From Inc.com
Maximizing productivity is a goal often discussed but rarely reached. As a result, though entrepreneurs actively strive to make the most of their time–reading books, exploring productivity hacks, testing project management tools–too often they feel they’ve fallen short. Meanwhile, the to-do list gets longer.
But a new year is a great time to start fresh. We asked a panel of successful startup founders from YEC what simple, low- or no-cost resolutions they were going to make for 2015 to keep themselves on track and free of distractions. Their best answers are below.
1. Plan out each day.
I once heard the quote “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail” and it really resonated with me. I find my productivity soars if, each night, I take 10 minutes to write a list of five accomplishments I aim to make the following day. In 2015, I resolve to do this every working day.
2. Keep meetings to 15 minutes, max.
This is something I’ve sent out companywide: Meetings shouldn’t be longer than 15 minutes. We tried standing last year for the whole meeting, and that worked well, but being even more productive during meetings couldn’t hurt!
3. Focus on your weak areas.
Building up your strengths seems logical. After all, those skills got your business where it is today, and doing what you’re good at makes you feel good. But the areas you can improve the most are the ones in which you are the weakest. I hope to induce the most improvement in my overall productivity, with the smallest investment of time, by focusing on my weak areas.
4. Invest in better technology.
I tend to stay with what’s working for me instead of wasting time constantly switching technology. However, I believe it’s time for an upgrade, and that by getting better technology in place, I can be faster and more efficient.
5. Book smarter business travel.
I want to get to NYC and San Francisco more often. It’s so efficient to spend a few days, multiple times a year, in each of those cities. There are so many great companies, partners, and members of the media to meet with.
6. Set up systems that increase efficiency.
My No. 1 productivity resolution is to set up systems and processes that will increase efficiency. As a small business with big clients and a lot of responsibilities, time is usually of the essence. To streamline everything and expand, everything needs to run efficiently.
7. Catch up in the mornings.
Because of my hectic travel schedule, it’s easy to get behind on email. Over the years, I have learned to take time each morning to catch up on it before business hours. For 2015, I will delegate half of my time in the air as an opportunity to work and the remaining time as a chance to rest. This resolution will ensure that upon landing, I am caught up on work elements and feeling refreshed.
8. Improve your workspace.
It sounds small, but I need to buy a double monitor! Working on a laptop means that I’m constantly bent over a tiny screen, which hurts my productivity (and my eyes). With a double monitor, I can view more information, organize and focus my workday, and not lose track of all of my documents and windows.
9. Take time to stop working and reflect.
Reflection allows me to be grateful for what I have and consider the right goals to work toward. Then I can sprint in short bursts in the right direction.
10. Create a better work environment.
As the CEO of a mattress company, it’s easy for me to think about sleeping on the job. To combat that thought process, I’ve been playing around with different setups around the office to improve the look and feel of the space. Ultimately, I know that fewer distractions and more physical activity will revolutionize my workflow.
11. Stop multitasking.
Often we think that by multitasking we are being more productive. But I’ve found that it’s hard to do many things really well if you are doing them at the same time. You have to focus on one thing at a time.
12. Quit time wasters (including Fantasy Football).
I’m in the process of identifying everything in my life that I could eliminate or change to spend more time on important things. I’m writing a list and trying to come up with 50 things. No. 27 is even “Create shorter lists.”
13. Spend less time responding to email.
In 2015, I’m going to check email less often and spend less time responding to it.
14. Unplug and unwind.
The Tao Te Ching says, “High winds do not last all morning/Heavy rain does not lastall day.” This means that if you want to work intensively and productively, it’s vital to unplug and take time to recharge every day, even if it’s only for a short time. Start by giving yourself 15 minutes with no Internet or cell phone–whatever it is, it can wait for you to come back relaxed and ready.