The Ultimate Productivity Booster...?

[Neil Morgan]

Hey Guys,

We've occasionally discussed on the WF practical things that you can do or buy to boost your productivity.

Dual screen monitor setup

Time management software

...and the like.

But you know, I was thinking today that the VERY BEST thing I do to boost my productivity is to look after myself.

I swim every day and I go to the gym 3 times per week.

The benefits for your health are obvious but from a purely business point of view:

- you have more energy

- you have a "can do" attitude

- you have more confidence

- you have more self-esteem

- you have better ideas, more often (at least, I do)

- you have "thinking" time, away from your desk

- your work seems "easier" because you're less tired, overweight and stressed out.

...and I'm sure there are many more.

If you're thinking about getting in shape I would say DO IT - STARTING TOMORROW - you'll feel real business benefits from the very first day.

Cheers,

Neil

[Sean Donahoe]

One of my best productivity tips that I use on a daily basis is writing down the tasks and thoughts I have at the start of the day. Basically clearing my mental inbox so I can stop thinking about them as I have them on paper in from of me.

This really helps me prioritize and balance my work day with everything I want to achieve.

However, as you say you have to take care of yourself. Many people forget that they are their businesses largest assets and neglecting the most powerful resource is going to mean profits lost in the long run.

Regards

Sean

[billnad]

Staying shape is very important. The best benefit I think is that the quiet time concentrating on non business related issues makes me a lot more focussed when I come back to it and spurs more business ideas.

Also exercise will stop you from being tired and gives you a lot of energy throughout your life. Think of it as a lifestyle decision

[Steadyon]

Most IM'ers (me included) find it quite addictive and it is easy to end up working long hours and not making sure you retire to bed at a reasonable hour.

If I have to I will burn the mid night oil, but if I do it for too long my productivity definitely suffers even though I am putting in more hours. Creativity is definitely affected if you don't get sufficient sleep, and a great idea can be worth a lot of money.

So sleep on it ;-)

[Neil Morgan]

Thanks for your feedback guys. All good.

To people who have never tried it, I would say, do it! You will understand from day one what we're actually talking about here. It's really not some airy fairy theory.

Cheers,

Neil

[InternetMarketingCenter]

One of the first investments you should make after you've made some money online is a comfortable home office set-up -- nothing fancy, mind you. A comfortable chair that encourages good posture and some ergonomic stuff for your computer can save you YEARS of physical pain from being hunched over or angled oddly while working.

Also, make sure to get up once an hour or so for a few minutes to get your circulation flowing, and stare through a window into the distance to give your eyes a rest.

Little things like that make your whole body and brain function more effectively.

And drink water! Dehydration makes everything slow down (and coffee doesn't totally count!)

[Neil Morgan]

And drink water! Dehydration makes everything slow down (and coffee doesn't totally count!)

Ha! I'm sitting here with the one cup of coffee I allow myself per day. The rest of the day - big glasses of water with a splash of lime juice.

Coffee - short boost followed by longer slump.

Cheers,

Neil

[urbt]

Planning is everything in my opinion. Plan out your [working] day before you do it and you'll achieve a lot more. Also, setting mini goals can help.

Ed