| Being productive sometimes requires that you | | | | track and perhaps see things in the "bigger scheme", |
| announce to others or even give yourself a reminder | | | | such as "Master's Degree within the Next Five Years". |
| of what you are trying to accomplish. Handy signs can | | | | · Add humorous reminders that may make you smile |
| actually be a big benefit to you as an educator, and | | | | (and think). If you have been looking to get rid of "junk" |
| can help to enhance your productivity level. Making | | | | from the classroom, for example, you might choose a |
| your own signs is fun and easy - and you'll see from | | | | sign like "Postponed Decisions Are the Equivalent of |
| the ideas below how simple signs can be useful in | | | | Clutter". Inspire yourself with handmade signs like |
| keeping you "on task" and helping others stay focused | | | | "Breathe" or "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff". Want to |
| as well. You can make signs on plain paper with a | | | | stop a bad habit? Remind yourself of it with a sign that |
| marker, or you can use sticky notes for small signs on | | | | does just that, such as "Stop Biting Your Nails" or hang |
| your computer monitor. | | | | a sign beside your phone that reads "Do Not Interrupt |
| · Remind yourself of what you are doing and why | | | | Others While Talking". |
| you are doing it. For example, a simple sign that reads, | | | | · Use signs to tell other people what you need them |
| "If I Died Right Now, Would This Task Matter?" or | | | | to do or want them to do. For example, if you place a |
| "What Should I Really Be Doing Right Now?" may help | | | | stack of books in the teacher's lounge that you no |
| you focus on your priorities and determine what really | | | | longer want, place a sign on them that say "Free to |
| matters on your to-do list. If you have a particular task | | | | Good Home - Take Them All". This will keep you from |
| that you need to complete but are afraid that you | | | | being interrupted by people asking you why your |
| might overlook it amid the chaos of the day, make a | | | | books are stacked in the teacher's lounge. |
| sign for it. For instance, "Grade Papers to Return | | | | · Keep people from disturbing you with a "Do Not |
| Tomorrow". Tape the simple handwritten sign that is | | | | Disturb" sign that tells them why you wish not to be |
| reminding you of what you are doing in a very visible | | | | disturbed, such as "Please Do Not Disturb - Planning" or |
| (to you) area. | | | | so on. You can accomplish so much more if you don't |
| · Use handmade signs to remind you of what your | | | | allow for interruptions - and don't allow interruptions to |
| focus for the day needs to be - but don't overlook | | | | occur in the first place. Don't worry, other educators |
| your longer term "focus" as well. For example, if you | | | | will know just where you are coming from and |
| have a particular goal for your future, keeping a | | | | probably applaud your gutsiness in demanding not to |
| hanging reminder of it can help you stay on the right | | | | be disturbed! |