1. Multi-tasking – Multi-tasking is one of the biggest time wasters and we women are so great at doing it. Whenever you shift gears to work on something else, you are not giving the original thing your full attention. It is so important to focus on one thing at a time and give that thing your fullest attention until you complete it (at least the part you were planning to finish) before moving on. Otherwise the quality of work is going to be marginal at best.

2. E-mails – E-mail can be a valuable tool but the truth is that most people let their inbox rule their entire day. I have time set daily where I respond to my e-mails, typically once in the morning and again in the later afternoon. I understand that responding to email needs to happen but if it’s controlling the flow of your day, it’s a complete time waster. I like to keep my emails short and sweet and if I need to write a longer message than I may make a quick phone call instead. Challenge yourself, schedule time for your emails and stick to it.

3. The OCD Loop – I have been so guilty for doing this: Everyday I would check my social media accounts, voicemail, internet-marketing rankings, e-mails… and I would do this loop about every hour or so. I don’t need to tell you that this is a complete waste of time, but how many of you do it? I have started to schedule time twice a day where I get these activities done and out of the way. Think about how much time and energy you can save by doing this.

4. Time Blocks – If you don’t schedule your time it will get swept away by things that seem urgent. It is extremely important to have your day planned out in a set schedule of time blocks so you know what’s going to get done and at what time. It is almost law that any part of the workday that is not planned out will get filled with seemingly urgent tasks. Remember to stick with the routine.

5. Working when hungry - Please don’t ever allow yourself to get hungry when you are working. You will be less efficient, bring a negative energy to the things you do, feel irritated, and be an annoying person to be around. The key is to eat small meals with a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber every two to three hours. Be sure to also keep high protein snacks in your desk or car for those quick energy pick me ups. This kind of eating will help you feel good, give you more energy, and will keep you focused throughout your day.

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