6 Productivity Tips For Speakers To Get More Done in Less Time

NSA TEAM

If you’re a professional speaker and business owner, you’ve got a lot of responsibilities…

You have to constantly craft speeches, network, market yourself, secure gigs, manage your budget… the list goes on and on.

Not to mention, practice your speaking skills, day in and day out.

Safe to say, you’ve got a lot on your plate. After all, you’ve got to do everything on your own!

That’s why managing and prioritizing your time is so important in achieving success and growing your business.

Luckily, there are things you can start doing today to boost productivity and avoid burnout.

Here are 6 productivity tips to help you achieve your goals in less time.

 

The 33.33 Minute Rule

This time blocking tool is extremely helpful in getting more done in less time, while greatly improving your quality of work.

It’s simple and easy to use.

The next time you’re working on a task, simply set a timer for 33.33 minutes. Then, work until the timer goes off.

Once it does, stop whatever you’re doing, no matter how much you’ve gotten done. Get up and cool off. Take a quick 10-15 minute break. Then, reset the timer and get back to work.

Repeat this as many times as you need until you finish your task.

You’ll be amazed at the results.

Tremendously cutting down the time it normally takes to complete a task and a HUGE spike in quality.

The reason why this nifty trick works so well is that you put your undivided focus, attention and energy into the task at hand, every time you sit down to work.

 

Pareto’s 80/20 Principle

The 80/20 principle is a total game-changer for professional speakers looking to manage their time and maximize their efforts.

This principle claims that 80% of results come from 20% of the effort you put in.

An Italian economist and sociologist, by the name of Vilfredo Pareto, created this rule when analyzing wealth and income distribution trends in Europe (in 1906).

This rule is just as relevant today as it was way back in the early 1900s.

Here’s what you do…

Focus on the top 20% of tasks that have the greatest impact on your goals. Take the time to analyze your tasks and figure out the few that drive results. And, of course, work on them first!

By prioritizing the result-driven tasks first and spending the bulk of your time on them, you’ll find it much easier to reach your goals, in far less time.

 

Avoid Multitasking at ALL COSTS

Multitasking is a HUGE problem!

Why?

Because when you have two targets, the chances of hitting either becomes much harder.

Splitting your attention into two (or more) things at once makes simple, easy tasks MUCH more difficult and time-consuming to complete.

An easy way to avoid multitasking is to plan your day in advance.

Jot down all your tasks the night before. And prioritize your tasks in two columns.

One column with urgent tasks that NEED to be completed and another column of less important tasks, that can be left for another day (only complete 2nd column tasks if you have free time).

By making a habit of focusing on ONE task at a time, you’ll maximize your efforts and create better work.

 

Remove Distractions

Nowadays, distractions are everywhere.

We’re constantly bombarded with messages, advertisements and notifications from our phones and social media.

All fighting for our attention and sucking up our time.

It never seems to end.

However, there are things you can do today to protect your time from being wasted…

  • Remove everything from your desk (except what you’re working on)
  • Close irrelevant windows on your computer
  • Put your phone in a separate room, or, at the very least, turn off notifications (“do not disturb” setting)
  • Find a quiet place, away from people, to do your work
  • Simply say no - you come first, the last-minute favors and requests can wait

By practicing these tips, you’ll eliminate distractions and have a much easier time focusing on your work.

 

The ONE Thing

What is the ONE most important task that will help you reach your goal?

Decide what it is, and work on it first thing in the morning, for 4 hours.

That’s right. Don’t do ANYTHING else until you work at least 4 hours on the ONE most important thing to reaching your goal.

This concept of simplifying your workload and focusing on the ONE most important task was created by Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan, and discussed in detail, in their best-selling book - The ONE Thing.

Not only does The ONE Thing give you a simple and effective way to prioritize your tasks, but it gives you a clear plan for structuring your entire year.

Here’s how…

Simply fill out a calendar (or excel spreadsheet) with daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. Pick up to three goals per section, prioritize them, and then, fill in the ONE thing needed to complete each goal.

By structuring your calendar this way, and only working on the ONE thing, you will find it MUCH easier to consistently reach your goals.

 

Start Your Morning Off Right

A great way to ensure you have a successful day is by starting your morning off on the right foot.

How?

Create a rock-solid morning routine!

Here are some helpful suggestions:

  • Meditate or do some yoga
  • Take a quick walk outside to soak in the sun and breathe in the fresh air
  • Chow down on some fruit (bananas, berries, apple, etc.)
  • Take a cold shower
  • Exercise (cardio is best for energy)

All of the above are great for clearing your mind and boosting your energy, in a healthy and sustainable way that will last throughout the day.

 

Conclusion

Your time is too valuable to waste.

By effectively managing your time and prioritizing your tasks, you’ll be well on your way to reaching your goals.

Use any (or all) of the 6 tips mentioned above to help maximize your efforts and boost your productivity.