What would you say is your biggest distraction? Likely your biggest distraction has something to do with technology. Emails popping up. Facebook messages causing you to change browser tabs. Cell phone vibrating constantly with alerts. With every distraction you are losing valuable time and productivity. How do you manage your environment?

If your desk looks anything like the one to the left then you are likely not even attempting to manage your environment at this point.

Here are some tips to help you get started managing your environment:

• Clear the clutter; develop an inbox, outbox, and "backburner" system.
• Turn off alerts on your phone unless you prompt them; set aside time to check emails and social media.**
• Turn off email alerts on your computer; the email will be there when you  get there.
• Make sure your work area is ergonomic.
• Consider floor plan, lighting, noise, air quality, and maintenance/tidiness when designing your office space.

**How to turn off automatic email updates on your iphone: http://email.about.com/od/iphonemailtips/qt/et_checking.htm

"People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that are there. You have to pick carefully." -Steve Jobs

Priorities Activity: Write down a list of your priorities. Now pick the top 8. Next write down the top 8 things that occupy your time in a week. Then write down the top 8 things you envy in others. Finally, eliminate 2 items at a time until you are left with 10. And those are the priorities you should focus on.

Now that you know your priorities. How do we set boundaries? Some suggestions: time blocking, create a daily focus, and don't answer the phone just because it rings.

Boundaries in 7 Steps:

1. Listen to yourself: tune-in to your hobbies, interests, and values
2. Priorities: What do you value? What matters most to you in life?
3. Create Ally's (people, tools, etc.)
4. Say "no"
5. Say "yes" to the things you want to do
6. Pay attention to how you feel
7. Self-esteem and stay firm

Why we say yes...

• We don't want to hurt someone's feelings
• We are afraid of being rude
• We fear conflict
• You want to be agreeable
• Fear of lost opportunities (a lost opportunity wasn't your opportunity to begin with)
• We don't want to burn bridges

ALL of these are FALSE BELIEFS!

How to say no:

1. Understand your situation to avoid the guilt of saying no (know priorities)
2. Do NOT make detailed excuses
3. Fire customers
4. PRACTICE

"No" Scripts

"I can't commit to this as I have other priorities at the moment."

"Now is not a good time as I am in the middle of something. How about we reconnect at (x) time?"

"Let me think about it first and I'll get back to you."

"This doesn't meet my needs right now, but I'll be sure to keep you in mind."

"I'm not the best person to help on this. Why don't you try (x)?"