Are you undermining your own efforts to be successful? Still holding on to those old-school productivity values? Heads up. Things are different now!
Myth 1: Never Check e-mail in the Morning
Really? That’s like not looking both ways before you cross the street. In fact, look both ways, but don’t get distracted by the hot dog vendor. Continue to cross and know he’ll be there when you return . . . like your e-mail!
Myth2: Touch Things Only Once
This rule is as old as mimeographed reports. It says, if you can accomplish something in just a few minutes, do it now, rather than put it off. Let’s face it, your day can be filled with 5-minute tasks that accomplish nothing.
Myth 3: Be Responsive
Consider being un-responsive to so-called emergencies, requests, interruptions, phone calls, etc. Stop responding to other people’s priorities (or time wasters) that are keeping you from getting your stuff done. Think carefully before being responsive.
Myth 4: An Hour is an Hour is an Hour
No. An hour of prime time, when your mind is alert, active and interested is a lot more potent than an hour in the evening when your senses are dulled. Save your prime time for you.
Myth5: Slash Through Your To-Do List
Oh it feels so good to cross out . . . so good, in fact, you often add things just so you can cross them out. Stop it. Just stop doing the trivial many and focus on the important few if you want to secceed.
Myth 6: A Team Can Accomplish Anything
Don’t make that assumption. Yes, the power and resources of others can often add brainpower to the mix, but personalities sometimes get in the way. There may be no “I” in TEAM, but there is an “I” in WIN. Do whatever it takes.
Myth 7: Multitasking Gets More Results
Actually, the opposite is true. People, like computers, can only focus on one task at a time. If you are doing more than one thing, nothing is getting your full attention. Think uni-tasking for better quality and quicker results.
