3. Create a brain dump. Many smart phones, such as the iPhone, offer a voice recorder application, which makes it easy to record a thought or idea and then get back to the task at hand. Keep a notebook, tape recorder, or file on hand to record both complex and simple ideas. Creative people need space and a place for recording sudden inspirations, ideas, and thoughts that are often distracting during task mode.

6. Organize your work in batches.

Get the worst one out of the way. Set up specific time slots each day to return voice mails and emails, work on projects, and so on. By simply batching your work, you will get more done in less time. Then move on to the fun stuff. Delegate the task or hire someone to complete the task for you if the procrastination continues. 6. Organize your work in batches. Start by making a list of all of the tasks that need to get done and separate them by daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually.

Schedule them on your calendar in batches. Write down on your calendar an appointment to work on your important projects. Consider this appointment as important as you would an appointment with your doctor. For example, schedule two appointments each day to check and return emails and voice mails. Schedule an appointment each week to send out client invoices, and so on. While working on important tasks, turn off the phone, close the door, and put a sign on the door that says: “Work in progress. ” Use this uninterrupted time to finish important tasks.

How we spend our time determines the quality of our life. Consider how much more money you could make if you were productive during those 10-15 hours. If you are ready to maximize your workweek, start with these simple eight strategies. Over the course of each workweek, over 80% of us waste 10-15 hours on unnecessary interruptions, procrastination, and clutter. Or consider how much more fun you could have if you had an extra 10-15 hours off each week.