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In our modern world, everyone is looking to do things faster, better, smarter, so it's no wonderthat productivity hacks are incredibly popular.But the truth is that there's nothing new under the sun; despite whatever the newest book,product, or guru wants to sell you, you can learn to become more productive with work habitspeople have used for many years. Apply even a few of these and you will increase yourproductivity, guaranteed:

1. Define your MITs. MIT stands for most important task, and just by taking a fewmoments to identify 35 things you must accomplish each day, you will improve youroverall productivitybecause you can't focus on your important work if you don'tknow what's important.

2. Don't multi-task. We live In a multi-tab, multiple device kind of world, but scientists tellus that none of us is truly a good multi-tasker. Working on one thing at a time will makeyou faster and less apt to make mistakes.

3. Create a morning routine (and an afternoon routine and an evening routine). Formany people, defining and sticking to a morning routine can help ensure a smooth startto the day. If you know you operate at your best when you have exercised and had agood breakfast, making those things a priority will positively affect the rest of your day.Likewise, routines for other times of the day can streamline daily tasks.

4. Edit your input streams and simplify. Most people I know wouldn't want to give uptheir newsletters, social media, or blog reading, but there are ways to make your mediaconsumption more productive. First, ruthlessly edit your media streams to the mostvaluable and important ones; then, find ways to streamline your consumption with RSSfeeds, apps like Hootsuite, and offline readers.

5. Be succinct. When writing emails, get to the point quickly. A good rule of thumb is tolimit your email to five sentences or less.

6. Do important work. In the classic "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," StevenCovey presents a matrix that divides our activities into four categories: urgent andimportant, not urgent but important, urgent and unimportant, and not urgent notimportant. The key is to spend most of our time in quadrent two, doing the importantwork that isn't driven by crisis.

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7. Batch similar tasks. The simplest example of this is choosing to process emails onlyonce or twice a day rather than jumping like one of Pavlov's dogs every time thecomputer dings. Identify tasks that are interrupting your flow (email, phone calls,meetings, etc.) and schedule a time to do them all at once.

8. Eliminate, automate, delegate. Doing your best work often requires eliminating orminimizing tasks that you don't need to do. First, eliminate anything you can from yourto do list; determine if any tasks can be automated with technology or templates; andfinally, delegate any tasks that don't need your personal attention to a coworker orassistant.

9. Work offline. The Internet is a fantastic, but tempting place. If you have difficultyavoiding its distractions, work offline or take your work somewhere without an Internetconnection to force some focus. I get so much work done on long plane journeys and Isometimes go to a local Coffee shop for some uninterrupted work.

10. Do the thing you want to do the least, first. Prioritize those items you are mostlikely to procrastinateyour day will go much more smoothly when the phone callyou're dreading or the report you don't want to write are finished and no longerweighing on your mind.

You don't need a fancy system for productivity, just a few good, timeless habits. I'd love tohear your best productivity hacksnew or classicin the comments.Here is a slideshare summary of these 10 timeless work habits:

-------------------I really appreciate that you are reading my post. Here, at LinkedIn, I regularly write aboutmanagement and technology issues and trends. If you would like to read my regular poststhen please click 'Follow' (at the top of the page) and send me a LinkedIn invite. And, ofcourse, feel free to also connect via Twitter, Facebook and The Advanced PerformanceInstitute.Here are some other recent posts I have written:

The One Thing Successful People Never Do5 Sad Truths About Success And HappinessThe 15 Biggest Body Language Mistakes To Watch Out ForWhich Of These Mistakes Do You Make - That Successful People Don't?Caution: When KPIs Turn To PoisonThe Tale-Tell Signs Of A Bad BossStop Using These 30 Phrases At Work!The 75 KPIs Every Manager Needs to Know

About : Bernard Marr is a globally recognized expert in strategy, performance management,analytics, KPIs and big data. He helps companies and executive teams manage, measureand improve performance.Photo: Shutterstock.com

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Aashish SharmaAashish SharmaDirector, Business Development, Application Services at CapgeminiDirector, Business Development, Application Services at CapgeminiAs always, a fantastic post by As always, a fantastic post by Bernard MarrBernard Marr. I'm not sure if you're taking requests, but perhaps. I'm not sure if you're taking requests, but perhapsa reverse of this post "10 Work Habits That Are Killing Your Productivity" would be useful for aa reverse of this post "10 Work Habits That Are Killing Your Productivity" would be useful for asignificant population.significant population.LikeLike(18)(18) ReplyReply(2)(2) 1 month ago1 month ago

Marilena PopaMarilena PopaHuman Resources Management | Talent Acquisition | Career Counseling |Human Resources Management | Talent Acquisition | Career Counseling |I knew it all of them. Will you give us as well 10 ways don't forget them, please?I knew it all of them. Will you give us as well 10 ways don't forget them, please?LikeLike(8)(8) ReplyReply(2)(2) 1 month ago1 month ago

