Good time management involves getting things done (productivity) and focusing your efforts on the things that you most want to accomplish (prioritization). Although these two critical issues are intertwined, we’ll focus on each separately.

Inefficiency (low productivity) can occur due to boredom, low motivation, or dislike of certain tasks. When you find that you’re spending more time avoiding or postponing tasks than in getting them accomplished, consider some of the strategies listed below:

Swap Tasks
During your day, if you face a scheduled task that is unappealing at the moment, simply switch to another task of equal priority and urgency. Swapping tasks can help you stay motivated and productive by allowing you to select another task that may be more appealing at the moment.

Swap tasks with someone
Whether it’s a task at home or at work, if there’s something you particularly dislike doing, see if you can swap this task for another. We don’t all like or dislike the same things.

Vary your routine
Even varying the routine among un-stimulating tasks can help – for example, set the table one day, wash the dishes the next and cook dinner the third night.

Reward yourself
Set up small daily rewards for completion of boring daily tasks – for example, promise yourself a 15 minute break, a snack, a drink, or a phone call to a friend once you’ve completed the task.

Make yourself accountable to someone
Email a friend telling him or her that you are beginning your awful, boring task – then email again to let them know it’s done.

And Make it fun!
All of us have tasks, at home and at work, that are uninteresting, but necessary. Look for ways to make it fun. Some tips:

• Do it while listening to bouncy, energetic music
• Do it with someone – company always lightens a task
• Time yourself and try to beat your best time

Try these approaches one at a time to see which works best for you. You should find that by using some of these techniques you’ll be able to increase your productivity each day.