With the summer months coming to an end, I am finding it hard to settle back into routine and focus at work. Here are 6 things that I do to keep myself functional at work.

1. Decrease Clutter

Make a space where you can work productively. If you have excess papers, books, pens, computer wires, or decorations, then you increase the clutter you are visually taking in. Purge through your desk and toss out any extra items to open up space. Also, tidy your desk before you leave for the day. You will be more productive if you come in to a clean desk and you know where everything is. If you share a desk, clean up your space before you leave to be courteous to the person coming in behind you.

2. Decrease Interruptions

Focus is key in the work place, however, many time others will need your attention and you will find yourself being disrupted multiple times a day. If you have a task to complete, let everyone know you are available the first 10 minutes of every hour. After that, close your door, put a sign up, let your coworkers know that you are in the middle of something and cannot be disrupted at this point. This is not to be rude, but having folks coming in and out of your office decreases the time you focus on your tasks.

I also find myself distracted when working on internet tasks. If you are like me, try to take a 5 minute "Brain Break" every hour. This is both a reward to yourself and a time to regroup and refocus. If you find something you want to read on the internet, or you need to check Facebook, save it for your "Brain Break".

3. Stay Organized

It is much easier to work when you are not always looking for papers or protocols. Find a system that works for you to keep your organized. I use a monthly and weekly planner, I color code everything from my file folders to USB drives, and have multiple folders on my Gmail. I have a super-talent for settling up complicated systems that I never actually use. Make sure you have a system you will stick with. You do not want anything too fancy, because you may be too busy or tired to follow through with it some days. A system is only successful when it is something you will actually use.

4. Prioritize

Everyone has their own method, however, I use the "6 Most Important Things List" used by Mary Kay Ash. I chose 6 items to complete for the day and focus my time on those tasks. I also start with the task that I am least looking forward to. This helps decrease my anxiety about the task.

5. Manage Time Wisely

After I prioritize I try to go through my list as quickly as possible, so that when unexpected events arise, I have flexibility in my schedule. There will always be additional tasks that need to complete, and sometimes these takes become priority unexpectedly. You do not want to fall behind on your list, so the best thing to do is make a realistic schedule for yourself, and get it done. If you find extra time in your schedule, use that time to get ahead on your work. This is just like your mother used to tell you about your homework.

One place that I waste a lot of time is trying to figure out something on my own instead of asking for help. You want to be self sufficient and take initiative, however, make sure you do not cross the line to wasting time when it would be better to just ask for help.

6. Communicate Clearly

I find myself time after time saying to my coworkers or interns, "thank you for doing exactly what I asked, however, that is not what I meant" . Before I can delegate, I need to make sure that I understand my goal for the project and my vision of the execution. Only after my expectations are in line can I then properly find the correct person to delegate to, as well as explain the task I am delegating.

Communication is also important to pay attention to when working with different personality types. Its important to learn about the personalities in your office and how to work with them. You will be surprised at how much you understand about the culture of your office one you learn more about the type of people you are working with.

All of these point are common topics, however, it is always good to reground yourself and self-evaluate which of these points you truly practice.