Stephanie GriffithsStephanie GriffithsSenior Relationship Manager EMEA at CDM MediaSenior Relationship Manager EMEA at CDM MediaI completely agree with point 10 - since adopting this strategy I have found my days have beenI completely agree with point 10 - since adopting this strategy I have found my days have beensmoother and far more productive, taking away any tense items from my to do list first thing insmoother and far more productive, taking away any tense items from my to do list first thing inthe morning makes me feel like I have already achieved a lot in my day and sets me in athe morning makes me feel like I have already achieved a lot in my day and sets me in apositive frame of mind for the remainder of the day. I will be sharing this with my office,positive frame of mind for the remainder of the day. I will be sharing this with my office,thanks.thanks.LikeLike(6)(6) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

Quincy WillisQuincy WillisWeb & Graphic DesignerWeb & Graphic DesignerThis is a well defined list for everyone to follow in life. If I could add to the list it would be toThis is a well defined list for everyone to follow in life. If I could add to the list it would be tolearn 1-5 words a day and try and use them. Building vocabulary can not only give anlearn 1-5 words a day and try and use them. Building vocabulary can not only give anintellectual interpretation but also build memory skills in the process.intellectual interpretation but also build memory skills in the process.LikeLike(3)(3) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

Arsalan Anwar Khan (MSPM)Arsalan Anwar Khan (MSPM)Technical Project Manager at ZTETechnical Project Manager at ZTEEat a live frog every morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day. -MarkEat a live frog every morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day. -MarkTwainTwainLikeLike(3)(3) ReplyReply(1)(1) 1 month ago1 month ago

Thomas SkennertonThomas SkennertonDirector of Corporate Renewal (Australia & International) | Churchill EducationDirector of Corporate Renewal (Australia & International) | Churchill EducationThanks Thanks Bernard MarrBernard Marr for taking the time to publish this excellent article. Good common sense for taking the time to publish this excellent article. Good common sensestuff that most of us, from time to time, simply forget, or let slip from our routines. stuff that most of us, from time to time, simply forget, or let slip from our routines.

Professionally I add one more point. Professionally I add one more point.

11. Take the time to review your day; what you achieved, what you still are to achieve, and11. Take the time to review your day; what you achieved, what you still are to achieve, andwhat needs to be actioned tomorrow, that didn't get attention today (and communicate towhat needs to be actioned tomorrow, that didn't get attention today (and communicate toeveryone involved). everyone involved).

Thanks again :)Thanks again :)LikeLike(2)(2) ReplyReply(1)(1) 1 month ago1 month ago

Iyappan RathinaIyappan RathinaSenior Consultant at TCSSenior Consultant at TCSAbsolutely true, productivity working from home is more than working from the officeAbsolutely true, productivity working from home is more than working from the officeLikeLike(2)(2) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

Dhruv MakanDhruv MakanMedical StudentMedical StudentBut number 10 is the most apt thing for me to do personally. Prioritizing things is the biggestBut number 10 is the most apt thing for me to do personally. Prioritizing things is the biggeststruggle and learning how not to procrastinate, its the easy thing to do! At that point of timestruggle and learning how not to procrastinate, its the easy thing to do! At that point of timeanyways.anyways.LikeLike(2)(2) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

David (Dave) LynchDavid (Dave) Lynch Proofreading Book Formatting Book Marketing Proofreading Book Formatting Book MarketingAnd time boxing... give yourself a hard deadline and try to stick to it. Don't forget Parkinson'sAnd time boxing... give yourself a hard deadline and try to stick to it. Don't forget Parkinson'sLaw: any task will expand to fit the time allocated to it!Law: any task will expand to fit the time allocated to it!LikeLike(2)(2) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

Michael FabrisMichael FabrisVice Director of Finance at Foundation for Democratic AdvancementVice Director of Finance at Foundation for Democratic AdvancementWow, it must be so nice to work in a job where you have that much control and direction overWow, it must be so nice to work in a job where you have that much control and direction overyour work flow.your work flow.LikeLike(2)(2) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

carol wachiracarol wachiraGood insight. will start practicing nowGood insight. will start practicing nowLikeLike(1)(1) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

ABHISHEK BANERJEEABHISHEK BANERJEEInnovative Marketing Communication Professional with Exceptional Writing, Speaking,Innovative Marketing Communication Professional with Exceptional Writing, Speaking,Leadership and Organizational SkillLeadership and Organizational SkillGood insight Good insight BernardBernard, when I open my laptop in the morning I first of all follow the #1 point, when I open my laptop in the morning I first of all follow the #1 pointwhich you mentioned but at the end of the day I find some jobs are still remaining because Iwhich you mentioned but at the end of the day I find some jobs are still remaining because Ihad to reply email at every hour which deviate me from my task. The jobs which are pendinghad to reply email at every hour which deviate me from my task. The jobs which are pendingget postponed to the next day. I have tried a lot to correct this habit of mine but all in vain. Asget postponed to the next day. I have tried a lot to correct this habit of mine but all in vain. Asyou mentioned one should reply mail only at a time but that is not possible for me as I have toyou mentioned one should reply mail only at a time but that is not possible for me as I have toreply instantly(imp. emails only). reply instantly(imp. emails only).

