Good Morning All! Here is what my time looked like yesterday. I'm embarrassed to say, I am going to be the example of "what not to do" -- so, here we go!

6:32: Signed onto work and download jobs.
6:33: Pulled up log sheet, physician list, and resource material to have on hand during the day.
6:34: Checked line count for my records for last week.
6:38: Remembered property taxes were due. Signed out of system. Wrote check, and put in mail & quick bathroom trip.
6:56: Back to workstation. Signed back into system to download work again.
6:58: Started typing (FINALLY).
7:01: Looked up medical term.
7:05: Looked up term and pulled up resource tools (i.e. Stedmans & online resources) again.
7:24: Posted question on MTChat.
7:26: Back to work.
7:46: Looked up doc's name.
8:11: Daughter interrupted to let me know she is awake.
8:16: Stopped work to check on daughter & bathroom trip.
8:18: Back to work.
8:37: Looked up acct. specific info for wound care clinic note & back to work.
8:55: Checked e-mail.
9:14: Break to feed daughter and eat b/fast and check line count (218.17 and getting nowhere).
9:34: Back to work & added doc to physcian list for future reference.
9:56: Rebooted system and restarted. Downloaded more work.
10:22: Back to typing. More interruptions from family
11:02: Received call from HR to discuss paycheck & more paperwork to fill out (new w/this job).
11:15: Back to work.
11:30: A friend called (GEEZ)... Felt guilty if I did not answer phone...
11:45: Back to work.
11:48: Search for physician for correct spelling.
11:50: Typing.
12:15: Family interrupted - Lunchtime discussion.
12:22: Back to typing.
1:15: Lunch break.
1:30: Back to typing.
2:35: Line count (600 lines and frustrated) checked & break time (shower time)
3:53: Back to work.
4:15: Eldest son called long distance (he NEVER calls -- so... )
4:45: Back to work.
5:26: Signed off for the day aggravated and tired.

Okay, there it is (hides)... is there any hope?

Seriously, it's amazing when you do this exercise to see where the time really goes and I know there were times when I did not log interruptions because I know there were far more knocks at the door that what I indicated (just being honest here). But, what feels like working ALL DAY LONG, turns out to be untrue. Actually, I am working a lot less than I thought; but it sure don't feel like it at the end of the day. Okay... off to work I go.

Anna

Morning of 6/14/2005
National #1
6:20 – Start
6.24 – Difficult dictator, look for samples
6:37 – Search for term
6:54 – Interrupted by son to talk about transportation for day’s activities.
7:16 – Break.
7:19 – return.
7:29 – Check new incoming mail (trying to sort out a tech issue).
7:30 – Search for term.
8:00 – Review account instructions for unfamiliar work type.
8:19 – Breakfast break.
8:31 – Return.
8:52 – Search for samples.
9:35 – Read and return e-mails regarding technical issue.
10:30 - Finish.
Total lines: 779

Just as a note, I do keep a cup of coffee or glass of water on my desk, but in examining my habits, I do not stop typing to drink. I only pick the cup/glass up when my hands are off the keyboard and I am proofing.

I couldn’t manage to log the second half of my shift yesterday. I began working on a new computer, new keyboard, at a different desk. That threw me enough without trying to log what was going on in my work day. It is amazing how little changes in your routine can throw the whole process off track.

Ok, heres my day...I wish I could count these lines!!! I'm afraid I filled 4 pages of time wasters :/

829 AM - Logged onto work.
830 - Read work emails.
831 - Sipped coffee.
834 - Returned work to pool - wrong work type.
835 - Sipped coffee.
837 - Linked voice wave to file.
839 - Sipped coffee.
840 - Read work email.
841 - Sipped coffee.
845 - Sipped coffee.
846 - Search for template.
850 - Sipped coffee. (think theres a pattern here.......)
851 - Checking old charts for medication help.
852 - Looking in drug book.
850 - Last sip of coffee (thank gawd!)
902 - Checked spelling of word.
905 - Read work email - looked up drug dose and answered email.
909 - Looked for old copy of report - cut and pasted into current report.
910 - Read 2 more work emails (geesh we get a lot of them)
916 - Petted cat.

Ok...I have 4 pages of this stuff...all I can say is...HOLY COW......do you really need the whole list...I'll give a rundown on time wasters....

Drinking coffee...and email...the biggest time wasters for me!

Re: the coffee.... Go to a gag gift store and get one of those beer chugging things with the can holder and tubes that go into your mouth. Instant hands-free coffee.

Wouldn't it be neat to be able to hook up to an IV for fluids & have a toilet seat installed as an office chair so we wouldn't have to move any whatsoever?

Hmmmmmmmmm... Now there's a plan!

You guys are great! This is fantastic!

Isn't it amazing to see what you are really doing all day? You're NOT WORKING! You're "at work," but you're not working!

Now you're beginning to see what's going on. You can see some things you need to eliminate, can't you? It's clear to me!

So, for the next few days, I want you to keep that same type of list. Make a list at the top of the things you are eliminating, so you're clear on what has to go. Then, as you work, still write down everything that crops up as a time-waster.

This time, though, you will start seeing the time-wasters as they crop up, so if you choose to skip them, write it on your list anyway (as something you skipped). Put a little column over on the side somewhere, or start another list, to write down things you wanted to do but didn't and which you'll need to do later. A reminder list.

Remember to keep track of your productivity this time. Every day, as you eliminate things, we want to be able to see how it affects your productivity.

I'm so proud of you all! You are doing really well with this!

And here I thought nobody would participate!