Managing Your Environment

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

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