I've been on a productivity binge recently... with my wedding drawing ever closer, my web design business never being so busy and generally having a lot of work to do with TACF... I've felt like productivity has been slipping through my fingers. It's like, the more I have to do the less actually gets done!

So... after talking to lots of people and trying a few things out, here is my official Top 5 Productivity Tips.

1. Lists (Thanks Pudd - This was the start for me). Getting stuff out of your head and down on paper goes a LONG, LONG way. It helps you plan ahead as well as feel a sense of achievement every time you get something done.

2. Clean Workspace - Tidy up around your desk or work area and give everything a home. Don't waste time searching for things under piles of paper (or in my case, behind hundreds of coffee cups).

3. Mix Things Up - Been staring at the same pixelated, desktop background for too long?
I had my laptop set to the windows default "Bliss" desktop background. After a while, it sub-consciously, got on my nerves and was frustrating to work with. I just downloaded a wallpaper called LazyDays (see attached wallpaper). It's clean and simple (much like bliss) and was just enough to make me feel inspired again.

SIDENOTE: I feel like I should do a scientific experiment on "The effect that a desktop background makes on productivity at work". I noticed that when I was using Ubuntu, productivity went down a LOT. I found myself craving a lighter desktop theme. For me, dark backgrounds just don't lend themselves to being looked at all day long. Maybe that's why popular social networking sites mostly have light colors (white and blue)? Try it! See what makes the difference for you.

4. Get in the Zone - Build momentum and keep going! This one will be different based on your own personal preference. For me it's music... I'll set a play list going in iTunes and put on my headphones. This helps me to stay focused for longer and get on a role.

For others it can be taking more, small breaks (rather than one long break). Getting back into the rhythm after a long break can take a long time... whereas breaking the day into smaller segments can help keep your mind fresh and keep productivity high.

5. Less emails! A tough pill to swallow for some email addicts... Sometimes face to face or a phone call just gets things done faster! Don't be afraid to pick up the phone rather than going back and forth on email for days.

Would love to hear what helps you be more productive... add yours in the comments below.