You can go out and buy more memory for you computer when it needs it. Wouldn’t it be great to do the same with your brain?

Great news is you can… sort of.

Recently I replace my old computer. It reached it’s memory upgrade limits and took forever do something while chronically freezing up. This meant rebooting a minimum of six times a day. Talk about productivity interruptions.

So a new computer showed up on my porch and I’m ready to pick up where I left off and get back into the swing of things.

Only one little caveat. Several projects received a premature completed checkmark due to the computer freeze ups. I need to back track through all the projects.

My friend Bob Jenkins (a.k.a. Ask Bob the Teacher) introduced me to a great tool at TimeMindMapping.com to help track it all.

I used this mind map tool to create the projects in the first place. So I can easily retrace the steps.

I started a new mind map to list all things that need finishing from each project. Of course, while doing this, my brain comes up with more project ideas. So I decided to throw them on this mind map too.

Mind mapping frees up your brain’s memory since you don’t need to store the information in it. A very useful tool for blondes and those dealing with baby boomer brain.

TimeMindMapping.com is free (cheaper than buying memory for your computer) and comes with a training video. It cuts down on the time to lean it.

While you can’t go out and buy more memory for your brain, mind mapping is the next best thing.

Do you mind map? Please share your experiences and thoughts.

Imagine you can increase your productivity by 20% without working more hours. What difference would that 20% make toward the success you achieve?

Try These Five Strategies to Help You Increase Your Productivity

1. Getting Organized

People loose about 71/2 hours each week due to disorganization. Organize your office into productive environment. As a business owner, you can create your work environment. It’s critical toward your long term success to work in an environment which supports you.

You’ll find some great tip at Suzy Scullin’s site. http://declutterate.org/blog/

2. Know Your Energy Cycle

Some people are night owls other are early bird. When you know which type you are, you can schedule your task and projects more effectively around your energy cycle.

3. Go Into Super Focus Mode

Limit access to yourself… turn off the phone, email and twitter. No interruptions. Set a timer and stay 100% focused on the task at hand. Group your tasks in bunches. Return emails and phone calls at the same time. Do all your writing in chunks, dedicate certain days for project, etc.

4. Take Care of Yourself

Are you taking good of yourself? Too much work can exhaust the body. Make health a high importance to increase and keep productivity level up. Scott Tousignant (The Fit Bastard) created a wonderful site with quick exercises you can do while working at the computer. http://twittercise.ning.com/

5. Do nothing.

Sometimes when you feel overwhelm and pressure, take a brain break. Let your mind wander for a few minutes. Taking a quick break almost always leads to a boost in productivity.

Start with one of these strategies, you’ll soon find yourself accomplish much more with less effort