Description
Book Synopsis In this constantly-connected, do-more-with-less world, being able to increase your productivity is a real advantage. Certified Professional Organizer (CPO®) and productivity expert Tamara Myles has developed a simple model—the Productivity Pyramid—which provides an actionable framework for anyone to achieve better results. Based on a sequence of steps leading to peak performance, the author’s easily adapt able system consists of five levels:
• Physical Organization: from decluttering to filing—fool-proof strategies for handling incoming papers and ensuring information remains accessible
• Electronic Organization: from dealing with email to electronic file management options such as cloud computing
• Time Management: mastering the three P’s—P
Table of Contents
CONTENTS
Acknowledgments xv
1. Steps to Productivity 3
Maslow’s Pyramid 5
The Peak Productivity Pyramid 6
The Challenge of Change 9
Climbing the Peak Productivity Pyramid Levels 10
Productivity Pointers 13
2. Where to Start 15
Peak Productivity Pyramid Assessment 16
Scoring Your Assessment 16
Level 1: Physical Organization 22
Level 2: Electronic Organization 24
Level 3: Time Management 25
Level 4: Activity-Goal Alignment 27
Level 5: Possibility 28
Productivity Pointers 29
3. Level 1 : Physical Organization 31
Why Clearing the Clutter Matters 32
Getting Rid of Clutter 34
To Toss 36
To Do 37
To Keep 37
April’s Story 39
Using the Three To’s of Sorting 42
Filing Options 42
Adam’s Story 45
More on Filing 46
John’s Story 48
Advanced Techniques 49
Grace’s Story 52
Margaret’s Story 52
Productivity Pointers 56
4. Level 2 : Electronic Organization 57
Seven Warning Signs 58
Electronic Files 61
A, B, C’s of E-Mail Processing 62
Access 64
Batch 65
Check 66
Delete 67
Execute 67
File 68
Backing Up Your Files 69
The Future of Electronic Management 70
Productivity Pointers 72
5. Level 3: Time Management 73
Three P’s of Time Management 74
Defining Time Management 75
Importance 75
Choice Management 76
Productivity Pointers 77
6. Plan 79
Write Down Everything 80
Four Decision Categories 81
Beth’s Story 82
Using Calendars 84
One Life, One System 85
Paper Planner 87
Tracking Tasks Your Way 88
Productivity Pointers 88
7. Prioritize 91
Prioritizing with Urgent and Important 91
Box 1: Important and Urgent 93
Box 2: Important and Not Urgent 93
Box 3: Not Important and Urgent 94
Box 4: Not Important and Not Urgent 95
Productivity Pointers 96
8. Perform 97
Perfectionism 97
Overcoming Procrastination 98
Time Wasters 102
Multitasking 103
Interruptions 105
Stealing Time 108
Productivity Pointers 109
9. Level 4: Activity-Goal Al ignment 111
Life-Changing Skills 114
Why Goals Are Important 115
Reacting Rather Than Planning 116
Developing Your Vision 119
SMART Goals 120
Six Steps to Goal Setting 123
Step 1: Commit 123
Step 2: Understand 123
Step 3: Create Goals 123
Step 4: Break Down into Tasks 123
Step 5: Schedule 124
Step 6: Assess and Reassess 124
Productivity Pointers 125
10. Paving the Way to Possibility 127
Discipline 128
Resources 130
Attitude 130
Resources 131
Health 132
Resources 133
Holistic Time Management 133
Resources 135
Productivity Pointers 135
11. Level 5: Possibility 137
Maslow and Self-Actualization 140
Early Influences 142
Alternate Reality 143
The Five E’s of Possibility 145
Enjoy 146
Engage 147
Enable 148
Evolve 149
Explore 149
Possibility Goals in Mind 150
Productivity Pointers 152
12. Power Office 153
Organize Your Work Areas 157
Uncluttered Surfaces 157
Designated Areas 158
Backup Systems and Storage 158
Work Area Efficiency 159
Folder Systems and Files 160
Streamline Processes and Systems 162
Plan and Align Goals and Activities 162
Plan Tasks 163
Schedule Activities 165
Manage E-Mail 166
Operate from the Power Position 166
Possibility for the Power Office 168
Productivity Pointers 170
13. Hiring a Productivity Consultant 171
Hiring Attributes 172
Attribute 1: Empathy 173
Attribute 2: Honesty 173
Attribute 3: Assessing 174
Attribute 4: Questioning 174
Attribute 5: A Good Listener 174
Attribute 6: Experienced 175
Attribute 7: Specific to Your Needs 176
Attribute 8: Well Versed in Different Systems 176
Attribute 9: Flexible 176
Attribute 10: Simplifying 177
Attribute 11: Clear Business Policies 177
Attribute 12: Professional 178
Interview Questions to Ask 178
Certified Professional Organizers (CPOs) 180
References and Referrals 182
Resources to Find Consultants 184
Productivity Pointers 184
14. Case Study: John Allaire 185
When the Bubble Burst 187
Stepping Up the Peak Productivity Pyramid 189
Afterword 193
About the Author 195
Notes 197
Index 201
