Staying Productive When You Seem to have ADD During Business Hours

I do not know about you but my most productive hours are from 7:45AM to 11:20AM Monday through Friday.  When I get into work, I turn on my venue and get to emailing, sorting, calling, and filing.  When 11 AM rolls around I feel myself slowing down.  Lunch time?! (man we love lunch here) Lunch is a great way to take a break and relax but when you come back it is hard to get out of that mindset and back into productive mode.  Here are some things that help me get the wheels spinning again:

1. Before lunch, lay out the items/tasks that you either need to complete, should have started, or just plain do not want to do. Don't make a stack that you know you will not finish.  Just a few things that really need to be addressed.  RULE: DO NOT file them somewhere to work on b/c if you are like me, they will just stay filed in that spot.  I cannot stand to have loose items on my desk so this makes me finish them or at least notice that that task needs to be worked on.

2. Set calendar reminders.  Again, only make a few and doable tasks so you can avoid clicking the close button without completing the project.

3. COFFEE... No need to elaborate on this one.  I do not get this luxury.  My co workers have taken away my privileges of afternoon coffee due to excessive "sparkle" (refer to earlier blog, "Sparkle Effect").

4.  Slow down and focus.  I know this sounds crazy but if you really slow down and take the time to think about what you want to get done before tomorrow, focus, and DO IT, you would be amazed at what you can get done.  I find myself staring at one of the files I placed on my desk before lunch thinking...uhhhhhh. However once I slow down and start working on it, it just starts flowing.  Its like going to the gym. The hardest part is getting there.  Once your there it's easy!  You also have the feeling of accomplishment when you are finished.   

Kinda like this blog... I knew I wanted to write one but didn't want to start it AND here I am.  One task complete and feel GREAT! What do you do to keep you day productive?