5 productivity killers & how to fend them off

Written by Brandie Kajino (from shine.yahoo.com)

We've all been there, the pen that won't work, the phone that doesn't quite fit the bill and a chair that wobbles just enough to send ya right over the edge. In the biz of organizing (and pretty much the whole world), they're known as the formidable "productivity killers." You're just trying to get stuff done, and these little things can drive you crazy! So, what can you do about them? Lots! Here are a few suggestions:

1. Broken things: This might sound silly, but what do you do? Stop procrastinating and fix them. Take some time around lunch or on a conference call and fix those small things. Mark it on your calendar if you have to. Fix the thing so you can funnel your creative energies into actually creating and getting things done.
2. Inexpensive office products: When you work from home, sometimes things can be tight in the beginning, and you just want to get started. So, buying less expensive products are sometimes the answer in the short term. Whether you are just in the beginning or now picking up speed in your business and career, I have one piece of advice on office products: Buy the best you can afford. You'll save money in the end, because you won't have to buy replacements when the cheap stuff breaks. Your business, your career and you are worthy of the best so don't short-change yourself.
3. Temperature isn't right: Too hot? Too cold? Ugh, no fun. While there are some things we can't avoid, like seasonal changes (or say, menopause) there are things which can be controlled when it comes to temperature. Keep your thermostat at a temperature that is comfortable. If you are budget (or environmentally conscious), keep the temperature lower and dress in layers. Also, if you're too cold, get up and move around, or even consider a standing desk to keep the blood flowing.
4. Can't find what you need: I have been known to get all in an uproar when I can't find my keys (which rarely happens anymore, thank goodness). It's no fun when you need to accomplish a task and you can't find what you need. Assigning a home to everything is essential. Don't know where to start? Start with the thing you misplace the most.
5. Disruptions: The phone rings, the doorbell rings, toddler wrapped around the leg, dogs barking and Twitter bells in your ears. Sometimes it's all too much! Try: silencing phones and instant messaging programs (silent, not vibrate) when working on a hot project, post hours (or a "No Soliciting" sign) above the doorbell to inform visitors, communicate hours to family members and/or hire a babysitter to take care of the little ones a couple times a week.