Staying focused on the task at hand can help us be productive. In the words of Alice Wine in a song of the civil rights era by the same name, you need to “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.”

We all try to be efficient. In addition to getting enough sleep, eating a healthful diet, and squeezing in a little exercise, here are a few more things you can try to shepherd your time.

According to Wendy Sims, a teacher-educator and parent, you need to compartmentalize your work so you can focus on the task at hand.

“Don’t let your on-task work time be interrupted by e-mail alerts, a ringing phone, or knocks on the door,” says Sims. “Turn off e-mail notifications, and let your voice mail pick up incoming phone calls. Make an “In Conference” sign for your door—so you can decide when it will be most convenient and least disruptive to respond.”

Post hours when you’re available for visits from students and colleague. This allows you to give your full attention to visitors.

Sims concludes, “Bottom line, it’s better to set priorities and do a few things well than to take on too much and not succeed at any of it.”
 

MENC member Wendy L. Sims is a professor of music education at the University of Missouri--Columbia.

--Ella Wilcox, September 9, 2009, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)
 

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