Posts by Helene Segura, M.A. Ed., CPO®
How much time should you spend on email?
A writer for Better Homes and Gardens contacted me with questions about how much time should be spent on email. Here was her request: “For one of the illustrations, we would like to show a five-day calendar with periods of time scheduled for responding to emails. How much time do you recommend people block off…
Read MoreDo This to Prevent an IRS Headache
If you want to avoid an IRS headache when you need to make an estimated tax payment, take heed. Last week, a client told me his saga about tracking down the whereabouts of his payment to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), then disputing two delinquency letters he received from them. He estimated he’d spent nearly…
Read MoreThe Secret to Productive Meetings
A company called Yoyo Meetings interviewed me about the secret to productive meetings. Here is a summary of our interview: What are some tips on how attendees can prepare for a meeting to ensure a productive meeting? The first tip is to check on the meeting agenda. If there is no agenda, there’s already a…
Read More1 Small Habit to Prevent Stress
Have you ever met anyone whose life is so stress-free that they have absolutely no interest in learning how to prevent stress? I haven’t either. I know some very calm and balanced folks, but even they are open to continuous learning. Recently, writer Janette Novak was curious about small habits that increase productivity and reduce…
Read MoreSugar and Spice Pecans Recipe
Pecans are definitely not my favorite nut, but I was willing to give this recipe a try because of the story behind it. Betty Lifshutz shared this recipe with her community when she was in her 70’s and included the following story with it: “When we got married, I gave Archie the choice of having…
Read More5 Components of a Productive and Professional Out of Office Message
Taking time away from work to allow your body, mind and soul to recharge is an extremely important component of time management and productivity. By taking time away from work, I’m not just talking about physically; I’m also talking about mentally. This means not thinking about work and most definitely not checking emails during your…
Read MoreHow To Track Down Missing Deliveries
Whether your missing deliveries were supposed to arrive via USPS, FedEx, UPS or Amazon Prime, it can be a major frustration, especially if you have a deadline for when you need to receive your order. Recently, I ordered medical supplies for delivery through Amazon Prime. I specifically chose these items based on ratings, price and…
Read MoreHow Does Exercise Increase Productivity? The Secret Productivity Tool of Walking
If you’ve been wondering how exercise increases productivity, you’re in luck! Last week, a homework assignment I gave to a client included walking while creating her project management maps. She seemed surprised about this assignment – not the project planning, but the walking. This might sound like an odd set of instructions to give during…
Read MoreProductivity Boost: Giving Thanks
How can anyone possibly give thanks in 2020? Those were my initial thoughts when I was trying to figure out what to be thankful for this year, which is an annual Thanksgiving tradition. To stay positive, which increases productivity, I’m a big proponent of daily reflections about “wins” or accomplishments – no matter how big…
Read MoreOffice or Home Decluttering Projects: Where to Donate or Sell Your Items
You might have some extra time on your hands this holiday season since there won’t be holiday parties and large family gatherings thanks to COVID-19. With all of that extra time, you might relax a little more or go all out on baking…something fun. Or, you might decide to finally plow through and get rid…
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