Control Your Destiny by Working Smarter and More Efficiently

As a blogger, you must be organized and your computer must be your best friend and assistant. 

Using your computer efficiently, being organized, and working smarter is the key.

If you can't find an important document, if you forget to make an important phone call, or you forget to pay an important bill on time, you will not only waste time, but it can cost you money.

Here are 7 ways to work smarter and keep this type of stress at a minimum:

1. Keep your desk organized.
Keep your files that you are currently working on close to your desk. I use two file crates that accommodate file folders always nearby. One crate has the folders that I am currently working on while the other crate has the research that I need to support the articles, blogs, and letters that I'm writing at that time.

2. Manage your time wisely.
Break your time down into segments associated with tasks. Here's how to do it. Determine what tasks that need to be completed each week. If you are like me, there are certain tasks that are consistent from week to week such as Phone Calls, Copywriting, Operations (organizing, filing, planning), Meetings, and Accounting. You may have other tasks that may not have to be addressed each week. Lay all this out and associate a segment of time to each task, either 30 minutes or more.

3. Learn keyboard shortcuts.
Here are some shortcuts for using Windows Logo: Start Menu Windows; Windows Logo +R: Run dialog box;  Windows Logo +E: Windows Explorer; Windows key +D  Desktop to foreground ; Alt + Tab: Switch to another running program; Alt + F4: Quit Program; CTRL+ ESC: Opens the Start Menu;  ALT+SPACE: Displays the main System menu; ALT+F4: Closes the current window. 

4. Keep adequate supplies available. Don't have your printer running out of toner when you have an important document that need to be printed immediately. The same goes for ink cartridges. Always keep spares on hand.

6. Don't get caught up in playing games or engaging in idle chit chat. I have two adult acquaintances that hold responsible positions in my community who play games on their computers almost from the time they arrive home to the time they go to bed. Personally, I believe in a life time of personal growth. 

In my opinion this is not the way to do it. I don't do idle text messaging, idle conversation (although I do love good intelligent and invigorating conversation) and I prefer to read for both relaxation and personal growth.

7. Read newspapers and articles online. Almost every print publication has an online version. I use Feedly and Pocket for these purposes.Save it and read periodically during the day. But, to each his own. By the way, there are some print publications that I prefer to have as a physical copy to read while I'm traveling.

To work smart requires you to have the proper mindset. Make it a priority and your will have satisfying results

What are your strategies. Leave your thoughts below.