Productivity allows us to make progress on and complete necessary tasks. However, due to time constraints, competing responsibilities, stressors, and personal tendencies such as procrastination, we often are not as productive as we would like to be. To enhance productivity skills within the local community and assist individuals in learning strategies to maximize their time and output, especially in the workplace, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service developed the Time Well Spent: Productivity Skills for Success program. Because employee productivity ultimately strengthens both individual workplaces and the economic viability of communities at large, the McCreary County Extension Service partnered with the McCreary County Chamber of Commerce to offer Time Well Spent: Productivity Skills for Success. The program consisted a lesson delivering objective-based learning through interactive learning activities on Establishing Priorities and Building Focus. During the January meeting, 21 participants each received 1 hour of direct, hands-on education. Participants were surveyed following the classes.  Of the 21 participants, 9 completed the survey. 100% of survey respondents reported an increase in knowledge of using the Eisenhower matrix to prioritize tasks, understanding of ways to improve focus, increased understanding of ways to manage tasks and 89% stated an increase in understanding of how to set SMART goals.

Additionally, 100 % planned to schedule time to work with minimal interruptions and 100% planned to set at least one SMART goal. The words of the participants, however, often speak to the success of a program.  One participant shared the most significant take-aways they received from the program was intentions to avoid multi-tasking while working on projects and eliminating distractions during the day. Another stated their key take-away was the importance of focus. Yet another participant shared their intentions to eliminate distractions and set aside time to respond to emails, texts, etc. Two of the participants stated they enjoyed the practicality of the Eisenhower matrix and intended to use it to help with prioritizing tasks.