Saying NO is an instant time saver

Saying no is everyone’s prerogative. Here are four simple tips from author Jo Coudert that help you do it in a way that’s not harsh or unkind.

1. “I’m glad you asked, but my schedule won’t permit me to accept your offer.”
2. “Let me think about it.” (You seldom have to accept on the spot.)
3. Use humor. “I suppose you think I say no just because I’m mean! Well, it’s true!”
4. “Sorry, but that’s not something I do.” (That’s inarguable.)

Be ready. Say no when you mean it. In the long run, it’s much easier than saying yes.  This is productivity tip #30 in our book Attack Your Day! Before It Attacks You.

Clutter Is The Wake Of Running Rushed

A messy office and desk top, a disorganized residence, and the general chaos of clutter is often the result of being frantically behind schedule.  Consequently, there is no time to put files and physical objects back where they belong.  Things are left out or tossed here and there and become harder to find the next time.

Get ahead of the game.  Plan on the front end how much time your activities will take, and you’ll reduce stress on the back end.  You’ll have time to put things away and save tons of time by not having to search for things.  It can be done.  Work to develop the habit and “mess stress” will be gone!

This is productivity strategy #62 from the book Attack Your Day! Before It Attacks You co-authored by Mark Woods and Trapper Woods, time management experts. Attack Your Day

Beware of Time Bandits Today

Time bandits hold us up by making us wait.  Time bandits are people who hold us up by asking “got a minute?” and then take ten.

• They hold us up with frequent overlong calls and unnecessary drop in visits.
• They hold us up by showing up late for meetings.
• They hold us up in hallways when we are trying to get someplace else.

Time bandits steal our time with office gossip.  One time bandit, who takes fifteen minutes of our time daily, robs us of ninety hours per year.  Remember, time bandits can’t take your time unless you give it to them.

Clutter is the wake of running rushed

A messy office and desk top, a disorganized residence, and the general chaos of clutter is often the result of being frantically behind schedule.  Consequently, there is no time to put files and physical objects back where they belong.  Things are left out or tossed here and there and become harder to find the next time.

Get ahead of the game.  Plan on the front end how much time your activities will take, and you’ll reduce stress on the back end.  You’ll have time to put things away and save tons of time by not having to search for things.  It can be done.  Work to develop the habit and “mess stress” will be gone!

Today’s Quote: It’s how we spend our time here and now, that really matters. If you are fed up with the way you have come to interact with time, change it.” – Marcia Wieder