Have you ever experienced a day with so many interruptions and frustrations that you couldn’t get anything done? I know I have and it doesn’t feel good or help with accomplishing goals. According to recent research. the average person gets interrupted at least 8 times every hour. But how about a day where you were really in the “zone” and were able to focus deeply on the task at hand and time just flowed. Didn’t that feel great? So how do we get to those flow states where we can get more done and feel deeply satisfied.
Time is one of our most precious resources. Once it is “spent” it is gone. So why do so many of us waste precious time doing non-important activities? There are so many things to distract us from our work including social media, internet scrolling, texts, emails, family, clutter and even ourselves. In addition, when we think we are being super productive by multi-taking we are actually setting ourselves up for more errors, less focus and less production. While most of us are working from home these days, there can also be a sense of social isolation and stress which makes it harder to feel motivated and to concentrate. Finally, our offices might not be perfectly set up so there is clutter and chaos which can make it hard to find files and items needed each day. So how can we create a better structure to our day to not only use our time more effectively but also feel calmer and more fulfilled as well.
Below are my tried and true suggestions to use your time more effectively and get more done:
- Create a daily Priority list- Start each day by focusing on your MIT-Most important task. Don’t do anything else until that is completed. Structure your day so your hardest work is done during your peak energy periods and similar projects (like proposals or candidate interviews) are all chucked together.
- Practice Deep Focus- Work on one task at a time. No, that doesn’t mean you can check texts while emailing and talking on the phone. Do all your emails at once, then all the calls etc. Give yourself the proper brain nutrients to help with deep focus including Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, eggs, flax, chia and nuts).
- Declutter your workspace-How long did you look for that book or file? I know I have been guilty of excess clutter in the past and have spent the year freeing up space by donating, ditching and reorganizing. Have a “home” for all critical items to avoid time lost looking for stuff!
- Improve Decision Making- Learn how to say NO and avoid getting caught up in perfectionism which will stop us from taking risks or getting things done.
- Recharge your batteries- Our brains can focus for about 60-90 minutes before getting tired. Take breaks in between projects and spend time outside, doing hobbies, exercising and relaxing as well. Remember the expression “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” when it comes to working too many long hours.
When it comes to motivation to create better time management habits, we need to keep in mind a quote from Benjamin Franklin
“ By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
To stay motivated each week, review your successes each week and search for daily inspiration. On low energy or low mood days, push yourself to stay on track with inner discipline and include more exercise and self-care on these days.
Remember that this too shall pass. Strength yourself during challenging times and focus on the positive things you can improve each day and week.
Yoda says “Your focus is your reality” so focus deeply on creating positive outcomes wherever you can and use each moment well.
If you want to learn more strategies on how to focus deeply and get more done, visit www.tishconlin.com for soft skills mastery on-line training session called Effective Time Management Strategies.
Patricia (Tish) Conlin is a Talent Solutions firm owner, Speaker and Soft Skills Trainer, with over twenty years as President of Global Consulting Group Inc. She is a Certified Emotional Intelligence Trainer, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Black Belt Martial Artist and author of ABCs of Food: Boost Your Energy, Confidence, and Success with the Power of Nutrition. She offers comprehensive live and on-line training workshops on key leadership and success topics. Visit TishConlin.com to energize your performance and life with a large number of on-line training programs and courses and www.globalconsultinggroup.ca for Talent Solutions programs and services.
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