by Eugene Teslya

Created on: February 26, 2010

Do you wish to get more things done in a given period of time? Do you believe that it is possible if you just work smarter? Then follow me on Twitter to receive the instructions – just kidding! On a serious note, one would think that technology should help us get more productive and free up more time for fun, family and friends; however, numerous studies had shown that modern society, in spite of all latest technology, is time deprived. Responsibility to work efficiently and productively has shifted back to human court. The following “work smarter” tips will help you identify areas where you can improve and, as a result, get more things done.

Minimize distractions

Phone, email, Twitter, breaking news on TV - can wait (actually, most of it can be permanently ignored – but some of us might consider this idea too radical.) When there is a project to be completed or a deadline to be met – set “no distraction” rule. During this period check your email twice a day, let’s say – at 9AM and 3PM, and fight the urge to reply to every incoming message on your BlackBerry-like device. If you cannot ignore the phone calls – answer it with the “Hi, I am in a middle of something, what can I do for you” greeting. That will limit the chitchat and motivate the caller to get straight to the essence of the issue or, often, they will offer to call you later.

Single handling method

A vast amount of time can be saved by eliminating “repetitive wasters”. A typical example: you open email from the vendor, read it and realize that it could wait, so you close it and mark it as “unread” – it doesn’t sound like a big deal, takes a minute - two tops; but next time you decide to take action on the same email you will have to repeat the preparation ritual (look for it, read it, etc.) thus spending the same two minutes again. Now, multiply these two minutes by hundreds of emails or other “simple” tasks, all of us are juggling during the day, and you will realize that you can easily add one-two extra hours to your busy day by applying a “single handling” method. It means that once you open an email (or pick up a document) and read it – do not put it back. Instead, take one of the following actions – resolve it, delegate it, file or discard it.

Use idle time productively

If you cannot beat the time wasters – enjoy them. Some things you cannot control

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