10 Ways to Get More Done with Less Stress

When it comes to getting things done in your business, do you find yourself drowning in overwhelm? Do you feel frustrated or confused by trying to figure out where to start or what comes next? Is procrastination the default for handling your stress?

It doesn't have to be that way.

There ARE ways to get more done - with less stress, every day. The question is, do you want to stay stuck where you are, or take the leap and bring more joy and triumph of accomplishment into your day?

Here are 10 simple things you can do today to breathe deeper, be more focused and more productive - with less stress!

1. Visual Clarity

Is visual clutter causing your mind to be cluttered? Stop shuffling papers around and start your day by taking 10 minutes to clear your desk. Think of it as a personal gift to yourself and create space for you. You will feel immediately refreshed and ready to get things done.

2. Free Yourself from Procrastination

You've got your "to do" list for the day. Take 2 minutes and prioritize the "have to" tasks you don't like to do. First determine what you can delegate to others and give them what they need to do it. Next, knock your "have to's" out first thing in the morning and before you can thin about procrastinating you'll already be done!

3. Show Me the Money

Schedule one (1) uninterrupted hour every day to focus only on high payoff activities. I said un-interrupted. Turn off the phone. Close the door. Tell others you are not to be interrupted for the next 60 minutes - unless the tsunami is at your door or Oprah is on the phone.

4. Take Control of Your Email - Part 1

Turn OFF the automatic send/receive on your email so YOU are in control. Schedule time in your day to check and respond to email at specific times, instead of reacting every time one comes flying in your inbox.

If you absolutely cannot turn it off, eliminate the sound and visual notification for a distraction-free computer session.

5. Take Control of Your Email - Part 2

Create an email account just for subscriptions to online newsletters. If your email program supports it, automatically file incoming mail so you can keep your inbox full of more urgent items.

6. Supercharge Your Environment for Focus

Some people work better with some kind of external stimulation. If that's you, turn on soft music or a soothing waterfall to stimulate your auditory system, light a scented candle to stimulate your olfactory system, and set a timer to create urgency. Then get to work!

7. Get It Done

Are you getting stuck in procrastination? Maybe the project is too big. If you have a list where the task is not immediately evident, it needs to be broken down. Ask yourself "What is the exact next step I need to take to get this task done?" Keep breaking it down until the answer is "Do it!"

8. Spark Your Creativity

If you're still having trouble getting something done, and you've broken the list down - it's time for a change. When you absolutely have to get something done and you're just stuck, change your environment. Go outside, get some fresh air, change rooms, turn on a fun song that makes you get up and dance. The change of scenery creates a change of your state and is an instant creativity spark.

9. Simplify Travel

Do you travel frequently? Are you still going into your suitcase (even though you returned last week) to pull out your toothpaste and shampoo? First, go unpack and put away your suitcase. Next, buy two sets of toiletries and store one in your suitcase so you stop stealing form your medicine cabinet and you're always ready to go!

10. Give Yourself Permission

Take at least one day a week and give yourself permission to do whatever you want, whenever you want for that day. If the mere thought of giving yourself a day creates panic and overwhelm, start small, but take at least an hour. that way, when you make the choice to get something done, it's much easier )and often more fun) than being in the mental state of "have to" do.

Putting these simple systems into place means taking action, being consistent and being willing to do things differently. If you implement these tips, you will fuel your productivity, have more fun in your business and put more money in your bank account. Guaranteed.