Five no-cost ways to simplify your work

Imagine simplifying your work process and simultaneously making the 9-to-5 grind more efficient. Now imagine doing it without spending a dime.

"Everybody today at work and at home [is] overloaded and under strain. The modern world is so fast-paced …  That's why there is so much interest in time management," says Carol Cartaino of Seaman, Ohio, co-author of Keeping Work Simple: 500 Tips, Rules and Tools.

Cartaino sifted through her list and outlined the top five low-cost ways to simplify your work:

1. Do things right the first time.
"Since we're in such a hurry, we don't have time for perfectionism, but if you do not do it right the first time, you're going to spend more time on redos.

"Do it fast, do it quick, do it right."

2. Just do it.
Tending to the tasks in front of you instead of writing each of them on a to-do list will save a lot of time, especially if the job is small.

When you're evaluating what to do now, consider tackling the tough projects first. "That way you'll have the most energy and courage to do the big stuff ASAP. You'll feel better to get it over with and will be able to take care of it faster."

3. Know the task before you begin.
If you're given an assignment, "get clear instructions. If [the assignment,] doesn't make sense or is unfair, ask about it and discuss it in a nice way."

It will take more time to correct mistakes later than to ask questions now.

On the same note, if you're the one giving the instructions, make sure you make sense. "You may not get what you wanted because you did not make it clear. Put it in writing, make sure [your employees] read it and understand the instructions."

4. Avoid office politics.
Office politics may involve sincere people who disagree with the direction of the company, or people embroiled in turf wars and the like. But the advice is the same either way:

While it is tempting to be at the center of things, it is often much better to remain on the outskirts. There is nothing wrong with listening to what is said around you, but don't repeat it.

5. Hang up your phone.
Phone calls can steal a large part of your day.

"Control the phone. Don't let it control you. Use the phone for things you need." Let voice mail answer the calls and sift through the messages when there is time.

The same advice could easily apply to the e-mail that fills your inbox. You'd be wise to shut the mail program down and check it when you have the time.

Spend your time wisely, and you'll be the envy of the office. Because, as Cartaino says, "There is a difference between working hard and working more intelligently."