In case you did not read part 1, I am writing a 4-part series around the topics of managing your day and time. I promise to keep these short and to the point.
#1: Early in the day, clarify your top 5 priorities for the day. Instead of thinking about the 10 things or more you have to do today, narrow your list to your top 5 priority items that you must get done today. This will help you feel like you have control vs. feeling like you are being controlled by everything that pops up. And at the end of the day, you will feel good about your accomplishments.
#2: Focus on the task at hand. One way to get things done and off your plate is to stay focused. Stay in the “flow.” This is what makes the difference between those who make great strides in their work and those who just run in circles throughout the day.
#3: Reducing information overload. I will give you tips on how to do this in next week’s Monday Motivator.
#4: Ask others for specific deadlines. This helps you prioritize your workload.
#5: Recognize the time of day you are most productive and tackle the projects that consume the most brain power. For me, I am most productive from 6:00 am – 2:00 pm. At work, if at all possible, I work on the items or projects that consume my greatest cognitive abilities. Then later in the day, I focus on smaller items that don’t consume as much of my brain power. By doing so, I am highly effective and move through my work much faster.
#6: Establish some quiet time throughout the day. One way to gain control is to just stop. Pause for 5 minutes. Revisit your Inbox, to do stack or list and then begin.
#7: Plan ahead. A great way to get a jump on your day is to plan the night before. In other words, before you leave the office, organize and prioritize your work for the next day. This way when you arrive at your office the next day, you can hit the road running.
This blog was created from our Monday Motivators series. Monday Motivators is a weekly note offering practical ways to create a new mindset, change behaviors, develop positive relationships and thrive in the workplace with energy, effectiveness, and excellence.