I was tagged yesterday by fellow VACOC member Silvia Shields of Just A Phone Call Away to add my input to the ever growing list of productivity tips. The ultimate guide to productivity meme was originally started by Ben Yoskovitz at Instigator Blog, and so the game of tag began. One after another, people have been tagged to submit their productivity tips and ideas. And now I’m it.

So, what is my secret or tip to being productive? First and foremost, I start the day with a little bit of “me” time. I have a cup of coffee while I check my personal emails and visit the various forums where I post. I think it’s important to give my mind and body a little bit of time between rest and work mode. Next, I check my calendar and prepare my list of tasks to be completed that day. I start working at the top of the list and I make sure that each task is finished before moving on to the next. I take a short (maybe five minute) break in between tasks because again, I feel it’s important to give my mind a few minutes to transition from one task to another. I work through my list and check off each task as it’s completed.

One other thing I believe is important is to make sure I fuel my body by not skipping breakfast or lunch. I’m not a big breakfast eater, but I do like to make sure I at least start the day with a little something nourishing. It’s very easy for me to get so engrossed in my work that I can keep going right through lunch, but it’s really not a good way to work. Fueling the body helps fuel the mind so even though I may not want to stop, I make sure I set aside some time for lunch. It doesn’t have to be an hour or even half an hour. Some days it may only be fifteen minutes or so, but it’s a break that shouldn’t be missed.

Since I’m brand new to blogging and this is my first post, I don’t have anyone in particular to tag so, if you’re reading this post, consider yourself tagged! Of course, if you’ve already been tagged, feel free to tag someone who hasn’t yet had the opportunity to contribute.

Here are Ben’s rules for this project supplied to me by Silvia:

1. Write a post on your best productivity tips. Challenge yourself by picking your single best productivity tip (although this isn’t a requirement; you can give us more if you want).

2. Include links to other people that have written posts, or include their tips in your post with proper attribution.

Note: I’m not asking that you link to everyone in the group writing project meme; pick the ones you want to connect with. You certainly can link to everyone, but it’s not a requirement. I like leaving more decision making power in your hands so this isn’t just a link grab, but you’re thinking about what your audience & community wants to read about.
A link back to this post is appreciated though, to help spread the word!

3. If you use Technorati Tags then tag your post “ultimate guide to productivity”.

4. Tag others in your post to spread the meme. Tag as many people as you like!

5. If you link back to Instigator Blog and email me at byosko@gmail.com, I’ll make sure to include at least 2 links back to you. But this isn’t a requirement, it just helps me keep track of what’s going on.