The "10-Minute" Productivity Booster

On your to-do list you may have many tasks - some big, some small - to complete. Try the "10-minute" productivity boost by taking any small task that can be completed in ten minutes and knock each one out accordingly.

For instance, say that you need to call Mom, clean the dishes, and fold the laundry all at some point today. All these tasks could typically be completed within ten minutes. So, within three 10-minute spans, complete all three tasks in whichever order you see fit. Perhaps: Clean the dishes within 10 minutes, then fold the laundry within 10 minutes, then call Mom and converse for about 10 minutes. Within a half hour, all three tasks are completed!

This trick makes completing and crossing off tasks more rewarding by adding an element of efficiency to your productive day. Even more rewarding is when you can combine two tasks effectively - say, simultaneously conversing with Mom via Bluetooth headset while folding laundry - both within a 10-minute period.