While there are many tips to improve your productivity through managing e-mail, developing better to-do lists and similar tactics, consultant Chris Edgar says that misses an important fact: One of the biggest obstacles to getting our work done is our own minds.
On lifehack.org he cites the power of meditation to discipline the mind, and suggests you borrow from it when you are getting distracted or scatter-brained at work.
Focus on your breathing. Whenever we focus our attention on what's happening in our bodies, our awareness settles into the present. This allows the memories and concerns bothering you to dissipate.
When you have uncomfortable thoughts - be it anxiety or boredom - just let them be, relaxing and taking note of them. You'll find the thought or sensation will pass away quickly, perhaps within a few seconds or minutes. This beats fighting boredom by distracting yourself with Web searches.
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Power Points
SELF-IMPROVEMENT
Want to succeed? Stop doing things
Toronto-based success coach Robin Sharma urges you to keep a stop-doing list. RobinSharma.com
ON THE JOB
A lament for managerial training
Consultant Wally Bock says it's a scandal that a recent survey found 58 per cent of managers had not received any management training when they became supervisors.
"Being a boss is an apprentice trade," he notes.
"For heaven's sake, we train newly hired janitors and jail guards. You need training to be a cosmetologist. But more than half the people in front-line management get no training?" Three Star Leadership Blog
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Striking the balance for true success
Regina-based consultant Sherry Knight shares this statistical formulation she recently came across: Success is based 15 per cent on skills and 85 per cent on the ability to understand people. Knight Views Newsletter
TECH TIP
Easy way to reopen a browser tab
You can quickly reopen a browser tab you have just closed by clicking CTRL, Shift, and T at the same time. With a Mac OS X operating system, it's Command, Shift, and T. Lifehacker.com
