Productivity - Keep a reading file

Do you ever get overwhelmed by the amount of reading you need to do? To avoid feeling frustrated with the reading pile that is staring at you, noticing the journals piling up on your desk, looking at the pile of newspapers you have been 'meaning to read' - get productive with your reading. Here are a couple of tips:

1. Create a separate reading file and place any articles and reading matter in this file.
2. Create a basket for all those journals, newspapers and magazines you want to read.
3. Allocate 20 minutes on a Friday afternoon to catch up on your reading.
4. Carry your reading file with you to meetings and appointments. If you ever have any downtown while you wait, you can catch up on your reading.
5. Read your articles with a highlighter pen and post it notes. Make notes, determine what action is needed and be pro-active.
6. Recycle magazines, if you really arean't going to read them, remove them! Don't allow them to sit there and remind you that you are behind on you reading.
7. Scan - don't read the whole paper, article or magazine. Just read the part of the article that is of most interest to you.

Reading should be a pleasure, not a problem. Find a way to incorporate reading into your weekly activities. Get more productive and keep your reading file handy.