17 minutes to a more productive day (Jason Womack)

"If I just had more time I would..."

Have you heard yourself say this...Recently? Chances are high that you could have used some more time over the past few days. Time to think, time to plan, time to finish a discussion with someone in the office, time to catch up on emails, time to work out, time to initiate a conversation with someone at home...

During our busy, busy lives, it is absolutely critical that we balance all we have to do, so that it all gets done. Often times, we're working "between things." Ever found yourself checking your email while you're on hold on the phone? Have you brought a magazine or book to an appointment, just in case it doesn't start on time? Have you ever called someone (using a hands-free headset!) while you were driving or commuting to/from work?

If you want to get more done, faster, without having to "always be read" to do something, try this productivity practice: Use a timer.

Buy a digital timer (one of those countdown timers you might use in the kitchen) and bring it to your office. Some people have found timers that have a silent vibrate function as to not be ringing aloud, disturbing your co-workers. When you decide that one area of focus deserves a significant block of your attention, set the timer - say, for 17 minutes. Then, work. Work focused; work hard; work deliberately. Work until the timer goes off, and see what happens when you work through distraction, through interruption.