Here are the 6 ideas I shared with the group on the Topic of Eliminating the Noise: Separating the Important from the Urgent (remember, this is NOT supposed to be rocket science - just good reminders on things we already believe in but sometimes don't do):

1. Tune Out the Noise - When working on an important initiative: disconnect from the internet and constant stream of interruptions and temptations; disappear from sight; and disregard interruptions.
2. Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals - Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic and Time-bound.
3. Manage and Prioritize Your Time - Prioritize your tasks on a daily and weekly basis and tackle your most important tasks first.
4. Quadrant 2 Thinking (credit to Stephen Covey) - Recognize the types of tasks you have in front of you and focus on the important ones.
5. Learn to Say "No" - Ask yourself if the task in question helps you get where you need to go. Measure everything against your goals. One of our teammates asks, "I know this is urgent for you but why is it important to me?"
6. Take Action - Once your priorities are identified, be action-oriented and get the job done. This makes room on your schedule to take on the next challenge!