January 2016 Newsletter
 FREE Resource
 
Don't Toss Out 2015 Yet! 
 
Before you start focusing all your time, attention, and energy on 2016, why not take a few minutes to reflect on 2015 to see what you can learn to make 2016 even better.

Click here to download my 2015 Year In Review Guide.

To see what I learned during my own review, read
Before You Leave 2015.   
 
   
Featured
Testimonial 
  
 Thanks for coming to Indianapolis last week. Your message and enthusiasm were greatly appreciated. I know our participants gained much from your presentation because some of them were emailing me during the presentation asking me for your contact information so they could bring you to their organization. We will definitely be in contact for future presentations.
  
Denny Costerison
 Executive Director
Indiana Association of School Business Officials  
   
  
Favorite Quotes 

Your life is going to be OUT of balance more often than it is IN balance.
-Jones Loflin
(Tweet This)

You don't get uphill by accident. You must be deliberate, consistent, and willful. 
-Luke Jackson
(Tweet This)

Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you're proud to live. 
-Anne Sweeney

The mistake I find many people make is that they don't take care of the right things at the right moment, and they spend so much time regretting that they didn't make better choices when they had the chance.
-Jones Loflin

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.
-Benjamin Franklin


Did You Know?
 

23% of the employed do some or all of their work at home on days they work.
(bls.gov)

Research found that people are actually happiest on the job doing unchallenging assignments.
(wsj.com) 

46% of workers say that their productivity has greatly or somewhat increased because of the use of social media tools in the office.
(adweek.com)

 

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Article Spotlight

Workplace distractions are one of the biggest barriers to maintaining your productivity. While you can't delete them (especially if it's your boss or coworker), there are some simple things you can do to limit their negative impact.

Start your journey to improvement by reading,

9 Quick Ways To Minimize Workplace Distractions


 

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16 Quick Ways To Improve Productivity in 2016
 
It's been less than a week since you returned to work from your holiday break. You're filled with a renewed sense of purpose and determination about accomplishing all the right things this year. How's that working for you? If you're like most people (including me), reality has begun to set in, old habits are dragging you down, and you're already feeling overwhelmed.

To help ensure that the 2016 you want is the 2016 you create, start implementing some of these strategies into your day.

1. Budget to zero with your time. You don't just throw your money around (I hope). Why would you do that with your time resources?

2. Focus more on growth and less on maintenance. Be relentless in looking at what you can delegate, transfer, or automate to make room for more strategic tasks.

3. Develop a better morning routine. Do those things that nourish you physically, mentally, and emotionally.

4. Finish more tasks before starting other ones. You limit your ability to innovate because your brain is trying to keep up with so many incomplete activities.

5. Plan your day BEFORE engaging with technology. Whether it's social media, email, or even phone messages, you need to focus on YOUR expectations first.

6. Set specific times of the day to work with email or social media. You'll be amazed how it helps with information overload and improves your ability to focus more deeply.

7. Keep a distractions log for one week. Once you discover the most frequent ones, take action on how to minimize their impact.

8. Have an "end of day" perspective. Ask yourself, "What 3-4 things, if finished today, would give me the greatest sense of accomplishment?"

9. Plan for all 3 areas of your life every day. We tend to be most strategic about work. Don't forget to include your relationships and personal-well being.

10. Communicate your priorities to your team-often. Give them more opportunities to be your ally... and not your adversary.

11. Set time limits on tasks. Use a countdown timer to force yourself to move toward completion.

12. Remember that sometimes, "Done is better than perfect." Having these items finished frees you up to focus on more important things.

13. When you feel like things are out of control... STOP. You can't make a course correction if you are traveling too fast to read the map.

14. Reduce the urge to multitask. Take one task as far as you can with your current resources and information before moving on to another one.

15. Remember that your productivity is directly correlated with your team's productivity. If you lead or manage people, honestly ask yourself this question: "Have I fully enabled my people to get their work done?"

16. Celebrate more "harvest moments." Spend more time congratulating yourself for what is getting done instead of beating yourself up for what isn't getting accomplished. 
 
What's a productivity tool you are finding success with in 2016? Share it with me, and we'll post your response in a future newsletter.


For over 21 years I've been helping individuals and organizations improve their productivity. Before 2016 gets in full swing, why not schedule a training program or webinar to address the specific needs of you and your team? Start by calling me at 800-853-4676 or send me an email.
 
 
Featured Video 

Hear Jones talk about 3 productivity tools you need to use in 2016.

To make sure you don't miss any "Insights From The Jones Zone," click here to sign up for the weekly video series.

Product/Service Highlight
  
New Program!

Connecting Workaholics, Whiners, and Slackers on Matters Of Productivity
 
While so much time has been spent on how to create a diverse workplace, little attention is often given to how work can best get done with so many different backgrounds and perspectives in an organization. Failing to address these productivity preferences only serves to limit team results and increase animosity between team members with different views on how work gets done.
 
In this powerfully practical program you'll discover a powerfully practical process to get your different generations constructively talking about their productivity preferences. Time is also spent on determining the difference between a "work requirement" and generational preferences in how work gets done. Most importantly, you'll leave with the tools to improve the productivity of all generations working in your organization.

Why not give me a call at 800-853-4676 or send me an email and let's start talking about how this presentation can make an impact on your organization's bottom line and the work/life satisfaction of your people.  
 

  
In Partnership And With Gratitude,

Jones
 


You are receiving this newsletter because you have inquired about the speaking and training programs offered by Jones Loflin, received a copy of one of his books, Getting the Blue Ribbon, Juggling Elephants, or Getting to It, or signed up for his newsletter. To schedule Jones for a keynote or training program for your organization, email us or call 800-853-4676.

 

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