continued good results :)
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Hajra January 22, 2012 at 9:52 am

Hey Martha,

Here after such a long time!

Well, I have many personal goals for 2012. And what I loved about this post is that I can relate to quite a few points. I have actually written down my goals for this year and have it on my study desk in my room so that whenever I look at them they serve as a constant reminder to what I really want to do and why I should be working towards just that!

Thanks for the other wonderful techniques.
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Harriet January 22, 2012 at 2:44 pm

So far in 2012 I’ve just been doing revision for exams but as soon as I’m done with them at the weekend I’m going to get on with sorting my goals for 2012, the first goal will be to pass my degree!
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