•  Invest in a dozen of your favorite, inexpensive  pens and a small pen holder to avoid constantly searching for pens.   Keep the tray, filled with pens, in a drawer near the phone.

•  Make your work day afternoon more productive by  leaving the office during lunch time.  Energize yourself by  breathing some fresh air, taking a walk or closing your eyes for a few  minutes.

•  Clear your desk top of all personal mementos.   Hang them on the walls, place them on shelves, but give yourself space  to work at your desk, without distractions.

•  Schedule appointments and meetings with both  beginning and ending times.  People are more"to-the-point" when they are up against a deadline.

•  Complete a phone call, then write down your next  action relating to the call.  Do you need to make another call or mail something?  If you can't do it now, write it down.

• Simplify a  big project by writing down everything.  Then, put the tasks in order.  Next, set up a time line.  Finally, delegate as much as possible.

• Reduce interruptions at work by moving your desk so  you can't see the door.  Passers-by will not be able to catch  your eye as they walk by, thus avoiding unnecessary conversation.

©, Barbara Myers www.ineedmoretime.com