Our Top Picks From Fast Company's "Secrets of the Most Productive People"

The December/January (Issue 191) of Fast Company featured "151 Secrets of the Most Productive People.

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In a clever, illustrated layout inside the magazine, Fast Company laid out "A Day in the Life of Your Most Productive Self". Some of their tips you will have heard of - but it's good to hear them again because they really do save time - and others may be new... As part of our 'A-List Careers' series: Here's our picks for the best-tips along with a few other nuggets to motivate you to "Just Do It".

Lay your clothes out the day before. (Dare we say... do it for the week).
TIP: Choose basics that have a bit of flare. A black skirt with a draped front or shirring at the sides. A white blouse with a sleeve detail. More style inspo' here.
Plan or pre-make your lunch.
Wake up at the same time everyday. Meditate if possible or just get up early enough to have a cup of coffee or tea while you jot down your thoughts/dreams/to-do list. Molly Ford had some really great advice here.
Get to work early if you can to tackle any tasks that you didn't get to the day before.
GOAL:Fast Company had a good email TIP from author and professor Jonah Berger, "Never read an email more than once". …"only read emails when you have time to reply". That way you won't find yourself backed-up or searching for it later.
Don't forget to step away from your desk every hour. Move around a bit, drink some water, let your mind refresh and recharge.
Try not to get bogged down in / or schedule excessive meetings. Maybe a 30 minute one-on-one conversation with a key player or players would be more effective.
As the day winds down, set your priorities for the next day and straighten up your desk.
Some of the most successful people work from 9-5 and 5-9. Fast Company suggests having a drink with someone after work. "Make time for creativity. A drink or two decreases inhibition and self-critical thinking and allows for imaginative brain flow".
Cheers.