There just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to get every thing done. With more demands being placed on workers because of increased competition in the work force, it is high time to find ways to better optimize your work life.

1.Come in early. A quite work space is more conducive to accomplishing tasks.

2.Outsource things you are not proficient at doing. There is no sense in taking the added time to learn a job that someone else already knows.

3.Stay organized. Being able to find what you need without having to take time to sort through a mess will make tasks easier and less stressful.

4.Prepare ahead of time (set out tomorrow’s work before you go home for the day)

5.Complete like tasks at the same time (i.e. Respond to all emails, return all calls, or do all correspondence).

6.Take short breaks through out the day. Get up and move around in order to get the blood flowing and get a change of scenery.

7.Ask for help. It is better to have extra hands than to fail at the task.

8.Do something you love. If you are enjoying your work, it won’t seem like work.

9.Get rid of distractions. Turn off the radio or television. Get into a quiet place away from the activity. Set your phone to message only. Without any thing to get you off track you will be able to stay focused and get more accomplished in a shorter amount of time.

10.Stay up to date. There are always new techniques and technologies being developed. Keep up with the ones that are utilized in your industry.

11.Work in teams. More minds and hands can make a task easier and more efficient.

12.Get plenty of rest. Most people need any where from six to eight hours of sleep to function fully. Make sure you are getting enough time.

13.Eat good meals. A healthy breakfast is a great start for the day. Lunch provides nutrition and a break to recharge. Dinner is just the meal to tide you over until it all starts again.

14.Exercise regularly. A healthy body allows for a more productive mind.

15.Just say no. Don’t take on too many projects at the same time. Limit yourself to what you can feasibly handle. It’s better to complete fewer tasks with excellence than have many that are just fair (or unfinished) projects to turn in.

16.Make your work space friendly. Live plants (be sure you keep them alive by watering regularly) are a great addition to any space and they are also good for the environment.

17.Dress professional, but comfortable. Dressing for success is about being able to work in your attire as much as it is about your appearance.

18.Be prepared. Have an easy snack or an easy fix lunch in your work space incase you aren’t able to get away for a bite.

19.Stay healthy. Take your vitamins, eat your fruits and vegetables, and wash your hands regularly (especially during the winter months).

20.Don’t try to work sick. Take some time off to let your body heal. A cloudy mind is a good way to make mistakes.

21.Reduce the paper trail. With so many ways to back up materials, try storing electronically instead of traditionally. This can also make it easier to search, copy, and even send materials.

22.Waste not; want not. Be environmentally friendly by recycling your materials. This could even save you money in the end (some places will pay for aluminum, paper, and even plastic).

23.Keep supplies easily accessible and shelves labeled. This will keep you from having to hunt down everything you need.

24.Keep your machines (printer, scanner, computer, etc.) in working order by keeping them clean and scheduling regular maintenance visits.

25.Take a break from tough tasks to do something easier or mundane (this is a great time to do those emails).

26.Brainstorm with others to open up ideas you might not think of alone.

27.Make a to-do list that can be broken down into days and weeks. This will keep the tasks in front of you and help you see what you can combine.

28.Put reminders of deadlines and commitments in your electronic calendars (like your email or your cell phone). This will give you a back up incase you forget something.

29.Be flexible. There will be situations that come up that will require you to change your schedule or your time line. Don’t panic; just try to go with the flow until you can get back on track.

30.Be assertive in what you need and want from your subordinates. Communication is the key to smooth sailing (whether you are on the open waters or in the corporate world).

31.Learn to play well with others. Animosity will not only hinder the way things can be done but it will also affect the quality of the work that does get accomplished.

32.Spend time with your family. Work can not be your life or it will end up destroying any life you might have.

33.Stay out of the office gossip (no matter if it’s by the water cooler or online). It’s not good for the morale of the work force or for your own productivity.

34.Clarify your job description. It is important to know just what is expected of you so that you can be sure to meet (and hopefully surpass) those expectations.

35.Be willing to move on. If the job becomes stagnant for you then find a job that challenges you and ignites your spirit. You will get more done if you want to be at work.

36.Come up with smaller steps to accomplish bigger goals. This will break down seemingly impossible projects into attainable jobs.

37.Use technology to your benefit. Don’t walk down the hall to talk with a colleague when a quick email (or even instant messenger) would be quicker and easier.

38.Find a mentor. Get someone in your industry (in your office or retired or even at another office) that will be willing to guide you along your way. They are sure to have some tips to keep you from stumbling over the small stuff.

39.Be willing to follow your dreams. If you see an opportunity or are willing to make it, then jump on in.

40.Work fresh. The longer you stay at something, the more tired your body and brain will become. Schedule harder tasks for in the morning when you are at your peak.

You don’t have to work longer and harder to get things done. The best way to get everything done is to work smarter. Following a few of these tips will get you well on your way to a more productive working environment.