Last week, we began our discussion on a 3-step process for increasing your productivity. In part I, we shared tips for preparation. Today we will share the rest of our secret formula with a discussion on steps two and three – plan and play.
Plan – Schedule your day, week, and month
Create a routine: When you establish a consistent work routine – it becomes a habit, allowing you move quickly to the next step.
Take time to think about what your daily routine is (most likely you already have one) and write down your daily workflow. It might look something like this:
__ Check/reply to email
__ Team meeting
__ Check social media stats
__ Follow-up calls with prospective employers
__ Follow-up calls with job-seekers
Plotting out your daily “must-dos” helps you define an order of operation for the daily must-dos. Once you know your daily routine, you can add two or three small goals that will move you ahead toward a larger project. Get into the habit of performing your workflow every day, and watch your efficiency soar.
Time-block your schedule:
Breaking your schedule into time blocks for routine tasks is a great strategy for establishing a routine. It also allows you to see your available times at a glance and enables you to shuffle the blocks if necessary to accommodate a project or a client’s schedule. Don’t forget to allot a more time than you think for longer projects!
Play – Make time for yourself and non-work-related priorities
Determine what’s most important: we’re not talking only about work, but also your personal life.
Define what exactly makes you feel accomplished at the end of the day — both work-related and personally. Besides accomplishing your daily work routine, maybe you feel accomplished knowing you cleaned the kitchen, read a chapter in your book, watched the latest episode of your favorite TV show, or took a walk with a friend. Moving yourself ahead in all areas of life helps reduce your stress and increases your overall productivity.
Make time to play: taking time to play brings restoration; restoration brings increased energy; increased energy improves productivity.
Most likely, the stress you’re feeling around your work life is also coming from your personal and home life. Now that you’ve established what makes you feel productive, make sure you take time for the fun stuff. Although it seems counterintuitive, you will work better if you rest more. In fact, studies show that making time to relax contributes to your productivity. Have you made time in your week relax and do things you enjoy?
Follow the 3-step process; prepare the way, make a plan, and take time to play. Some days may feel like more of a challenge than other days, but keep at it and you’ll begin to reap the rewards of a more productive (a less stressed) lifestyle.
At ASJ Partners, productivity means your staffing company is getting ahead in the industry, growing its brand, and spreading its online reach. Learn more here, and contact us with your questions. ASJ cares about our clients. We want to hear about your successes and personal secrets to productivity. Post your comments on our Facebook page.
