By implementing these 7 tips you are going to start feeling and
being more productive and efficient. If
you implement them regularly they will develop into positive habits that
support you to function at the best you can.
1.
Plan your week
When you have planned your week, you are clear and know exactly
what needs to be done. It allows you to
handle unexpected situations with a calmness.
But when you are so busy how do you find the time to plan?
The fact is that if you spend 30 minutes to 1 hour planning your
week, writing down everything that needs to be done, prioritising the list by
importance and then deciding what should be done on Monday, what on Tuesday and
so on, you will save hours during the week. It keeps you on track and your momentum going.
2.
Plan your day
Spending time on planning your day makes a difference. By planning, we know what needs to be done and
we are working more effectively and efficiently. I imagine you are thinking, ‘I planned my week,
why do I need to plan my day?’ When you
do your weekly planning that is the big picture view. During the week, other tasks arise that need
to be done, so that is what comes into consideration when planning your day.
3.
Batch your activities
Every time you start a new activity, it takes time. You have to get everything you need in order
to do the task, you need to get into the mindset and you need a little “warm up
time” during which you don’t work as fast as when you have done something for a
while. Once you are done with the task,
you have to put everything away, and “cool off”.
So batch your tasks – email, phone calls, shopping. It makes you more efficient
4.
When at work, work!
Focus and concentrate and work when at work. Just because you are in the office does not
mean you are working. There are many
distractions around you – people, coffee breaks, meetings, etc. Focus and
really complete the top three tasks for the day then you can reward yourself
with a little down time.
5.
Finish every activity you start
Fifteen completed tasks are more effective than forty five
uncompleted tasks. Leaving an activity
half-finished is a big source of stress. Whenever something is only half done, it gnaws
at you and stops you from focusing on other activities.
On the other hand, when you complete a task, a rush of endorphins
is released into your system making you happy, pleased and relaxed. It gives you the energy to go on and complete
the next activity.
So once you start something, finish it. If you are breaking the task down then make
sure when you stop, you know what the next step is.
6.
Focus all your energy on the most important activities
The much quoted 80/20 rule states that 80% of the value you create
in a day will come from 20% of the activities you perform. Meaning, if you complete those 20% you will
have done much, much more than if you complete all the rest.
Go through all the activities you perform and see which ones are
the most important. Find ways to focus
more time on them.
7.
Take a break!
The best way to save time is by relaxing! To be able to work hard and efficiently, you
need to be of sound mind and be able to focus. Take a break once in a while and go for a
walk, drink a cup of coffee or take a nap.
Thank you and I look forward to sharing more tips, strategies
and skills to support you to be more organised so that you too can create a
better life.
“Be an inspiration to yourself and
you will be an inspiration to
others.”
