When your to-do list is miles long and deadlines are looming, it can be hard to tap into a creative, problem-solving mindset. Taking a more intentional approach to managing your work is key. This means slowing down, which can lead to more clarity, allowing you to improve the quality of your work and to shift gears between tasks more easily. Soon you'll be happily crossing items off your to-do list and freeing up more creative energy, while boosting your productivity. 

Whether you're an employee, self-employed professional, or entrepreneur, follow these tips for becoming more intentional, and working more effectively, and creatively:

Keep a notebook and pen on hand at all times. The best time to capture ideas is in the exact moment that inspiration strikes. Carrying a notebook and pen for jotting down your ideas allows you to include the context, references and other details for developing the concept more completely later on. 

Keeping all your thoughts and ideas locked up in your head can cloud your ability to dedicate your attention where it’s needed most. Transferring all that brain power to paper, or even a digital note-taking device like your i-pad, tablet, or Bamboo Spark smart folio allows you to free up brain power for more powerful inspirations.

Create to-do lists and prioritize tasks. Start each morning by reviewing your agenda for the day and writing it down. Categorize your to-dos based on the level of priority. Managing the energy and attention that you give to your daily tasks and projects is the best way to manage your time.

Set boundaries on your multitasking. Today’s corporate culture rewards the greatest jugglers, but dividing your attention in too many directions can actually be counterproductive. Learn to set boundaries to eliminate or minimize interruptions and keep your focus sharp. This can mean turning off your notifications during meetings; shutting down your email for an hour each day to tackle a task uninterrupted, or forwarding calls when you need to cut back on distractions. 

Give yourself permission to slow down and think. Technology has certainly enabled greater efficiency, but it brings some limitations as well. Sometimes, simply allowing yourself the time to sit with a pen and paper is the best way to let new ideas flow, free from the distractions of incoming mail, social media alerts, and the confines of thoughts conveyed through keystrokes. Sketching, drawing, even creating diagrams and outlines are visual outlets that can help you explore new concepts and solve nagging problems. 

Take regular breaks. It may seem unrealistic when the clock is ticking its way toward a deadline, but stepping away can actually help you regain focus and allow you to complete a difficult task more efficiently. Instead of staring at a blank screen in frustration, grant yourself a 10-minute break to get up, move around, step outdoors, and grab a fresh cup of coffee or some water. A brief recharge can be just the cure to get you back on track when you hit a bump or start to feel overwhelmed.

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