How To Get More Done In Less Time

by Justin Michie

Posted: 15 years ago 17 replies

INTERNET MARKETING

I just realized that I've just come up on my 2,000th post, so thought I'd share a few ways that you might be able to use to be more productive when working.

Some of them do cost money, but when you're working more efficiently, you can usually earn it back pretty quickly.

If you can, use more than one monitor, or a big monitor, or both.
Get a mouse like Logitech's Revolution that has extra programmable buttons that can be used for things like going forwards / backwards when surfing the web or opening / closing programs. Same goes for a good keyboard with shortcut buttons.
Limit distractions and interruptions (ie. If there's a door where you work, close it - and keep your email closed when working.)
Take breaks when you need them, but keep working when you're on a roll.
Make a realistic to do list each day and follow it as best you can.
Work on what you know works and spend time duplicating it instead of always trying the newest thing or latest fad.
Similarly, try to spend your time working on your business instead of in it.
Hire an assistant and outsource as much as you can.
Exercise, keep in shape and eat well. It will give you more energy and help keep your mind sharper.

There's nothing that's really revolutionary here, just a few things that may or may not be able to use to get more done in less time and use your time more efficiently.

#time

Clyde Dennis 15 years ago

Nice little post here Justin, and congratulations on 2000!
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Inbound 15 years ago

Great post! I definitely needed to be reminded on three of them.

Inbound
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Dave777 15 years ago

Congratulations on your 2000th post! Good points and an interesting video in your sig file, especially some of the wording. Excellent food for thought and a few more good business lessons...

Dave
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Daveone 15 years ago

Congratulations Justin on your 2000th post and thanks for the good points in the post.
Happy posting
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JamesMcDowell 15 years ago

My tips

1. check and reply to mail only 2 times in a day and keep the mail client turned off the rest of the time

2. Keep all IM appz off, including skype and live messenger

3. Use a autoreplace software like typepilot or smart type assistant for frequently used text
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- Justin Michie 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by JamesMcDowell
  
  2. Keep all IM appz off, including skype and live messenger
  
  That's a good one I forgot to mention... I haven't used any of those in years - it's much too distracting
  
  Thanks,
  
  Justin
  
  Thanks
  
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BlueJam

15 years ago

If you can, use more than one monitor, or a big monitor, or both.

Is that one for each eye, or do you focus your attention one each monitor individually?

Thanks
1 reply

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Justin Michie

15 years ago

Originally Posted by BlueJam

Is that one for each eye

I wish I was that talented

I use a one monitor for the main thing I'm working on then the other for secondary things - it's a lot faster than switching windows and allows you to multitask a lot more.

For example, if I'm doing research for a niche report, one monitor would have the report I'm writing, then the other would have the web or notes etc.

Thanks
1 reply

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Neil Morgan

15 years ago

There have been a few threads on here about the dual monitor thing. It really does make a big difference to your productivity, and you wonder how you lived with only one.

It's a bit like having two computers, but they both have exactly the same setup, software, data etc.

As a software developer, a dual monitor setup is essential and, happily, very affordable these days.

Cheers,

Neil

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Dave Kingston 15 years ago

I used to play a lot of online poker and a dual monitor setup was essential. Now I don't anymore (too much work to do )...but the one thing I have kept is my monitor setup.

I have duals at work and at home. I really couldn't do without them. Productivity is raised massively when you can see everything without having to shut and open windows.

With the cost of decent monitors and compatible graphics cards dropping all the time it is well worth the investment.
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rafaelapolinario

15 years ago

Congrats on your 2000 post, Justin. I know there's also thousand more info you want to share. Keep posting!

Originally Posted by Neil Morgan

There have been a few threads on here about the dual monitor thing. It really does make a big difference to your productivity, and you wonder how you lived with only one.

It's a bit like having two computers, but they are both have exactly the same setup, software, data etc.

As a software developer, a dual monitor setup is essential and, happily, very affordable these days.

Cheers,

Neil

Haven't tried it yet but now you guys temp me to invest in one.

Cheers,
Rafael

Thanks

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TimRobinson 15 years ago

Hehehe, I'm addicted to monitors, currently have 3 and setting up a 4th tomorrow. Always get a great productivity boost from every one.

Thanks for the post Justin!
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notatechie 15 years ago

Congrats on your 2000th post! I too agree, 2 monitors helps with productivity more than you can imagine.

BTW- as a newbie, this is my 30th post. Have to celebrate even the smallest victories.
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Mokey 15 years ago

Why has it never occurred to me to only check my email twice a day?! Geez! I waste a lot of time just doing that...

I'm also looking into getting another monitor right now...

Thanks for the tips...I need all the help that I can get!
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- sylviad 15 years ago
  
  How about a tip for when you get stressed over all the things you need to get done and can't focus on one?
  
  Before I even land at the computer and my mind is going over things that need doing, I feel the tension. The next thing that comes to mind is... play solitaire.
  
  YIKES! And why is that always the outlet? Because it occupies my brain and produces the same effect as working, only it's not as stressful. Weird, huh?
  
  The solution:
  
  If you do many different tasks for your business, like mine are writing, research, design, spreading the word and socializing on the WF , then move on to a task that is the most pleasurable and least stressful. This gives you the satisfaction of working, gets work done and avoids the avoidance that games provide. In my case, I'm quick to jump on the design work because I enjoy it the most. When the stress is eased and I'm into the whole "let's get to work" mindset, it's easier to switch to the more difficult tasks of researching and writing.
  
  So in case you missed it.
  
  1. Segment your workload into pleasurable tasks and unpleasant ones.
  2. Work on the easiest when stress piles on and you feel overwhelmed.
  3. Avoid avoidance - like, computer games and socializing until your work is done.
  
  Sylvia
  
  PS: Oh, yeah, Justin. You've beat me to the 2000 mark by 7, darn you, and I was working so hard.
  
  Thanks
  
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Stu784 15 years ago

I'm almost on my 20th woohoo. Oh and BTW... great advice
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Stu784 15 years ago

Why has it never occurred to me to only check my email twice a day?! Geez! I waste a lot of time just doing that...

I've just started doing this 11am & 4pm... let em build up.

I'm also looking into getting another monitor right now...

How much would it cost to set up 3 monitors and recommendation on where to go for this would be good?
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How To Get More Done In Less Time

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