This problem seems exaggerated by all of these high tech communication tools we use every day. Personally, I struggle with getting my "real work" accomplished while I respond to emails, phone calls, Internet research, and now social media. Even though I know how to manage it, I find it hard to have the discipline needed to spend time working on the "real work" instead of spending time on the "fun stuff". Getting real about the time you spend on all of your daily activities helps you understand how to better manage your time.

How to "Get Real"

* Track the time time you spend each day on ALL of your activities. I recommend an online stopwatch tool (www.online-stopwatch.com). Start and stop the clock when you switch activities. Since it runs in your web browser, keep it open throughout the day.

* Write each activity down in your calendar or on a sheet of paper. At this point, do not change your normal behavior. You need to have a realistic picture of actual time spent, not what you think you should be spending.

* Track how many times you go in and out of email.

* Track the time you spend on social media.

* Track the time you spend surfing the web.

* Track the time you spend actually doing your work.

You want to be able to account for your entire day. After doing this for one week you will see just how much time you spend in each category.

Simple Steps to Improve Your Productivity

1. Determine time limits for the "fun stuff" during your work day.
2. Determine the daily priorities and complete them before moving on to anything else.
3. Find a 90 minute block of time for you to complete your "real work".Schedule this time as an appointment on your calendar.Generally productivity decreases later in the day.
4. Cluster the other stuff together.For example, decide to check your email 3 times per day spending 30 minutes in each email session. I recommend once in the morning, just before lunch, and 1 hour before quitting time.

Is social media a legitimate part of your business? If not, it belongs outside of your work day. Don't just pretend it's for work and then chat with your best friend on Facebook. Schedule an appointment with yourself in the evening.

Always time yourself when you start Internet research. Have you heard of the phrase "going down the rabbit hole?" This is when one web page links you to another, and another, and sometimes will distract you from your original goal. An hour later, you realize you still don't have your answers. Set a limit of how much time you allow yourself to spend surfing the web.

Keep personal calls and conversations out of your work day if at all possible.

"Getting real" about how you spend your time helps you determine what you need to do in order to manage it more effectively. Once you start to log your time, the online stopwatch will be your best friend or your worst enemy. Understanding how you spend your time is the first step in making real change.

Wishing you a very productive day!

Tamara Meyer
Productivity Consultant
Meyer Professional Organizing, LLC
www.meyerorganizing.com