In this case your article came as a savior for meIn this case your article came as a savior for meLikeLike(1)(1) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

vivian xievivian xiesales representative at Quality LED CO.,LTDsales representative at Quality LED CO.,LTDI completey agree to Number 2 - Don't multi-task, which simplies and speeds our workI completey agree to Number 2 - Don't multi-task, which simplies and speeds our workLikeLike(1)(1) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

Cristina Saez VillanuevaCristina Saez VillanuevaInternational Business and MarketingInternational Business and MarketingYes, I also agree in #2! Maybe when you have lots of things to do you see so little time toYes, I also agree in #2! Maybe when you have lots of things to do you see so little time tofinish it all, but really, if you go one task after another, you perform much better and lessfinish it all, but really, if you go one task after another, you perform much better and lessstressed!stressed!LikeLike(1)(1) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

Shirl Kennedy WippichShirl Kennedy WippichThe list is comprehensive and full of common sense. However, the challenge is gettingThe list is comprehensive and full of common sense. However, the challenge is gettingeveryone on the same page. I cannot recount the number of times meetings are scheduled ateveryone on the same page. I cannot recount the number of times meetings are scheduled atthe last moment or urgent communications are sent without any real person-to-personthe last moment or urgent communications are sent without any real person-to-personinteraction and an immediate response or participation is expected.interaction and an immediate response or participation is expected.LikeLike(1)(1) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

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G ManikandanG ManikandanHead Improvements at General Optics Asia LtdHead Improvements at General Optics Asia LtdAs usual, another excellent article from Bernard Marr. Simple, known, Effective, but notAs usual, another excellent article from Bernard Marr. Simple, known, Effective, but notfollowed facts. My sincere thanks to Bearnard Marr for this article. It reminds us to follow thosefollowed facts. My sincere thanks to Bearnard Marr for this article. It reminds us to follow thosewhich we can easily.which we can easily.LikeLike(1)(1) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

Henry NuckolsHenry NuckolsReal Estate Development Project Manager | Retail | Healthcare | Commercial | ResidentialReal Estate Development Project Manager | Retail | Healthcare | Commercial | ResidentialGreat advice from Great advice from Bernard MarrBernard Marr! A worthwhile read to improve overall efficiency in your day!! A worthwhile read to improve overall efficiency in your day!Keep the good stuff coming!Keep the good stuff coming!LikeLike(1)(1) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

Balasubramaniam MBalasubramaniam MTalent Acquisition,Staffing & Resourcing Leader | Global Recruitment Head | CXO HiringTalent Acquisition,Staffing & Resourcing Leader | Global Recruitment Head | CXO Hiring| Executive Search| Executive SearchGreat article. You hit the nail with "Define your MITs"...I am sure that would eliminate most ofGreat article. You hit the nail with "Define your MITs"...I am sure that would eliminate most ofthe problems...the problems...LikeLike(1)(1) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

Chandra ShekarChandra ShekarA Senior Business Leader currently on sabbaticalA Senior Business Leader currently on sabbaticalHi Hi Bernard MarrBernard Marr, great article...thank you for reiterating the most obvious - but most often, great article...thank you for reiterating the most obvious - but most oftenforgotten! Only thing I would think differently is the point around multi-tasking. We live in aforgotten! Only thing I would think differently is the point around multi-tasking. We live in acomplex world and multi-tasking is but inevitable. Not all of us may have the luxury of doingcomplex world and multi-tasking is but inevitable. Not all of us may have the luxury of doingone thing at a time. But if we follow the other 9 points called out by you especially point 8one thing at a time. But if we follow the other 9 points called out by you especially point 8(Eliminate, automate, delegate), one can effectively multi-task.(Eliminate, automate, delegate), one can effectively multi-task.LikeLike(1)(1) ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

Maxine SimpsonMaxine SimpsonInformation Technology ProfessionalInformation Technology ProfessionalI adhere to several of your suggestions, Bernard. I adhere to several of your suggestions, Bernard. I especially agree with number six becauseI especially agree with number six becauselong term value and improvements result from that kind of focus. long term value and improvements result from that kind of focus. Thanks!Thanks!LikeLike ReplyReply 1 month ago1 month ago

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