First of all, ensure your computer performs properly.
Have your space clean and neat. Every morning or so, wipe down your desk, your keyboard, your screen. Crazy as it sounds, a clean space makes a huge difference. A clean environment equals a clear state of mind.
Set up a specific time slot for the handling of e-mails, and, at that time, handle your e-mails. At all other times: produce what you are supposed to be working on and ensure it forwards the company’s strategy.
Bonus Note: Most people drop their dreams thinking they were unrealistic in the first place… but, the truth is, they just do a lot of things that don’t forward their original dreams. Therefore, they mistakenly conclude their dreams are not even achievable. People, sadly, keep dropping dreams until, when one drops his or her last dream, the lights go out… This will not happen to you! We’ll be covering it much more in depth on the future tip - TO PLAN OR NOT TO BE.
Work in a space that is separate and quiet if possible. You can also make a simple “Please Do Not Disturb” sign for your door… it works.
Ensure all your e-mails arrive to one inbox (route Gmail, AOL, Yahoo, Outlook, etc. to your preferred e-mail program).
Turn off all communication devices – ensure nothing can disturb you. Yes, phone off, Skype off, etc.
Turn off the TV and also all internet-related pages.
Some people enjoy working with music and it doesn’t distract them. Some people can work with music that has no words. Some people get distracted by music. Determine this for yourself.
If you use a mobile device such as Blackberry, ensure any action done on the mobile device is totally in sync with your computer. In other words, we don’t want double work – If you delete or file an e-mail on your phone or computer, they should both line up, same thing goes for Calendar appointments, etc.
The idea is to be able to work distraction-free – to have a beautiful, paradise work atmosphere so you can GET THINGS DONE efficiently. There may be some things you thought of which haven’t been listed, that’s good – work on those as well! It all sounds simple… and you may be saying, “I already knew that!” Well, have you been doing it?
Looking forward to seeing you next week with Tip #6. Any questions, comments or feedback is more than welcome!