I wrote a rather lengthy article on this topic last year and thought having these tips handy so it fits on one page might come in handy for many of you! Remember, it takes about three weeks to form a habit, so start with one of the following strategies diligently, then watch your productivity soar!

1. Manage your energy: This is a biggie! Pay close attention to what fuels and diminishes your physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional energy. For example, exercise, meditation, reading, and conversing with inspiring, positive people does it for me!

2. Collaborate with others: I know you've heard the cliche, "Two heads are better than one", but have you heard the phrase 1+1=3? Imagine the power of combined creative energy producing something wonderful! Think co-opitition rather than competition.

3. Pay attention to your body rhythms: Your productivity levels tend to increase at a slower rate over time. If you work best during the day (or night!), capitalize on that and rest when your body tells you it's time to rest!

4. Use your strengths and farm out the rest: The art of delegation is not something to take lightly. You're not necessarily saving money (and definitely not saving time) doing it all yourself. Focus on what you do best (especially if you like to do it!).

5. Recognize the cycle of chaos and order and use it to your advantage: Creativity is generally a messy process. Go with it. What comes out on the other end is often better than you ever imagined!

6. Use a balance of your natural personality plus a stretch goal in order to grow : Do you have the "goal-oriented with optimistic 'to-do' lists" personality; the "naturally schedule-oriented, planning your days to the minute detail" personality; or the "hate routine and fly by the seat of your pants, and maybe even thrive on it" personality? Does your personality help or hinder you? Go outside your comfort zone and try on others and see what happens!

7. Practice daily self-awareness: The Journal is King (or Queen) for this, in my not so humble opinion. Don't edit yourself when you write either. Moods, accomplishments, open loops, creative ideas, and then some are all fair game.

8. Make sure you schedule "you" time every day: Yep. Down time is productive time (read The Power of Full Engagement Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz to see what I mean!). I promise you'll be more productive after taking that break and doing something you love!

9. Employ some of the traditional 'time management' tips: Track your activities, document your distractions, prioritize according to what's most important are just a few of many tips.

10. Create passive income: So many options--real estate, creating digital products (I can help you with that!), affiliate marketing, network marketing. What, among those choices, lights you up the most?

Remember that you don't have to try all of these strategies at once! But again, I encourage you to start with one and watch how it will change your life!

Carol Dickson
http://managingpersonalresources.com