16 Tips For A More Productive 2016

It's been less than a month since you returned to work from your holiday break. You're filled with a renewed sense of purpose and determination about accomplishing all the right things this year. How's that working for you? If you're like most people (including me), reality has begun to set in, old habits are dragging you down, and you're already feeling overwhelmed.

To help ensure that the 2016 you want is the 2016 you create, start implementing some of these strategies into your day.

1. Budget to zero with your time. You don't just throw your money around (I hope). Why would you do that with your time resources?

2. Focus more on growth and less on maintenance. Be relentless in looking at what you can delegate, transfer, or automate to make room for more strategic tasks.

3. Develop a better morning routine. Do those things that nourish you physically, mentally, and emotionally.

4. Finish more tasks before starting other ones. You limit your ability to innovate because your brain is trying to keep up with so many incomplete activities.

5. Plan your day BEFORE engaging with technology. Whether it's social media, email, or even phone messages, you need to focus on YOUR expectations first.

6. Set specific times of the day to work with email or social media. You'll be amazed how it helps with information overload and improves your ability to focus more deeply.

7. Keep a distractions log for one week. Once you discover the most frequent ones, take action on how to minimize their impact.

8. Have an "end of day" perspective. Ask yourself, "What 3-4 things, if finished today, would give me the greatest sense of accomplishment?"

9. Plan for all 3 areas of your life every day. We tend to be most strategic about work. Don't forget to include your relationships and personal-well being.

10. Communicate your priorities to your team-often. Give them more opportunities to be your ally... and not your adversary.

11. Set time limits on tasks. Use a countdown timer to force yourself to move toward completion.

12. Remember that sometimes, "Done is better than perfect." Having these items finished frees you up to focus on more important things.

13. When you feel like things are out of control... STOP. You can't make a course correction if you are traveling too fast to read the map.

14. Reduce the urge to multitask. Take one task as far as you can with your current resources and information before moving on to another one.

15. Remember that your productivity is directly correlated with your team's productivity. If you lead or manage people, honestly ask yourself this question: "Have I fully enabled my people to get their work done?"

16. Celebrate more "harvest moments." Spend more time congratulating yourself for what is getting done instead of beating yourself up for what isn't getting accomplished.