A Bitesize approach to productivity

Achieve more at work

At the BiteSize office we’ve ditched news year’s resolutions because good intentions rarely last beyond February. Instead we’ve committed to making small changes each month; whether you’d like to spend 15 minutes each day planning or use the stairs instead of the lift - you’ll have a greater chance of success if you review and reset your goals at the beginning of each month.Here's a list of Bitesize resolutions to kick the year off:

• Declutter in small chunks - throw away three things EVERY day.  It doesn’t matter what – old papers, a single sock, a dried up marker pen.  For a household of four, that’s 84 items a week, for an office of 6 that’s 90 items a week.

• Make realistic changes to your diet and exercise regime – small changes like drinking water, lots of it throughout the day, can have a big impact.  It will not only fill you up, help you detox but most importantly will hydrate your brain.  With 78% of your brain being made of water, it is said that just 1% dehydration leads to 10% loss of brain function and effectiveness.

• Segment your time – use a timer to focus on just one activity at a time for 30 minute periods – 30 minutes responding to emails, 30 minutes on project work, 30 minutes planning, 30 minutes having a one-to-one with your manager or team-member, 30 minutes new business activity.  Don’t do anything else during that time.

• Do it NOW – whatever it is – adding a telephone number to your contact list, cancelling the milk, booking your performance appraisal, unsubscribing from unwanted emails – build in one 30 minute session for these small “Do it NOW” activities each day.

• Take 5 minutes to clear your desk, close windows on your computer – do this at least twice a day for a mental refresher.

• Keep one morning a week free for admin and refuse meetings during that time.

We'd love to hear your tips for the new year.