10 Things to Stop Doing Now… to Get More Done!

Stop Sign

When it comes to time management, we often concentrate on what we should be doing.

  • What is our next task?
  • Who do we need to get in touch with?
  • Where do we need to be for that appointment?
  • When is that deliverable due?

However, equally important, it what needs to not be done.

  • What activities are taking up your time?
  • Where are you wasting time?
  • What do you need to not be doing in order to get more done?

In order to improve your productivity, sometimes you need to ask, “What do I need to stop doing?

10 Things to Stop Doing Now… to Get More Done!

Sometimes our own actions and behaviors can be counter productive to getting things done.  Here are 10 non-productive behaviors that you need to stop doing…

Things You Need to Stop Doing Now!

  1. Procrastinating – Do you ignore deadlines? Why don’t you try finishing that next project early? Tasks left undone can actually create more work for you.
  2. Wasting Time Surfing the Web or Watching TV – No one ever became a success sitting in front of their TV or aimlessly surfing the Net.  Get up!  And do something that moves you closer to your goals, or teaches you something new.
  3. Taking on Too Many Obligations –  If you cannot say no, you will quickly find yourself overloaded with obligations. Learn to limit what you take on so that you have not spent all your available time before you even begin.
  4. Letting Email Run Your Life – Stop checking email every 5 minutes.  Don’t let email run your life. Email is not your work.
  5. Responding to Last Minute Fire Drills – Get proactive.  Don’t let others’ last minute fire drills derail your priorities.  Sometimes you just have to say no to the fire drill.
  6. Showing Up Late –  Believe it or not, showing up early actually saves you time.  Are you constantly late to appointments? This could be one of your biggest time wasters.
  7. Starting Your Day Unprepared – Being prepared for your day is key to maximizing your time.  Preparing for your day in advance, will keep you ahead of the pack.
  8. Letting Important Information Get Away – Don’t waste time searching for pieces of information that you already had.  Ensure that you have a tool to take notes, and that you capture contact information.
  9. Going to Unnecessary Meetings – Next to email, meetings are one of the top time wasters in the workplace.  Make sure your meetings have an agenda, start on time, and end with actionable items with due dates.  If not, you should probably skip that meeting in the first place.
  10. Letting Others Steal Your Time – Time is your most valuable asset.  Don’t let others selfishly steal it.  Defend your time, and “block out” your calendar for your priorities first.

What do you need to stop doing to be more productive?  What can you add to the list?


Photo credit thecrazyfilmgirl

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Stop Licking the Fire!

12 thoughts on “10 Things to Stop Doing Now… to Get More Done!

  1. Great tips! I am going to put some of them to use in my own life.

    I deal with #10 (Letting Others Steal Your Time ) way to much. Thank you for the reminder of defending my time!

    Justin Brackett
    @justinthesouth

  2. I personally have a plan for my site, yet may need revising here and there as any plan does, it keeps me on track to what I should be doing. It’s not always easy to follow but I work hard to make it happen. I learn each day something I could have done differently and then quickly figure out what to do tomorrow to take me to where that is and keep going.

    If something happens where I don’t make it, I had a hell of a good try anyway but I believe I will make it as a plan and action is what it takes to move.

  3. Thanks for these useful tips! I practice most of these tips, and could use more focused practice on a few of them.

    Overcommitting rings a bell- or rather an alarm- for me. I was working on my goals for the coming year and I put “decline additional professional volunteer positions” on my list of goals because sometimes thinking about what I want to do must come second to addressing behaviors that keep me from spending time & energy on what really matters to me.

    Have a grateful day!

    Chrysta

  4. Thanks for these useful tips! I practice most of these tips, and could use more focused practice on a few of them.

    Overcommitting rings a bell- or rather an alarm- for me. I was working on my goals for the coming year and I put “decline additional professional volunteer positions” on my list of goals because sometimes thinking about what I want to do must come second to addressing behaviors that keep me from spending time & energy on what really matters to me.

    Have a grateful day!

    Chrysta

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