Once you are clear on your priorities, how do you improve your personal productivity while taking things off your to-do list?  McGhee Executive Consultant Peter Felsmann shares these 4 steps to create context:

1. Be "Selfish" with Your Time.  By being "selfish" you actually can be generous with those things that are a priority.

2. Communicate Your Intention. Increase productivity by being more aware of interruptions, and ask for support from colleagues. Have you ever been to a pet training class? If yes, then you know that the one getting trained is the owner. Why? Because the pet responds to the owner's behavior. So does everyone else in your life. You constantly train others on how to relate to you.

3. Eliminate Temptations. Get rid of the candy jar on your desk. Turn off the blinking envelope that appears with new e-mail. Set IM on Invisible or Busy.  This allows you to remain focused on the tasks on your list.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice. You've been running these habits for years. Give yourself a break and know that it may feel weird and uncomfortable to create the change. But keep going and pretty soon you'll feel lighter and more balanced.

These 4 simple steps help create the framework for you to focus on the tasks that matter.  So how do you ensure what matters gets attention? Ask yourself these 3 simple questions for each task before putting it on your to-do list:

·  Does this task support a company goal or objective?  If it does, put it down on your list and calendar time to complete it; however, if it doesn't, apply the questions below.

·  What is the impact of saying no to this task?  You will really need to be aware of when you start telling yourself a story.  For example, if the impact is "my boss will be mad" or "they will think I'm not a team player" then chances are you are getting stuck in the mentality of saying no is bad.  Take whatever steps are necessary to give this up, even if it means working with your Manager or Director to clarify why this task may not be vital.

·  What is the impact of saying yes to this task?  Look at all facets of your time: what is being put aside in order to complete this?  Is this something that could be better delegated to someone else?  Is saying yes going to create un-necessary stress or complications to your day?  Remember, the impact is incredibly important and only takes a minute to define.  Clarify the impact before accepting or rejecting the task.