Working Better, Faster, Smarter

The Problem: Too Much Information, Too Many Choices, Too

Much to Do, Too Little Time

Facts

“The average person today consumes almost three times as much information as what the

typical person consumed in 1960.”

The New York Times reports the average computer user checks 40 Web sites a day and

can switch programs 36 times/hour.

People distracted by incoming email and phone calls see a 10-point decline in their IQ….

……more than twice that found in studies of the impact of smoking marijuana.

The Evils of Multi-Tasking

- It’s Stressful

The Evils of Multi-Tasking

- It’s Stressful- Unproductive

The Evils of Multi-Tasking

- It’s Stressful- Unproductive- It is inefficient because it divides your

attention

The Evils of Multi-Tasking

- It’s Stressful- Unproductive- It is inefficient because it divides your

attention- Forces you to continually refocus on the task

at hand

Single-Tasking

“Run only one program or application at a time.”

Tips

• Rule the inbox

Tips

• Rule the inbox• Use folders….really!

Tips

• Rule the inbox• Use folders….really!• Embrace the Delete button

Tips

• Rule the inbox• Use folders….really!• Embrace the Delete button• Remember not every e-mail requires an

immediate response

Tips

• Rule the inbox• Use folders….really!• Embrace the Delete button• Remember not every e-mail requires an

immediate response• Don’t rain on late nights or weekends

Tips

• Rule the inbox• Use folders….really!• Embrace the Delete button• Remember not every e-mail requires an

immediate response• Don’t rain on late nights or weekends• Keep ‘em short and sweet – three sentences

Time Management

Setting Priorities

Create To-Do To-Done Lists

Setting Priorities

Create To-Do List AND a To-Done ListPlan Your Day in Blocks

Setting Priorities

Create To-Do List AND a To-Done ListPlan Your Day in BlocksUse a notebook to capture ideas and thoughts

Setting PrioritiesCreate To-Do List AND a To-Done ListPlan Your Day in BlocksUse a notebook to capture ideas and thoughtsBe focused – turn off distractions

Dealing with Distractions

Be disciplined about social media

Dealing with Distractions

- Be disciplined about Social media- Beware the Water Cooler

Dealing with Distractions

Be Pragmatic about Personal Calls and Errands

Power Meetings

• Have an agenda and stick to it.• Set a time limit…and stick to it.•Put away digital devices; if you don’t need a laptop for the meeting, don’t bring it• Be focused• Be engaged but stay constructive

The Importance of…..

How to Get Organized

Fact: Not a one-time or once/quarter thing

Tips:

Clean your deskUse a calendar; be realistic about your capacityDon’t ignore deadlinesReward yourself

Productivity Tools

- Google Docs- DropBox- Tungle- Remember the Milk- Evernote- Instapaper

Resources

• New York Times – “Your Brain on Computers” - http://nyti.ms/pwcpresentation

• Merlin Mann: 43 Folders (http://www.43folders.com/)

• LifeHacker (www.lifehacker.com)• Three.stenc.es - http://three.sentenc.es/• Zen Habits: http://zenhabits.net/how-not-to-

multitask-work-simpler-and/

Web site: www.markevans.caEmail: mark@markevans.caTwitter: @markevansTelephone: 416-669-7028