As I sit here on Monday looking at my to-do list*, sifting
through e-mails and catching up on the news in our health, fitness and
nutrition worlds, I’m wondering how the first hour of my day already flew by!
This happens more often than not, as the morning is whisked away by answering
notes, setting out tasks for the day and heading into meetings as they come and
go.
Without a plan, we can easily be distracted so easily. In
most office environments, the culture heavily relies on computers and internet
access. The world wide web is chock full of links, news flashes and social
media outlets that can sidetrack us in an instant. Without a plan, the hours of
our workday are gone without any real significant tasks successfully done.
To avoid the stress of tasks piling up without check-marks
filling their boxes, have a strategy! The most time in your workday can be the
first 60 minutes. Here are tips to set the tone for your day and get more done
in less time:
Write out your plan: Whether
you prefer to use the Gmail tasks, Outlook flags or the old-fashioned
pen-and-paper method (my personal favorite), write out what you need to get
done that day.
*I set a to-do list at least one day in advance. Before
heading home, I list what needs to be done the next day. For example, Friday evening means listing out the tasks
for Monday morning. I comb through my inbox and review my calendar at least
once while deciding which tasks are top-priority and must be done that day.
Do First, then Check
E-mail: The inbox can be the ultimate
time-suck. We feel the need to respond to things right away, and then respond
to things coming in, and then suddenly we’re already behind without ever having
been ahead! Set a new tone by not answering each e-mail right as it comes in; things can wait**.
**For important e-mails, prioritize accordingly. Either use
a filtering system, or try out sites/apps such as AwayFind to make sure
you’re notified when something needs immediate attention.
Set Time Limits: The
hours in a workday can fly by when we’re immersed in various tasks. If you find
that you occasionally spend too much
time doing any one thing, use a timer! There are a ton of online options – e.g.
OnlineClock.net, Timertimer.com, etc – allowing you to set a timeframe for any
task, and/or a reminder to move on to the next!
Tackle Big Tasks
First: As you’re able to, put big-ticket items on your task list first.
Getting at least one top-priority, time-consuming task out of the way will help
you feel more productive and successful in the day. Not to mention it relieves
the stress that comes with a nagging to-do-list item!
Stick to the Plan: Try
hard to stick to the list you’ve set for yourself, aiming to make it no longer
than 5-6 tasks for each day. Staying on track with your plan helps you clear
the list and get ready to be equally as productive and efficient tomorrow!
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Use these five tips this week to see how you can revamp the
first hour of you workday and reset your productivity level. Let us know what
other tips you have that work for
you!
