So, you hit the office with a full cup of coffee, look at the desk and sigh. It’s a few minutes before 9, you have A LOT to do and no motivation to get started.  Here’s an effective way to start your week off… to start each day.

1. Make a List – write down on a piece of paper everything you need to get done down (keep this list in front of you at all times).
2. Pick the “low-hanging fruit.” Take the first 15 minutes and do the easiest, fastest things on your list (i.e. a quick e-mail or short v-mail). After 15 minutes, take a minute to refocus on your list, with all the completed items scratched off.
3. Turn off all distractions. Switch off your phone, e-mail alert and close your door. Pick the item on your list that is the priority and put your head down to work for 45 – 60 minutes.
4. Take a 10-minute break and repeat this process, re-evaluating your list about four times through the day.  Before long you will feel better about the work before you and more comfortable knowing you are accomplishing what needs to be done.

This a repost of an article that first appeared in the By George Journal in January 2011.

Chris George is an Ottawa-based government affairs advisor and wordsmith, president of CG&A COMMUNICATIONS. Contact: ChrisG.George@gmail.com