"Do what is most important first," were the words used by my favorite Principal to usher us into another 'impossible to get it all done' mission, we left the interminable meetings in despair to decipher what that meant for each one. Our every exhibit installation at the museum magnet (every 9 weeks), launched us into stress metastases.
This new year, 2025, his words of wisdom resonate even more poignantly with his passing. It's as if life hasn't changed a bit for me in spite of having left the profession that takes it all. I'm still having to figure that out every day.
1. Organize Your Thoughts
I hope you have made your Vision Boards and To-Do Lists in sight and on your mind. May your dreams come true this year, 2024. Think your wishes into being by feeling it. Use visualization and practice the feeling.
This year marks a new beginning for TAT Productions as a 501C3 nonprofit private fund corporation, CAMP (Conscious Arts Media Productions). What is different in your year? What is the same? What would you life to change?
The learning curve of a new entity formation and management while product packaging, pitching, and seeking production funding can quickly become a health hazard. Stress, we know, motivates us and also finishes us. Ask my hips. They both had to be replaced when I decided to embark in a new direction as a writer. Out of fear? Perhaps. We die when we are not at ease.
So take it a day at a time. Set and follow an ideal schedule that includes exercise and nutrition. Pace yourself and keep track. Keep a Journal, make to-do lists, and write in your Diary.
If only we could. We've done that before and it didn't work. We lost track, got involved and led away from your primary focus. It felt good so you basked in the light. But soon ,you knew it was only a mirage. What to do? Look forward. Start new.
What is most important for you to accomplish today, every moment of the day?
It looks like my response might have been interrupted before I could finish. Here’s the complete blog post for you:
Maximizing Work Efficiency: At Home, in the Office, and at School
In today’s fast-paced world, efficiency is key to success—whether you’re working from home, tackling projects in an office, or managing school assignments. The secret to getting the most done in the least amount of time lies in strategic planning and prioritization. By planning ahead and focusing on what’s most important first, you can maximize productivity and minimize wasted effort.
1. Work Efficiency at Home
Working from home offers flexibility, but it also comes with distractions. To stay efficient:
• Plan your day the night before. Outline your top priorities and schedule tasks in time blocks.
• Use the “Eat That Frog” method. Tackle the hardest or most important task first to set the tone for the day.
• Eliminate distractions. Set up a designated workspace, turn off notifications, and use productivity apps like Pomodoro timers to stay on track.
• Take breaks strategically. Short breaks, such as the 5-minute rule, help maintain focus and prevent burnout.
2. Work Efficiency in the Office
Office environments can be filled with meetings, emails, and interruptions. Here’s how to make the most of your time:
• Prioritize high-impact tasks. Focus on work that contributes the most to your goals before getting lost in emails or minor duties.
• Time-block your schedule. Set aside uninterrupted time for deep work while scheduling meetings and emails in designated slots.
• Communicate effectively. Use concise emails, clear agendas for meetings, and collaborative tools to streamline workflow.
• Avoid multitasking. Switching between tasks reduces efficiency. Instead, batch similar tasks together for better focus.
3. Work Efficiency at School
Students juggle assignments, classes, and extracurriculars, making time management essential:
• Use a planner or digital calendar. Set deadlines and reminders to stay ahead of assignments.
• Start with the toughest subject. Your brain is freshest early on, making it easier to tackle challenging material first.
• Limit distractions. Study in a quiet space, use apps to block social media, and follow the 25-5 study rule (25 minutes of work, 5-minute break).
• Stay organized. Keep notes, assignments, and schedules in one place to avoid last-minute scrambling.
Final Thoughts
Efficiency isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or at school, the key to getting more done in less time is prioritization, planning, and minimizing distractions. By implementing these simple strategies, you can boost productivity and free up more time for what truly matters.
Would you like any tweaks to the tone or structure? 😊
What Is the 5-Minute Rule?
The rule states:
👉 If a task takes less than five minutes, do it immediately.
👉 If a task feels overwhelming, commit to working on it for just five minutes.
This technique is useful in two main ways:
1. For Small Tasks: If something can be done quickly—like responding to an email, making a quick call, or tidying up your desk—it’s best to handle it immediately rather than letting small tasks pile up.
2. For Overcoming Procrastination: If you’re dreading a big task, tell yourself you’ll work on it for just five minutes. Once you start, you’ll likely build momentum and want to keep going.
Where Did It Come From?
The 5-Minute Rule is widely attributed to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational psychology. It’s used in CBT for anxiety and ADHD to help people break through mental resistance to tasks. Mel Robbins also promotes a similar concept in her “5-Second Rule”, which focuses on taking action before hesitation kicks in.
Why Does It Work?
• Overcomes Mental Barriers – The hardest part of any task is starting. By making the commitment small (just five minutes), you bypass the fear of a big workload.
• Activates the Zeigarnik Effect – Our brains like to finish what we start. Once you begin, you’ll feel the urge to keep going.
• Reduces Task Avoidance – Instead of overthinking or delaying, you take quick action, which builds momentum.
How to Use It Effectively
✅ If a task takes under 5 minutes, do it now rather than putting it on a to-do list.
✅ If a big task feels daunting, set a timer for 5 minutes and start. Once the timer goes off, you can stop—but most people choose to keep going!
Would you like help applying this method to your daily routine? 😊
The “Eat That Frog” method is a productivity technique popularized by Brian Tracy in his 2001 book Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time. The concept is based on a famous quote attributed to Mark Twain, who allegedly said:
“Eat a live frog first thing in the morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”
Although there’s no concrete evidence Twain actually said this, the idea is simple: if you start your day by tackling your hardest or most important task (“the frog”), everything else will feel easier afterward.
How It Became a Productivity Strategy
Brian Tracy expanded on this idea, turning it into a structured time management and anti-procrastination method. He argued that people tend to procrastinate on high-value tasks because they are difficult or overwhelming, yet these tasks contribute the most to long-term success. By identifying your biggest, most important task and completing it first, you set a productive tone for the rest of the day.
The Core Principles of “Eat That Frog”
1. Identify Your “Frog” – Determine the most crucial task that will have the greatest impact.
2. Do It First – Complete this task before moving on to anything else.
3. Avoid Distractions – Focus entirely on the task until it’s done.
4. Break It Down If Necessary – If the task is too big, break it into smaller steps and complete them in order.
Why It Works
• Reduces Procrastination – Once the hardest task is done, everything else feels easier.
• Boosts Motivation – Accomplishing something difficult early builds momentum.
• Prioritizes High-Value Work – Ensures you focus on tasks that drive the most results.
Since its introduction, the “Eat That Frog” method has become a widely used productivity strategy for professionals, students, and anyone looking to improve their efficiency. Would you like me to relate this method to a specific work or study situation? 😊
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