Focused Fall Productivity for Real Estate Investors

"Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else." -Peter Drucker

With Labor Day behind us, the fall season, a crucial period for real estate investors, is just around the corner—even amid ' The Dog Days of August, continuing into September.' By the way, Lynn and I will celebrate our 12th anniversary next week!

Now, fall can be a happy transition (as it is for many), though I know some of my clients wish the summer never stopped. It's a season that can get hectic with travel, weddings, and taking time off in general—and it should be a time to enjoy the outdoors. But fall, with its return to routine, is an excellent step toward productivity.

So, with all that in mind, I am offering you some thoughts today about ensuring that autumn is the start of something great.

It requires focus.

Here are a few productivity tips to utilize as we enter a new season, as your routine continues (or starts?). And if you're always in "scramble mode," think of ways to incorporate these methods into your daily life.

1. Choose Your "Focus Times"

No one knows you quite like yourself. I can't tell you when the best time of day is for work and productivity. However, it would be best if you nailed down that time. In the morning? As a night owl? Whenever you feel most productive, mark that time off on your calendar -- no one else can touch it. That's your time to buckle down and complete your MOST IMPORTANT tasks efficiently.

2."Do Not Disturb"

The first two steps on this list go hand in hand, but this is so important that it warrants its paragraph.

Whether in the middle of a "focus time" or not, use the "Do Not Disturb" mode on your phone or computer while you work. It's no surprise that technology is distracting. But consider this: according to research from the University of California, it takes an average of 25 minutes to regain focus after your first distraction.

Does checking in on social media take just a few seconds? Think again, and make "Do Not Disturb" a part of your routine.

3. Don't Accept Pointless Meetings

In the past, we've discussed how to run effective meetings -- something easier said than done.

However, many statistics discuss the ramifications of unimportant meetings. An Inc. Magazine article highlighting a survey from Doodle, cites the following:

"Poorly organized meetings mean I don't have enough time to do the rest of my work" (44 percent)
"Unclear actions lead to confusion" (43 percent)
"Bad organization results in a loss of focus on projects" (38 percent)
"Irrelevant attendees slow progress" (31 percent)

If you find yourself in costly, unproductive meetings, it's time to take charge. Start a new routine of saying "no" to these meetings if you see them as unimportant to your job success. Not only will this decision boost your productivity, but it will also save others time. It's a win-win situation that puts you in control of your workday.

4. Accept Help From Others!

I added the exclamation because many need to use this to their advantage.

We often think asking for help means burdening others, but it often has the opposite effect. Consider who you ask to take you to the airport or help you move into a new house. Those are your closest friends!

You have people who care about you, and productivity sometimes means not doing everything alone.

5. Small Breaks

Remember those social media distractions? That's not what we mean by "small breaks" here.

However, scheduling daily breaks into your routine can significantly increase productivity again, as long as the breaks are purposeful and consistent.
Remember, these breaks are not for mindless scrolling on social media. However, scheduling purposeful, consistent daily breaks into your routine can significantly increase productivity. Maybe every day at 10 AM, you walk outside around the block. Perhaps every day at 2 PM, you water the plants. These activities keep your mind sharp without mindlessly drifting into cyberspace. Regular mind refreshes like these are crucial to staying as productive as possible.

How are those five for a start?

Try them out, even if you focus on one or two this week! We all need productivity reminders from time to time. Let's keep refining our days so that friends, family, and ourselves benefit from better practices. So, try these tips and see the positive impact on your productivity!

BE THE ROAR not the echo®

Warmly, Janet, the Tax Wizard