Productivity Tips: Top 10 Ways to Stay Ahead

Our friend, Rich Brooks, at Flyte Blog tagged us to weigh in on the subject of productivity. As a working mom, multitasking is my middle name. In honor of Mother's Day -- this coming Sunday (hint hint to my husband) -- here are the top ten ways that I try to do it all:

1. Plan ahead: Since we run a strategic planning company it would make sense that my #1 would be to plan! I Schedule planning days, pay attention to deadlines, cook for a week in advance and plan my days so that I have meeting days and then days just to work -- all a must to staying ahead.
2. Write it down: Unless I keep a to-do list, I’m hopelessly lost. Using paper and pen and writing down what I have to get done (whether it’s writing a blog or planning my daughter’s 6^th birthday party) is an absolute must.
3. Take it with you: The Blackberry has been a savior for me. While friends and my husband accuse me of being a Blackberry addict, it allows me the freedom to see clients, pick up my kids from school and have a life while also staying connected.
4. Find experts: I don't try to go it alone. The day we stopped trying to do our own accounting was a great day!
5. Automate: We automate as much as possible (invoices, bills) to save us time for "stuff" that needs our attention.
6. Clean up: I find the messier my desk, the less I get done. Anything I can do to stay organized -- whether emptying my email in box, filing, throwing away magazines, etc. helps me stay on task.
7. Say no: You can't do everything  and you shouldn't. Evaluate whether a particular job or client will add value or just distract you from getting the work that you really want. Similarly, there are lots of good causes out there and lots of people who will ask you for your volunteer time. Say yes to the causes about which you are passionate.
8. Kick it up: I make exercise a priority by scheduling it like a meeting on my calendar and include plenty of time to get to the pool or gym.
9. Read up: Read everything and anything you can get your hands on. It'll keep your mind active and engaged.
10. Take time out: A few weeks ago, my kids had a day off from school so I took the day off too. It was awesome. We made a lemonade stand, had a picnic and just relaxed. Days off are vital to peace of mind. Take time to regroup, breathe and relax.

So let's see what some other blogger chics have to say:

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