Top Five Time Wasters

If you’re like me, you like to start out the New Year with a great sense of purpose, vision and commitment. But somewhere along the way, we become, well, wayward, in our thinking and actions.

If you missed the 2012 Productivity Revolution Telesummit talk I gave on the Top Five Time Wasters, I’ll offer you them in a super tight nutshell.

#1 Multitasking

I’ve blogged about this ad naseum, but the truth is slow is faster and fast is merely exhausting.

#2 Bad data management

Information overload is a myth, according to Clay Shirky. What’s really going on is our lack of filters. Get them. Use them. Live by them!

#3 Lack of Tools & Techniques

By now you might be saying “Are you crazy? We’re more plugged in that ever. I need fewer tools, not more!” I’m not talking about dashing out to the nearest Apple Store for yet another gadget. Tabula rasa, baby. Not tablet. What we need is to use our tools more smartly. That includes turning them off. Or on less. It’s about gadget control, people.

#4 Unclear Prioritization

Ene, mene, mine, mo…ever started your Monday out like that? How far did you get? Use a chalkboard or whiteboard with magnetized cards that allow you to shift your priorities as they do. It’s empowering. And it works!

#5 Miscommunication

A biggie, especially around the holidays. Be clear in your communication. And remember to listen. Relationships are a give and take.

Have any others? I’m all ears!

PS You can still download the recordings to all the fabulous talks here!

3 Comments

  1. onewomanwalking

    January 11, 2012 at 4:47 am

    If we’re discussing business, put meetings at the top of the time wasters list. I’ve wasted more hours in business meetings than anywhere else in the world. Most people cannot run a meeting efficiently. I’d go on, but I’d risk being like the attendees of so many meetings I’ve endured. Longwinded, unfocused, know-it-alls. Nuff said.

    1. powerofslow

      January 11, 2012 at 8:08 am

      I used to work with someone who was a master at running meetinfs. A rare skill!

      Kind regards, Christine Louise Hohlbaum 917-477-3788 ++49/177-863-8661

  2. The Rise of the Data Dragon « The Power of Slow

    January 13, 2012 at 10:00 am

    […] you’re not alone. It’s becoming more and more apparent that my prediction of the Top 5 Time Wasters in the 21st century is indeed coming […]

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