Where has the productivity gone? You know the story. So much to do so little time. Or so much to do, you don’t know where to begin -- so you never do. We've all been there. But if you want to make the most of your workday, it's time to create some strategies for success.
Don't convince yourself you don't have time to reassess your workflow. Taking a few moments now to think through your vision and create a plan could save you hours, days, and years of zombie-walking the work treadmill, always moving, never arriving. Ask yourself these simple, straightforward questions today for a clear shot to your future.
1. What's my vision?
If you head out on the open road without a clear sense of where you're going, it's unlikely you'll ever arrive. Or, if you do, you won't recognize it, because you never knew where "it" was.
For your vision to be realized, it's important to clear the clutter of complexity and confusion and get to the heart of it all. If you can't capture your vision in a sentence, it is still too complex and beyond reach. Take a moment (or several) to think about what you really want for your business and life, and write it down succinctly. This is the goal on your roadmap.
2. What are my obstacles?
Equally as important as knowing where you are headed is knowing
what might stand in your way. This is not the time for hypochondrial woebegone thinking to discourage yourself from ever setting out. But it is the time for a healthy dose of reality. These obstacles might not be as terrifying or consequential as the riddle of the Sphinx. They can be as simple as distraction. Commutes. Meetings.
A remote staff. The daily routine. But when you identify the things that can detract you from your goals, you will be better prepared to rise above the challenge and press forward to success.
3. How can I create a routine?
Set a plan, and stick to it. It's that simple. Consider your morning routine. Wake up. Shower. Coffee. Commute. Work. You save time and mental energy when you don't have to stop and think about what's next. This might mean setting specific times for things like emails, or following up with clients. Schedule your day, then live it.
4. Does this fit my vision?
Great new ideas continually crop up. If you continually shift course to adopt new ideas, you could be doing more harm than good to
your team and your goal. Change is good. But constant adoption of new ideas to try to stay on top of it all has been the downfall of even the most well-meaning leaders. Success does not mean taking every idea that comes your way. Success comes when you take an idea, develop it, stick with it, and grow it to maturity.
5. Now what?
Breathe. Stress is a productivity killer.
Incorporate simple ways into your day to take mini breaks and you will be on your A-game as you power through to strategic success.
