“Either you run the day or the day runs you’’ – Jim Rohn
Caught up in a web of multitasking, we strive to complete our work within the 9 hours period and head back home with the satisfaction of a day’s labor. Somehow, in the process, we end up extending, despite the meticulous preparation. “ Busy day vs Productive day ’’ is quite a different concept… The former consists of doing sorts of things which keep us occupied, while the latter refers to prioritizing our tasks and completing them on time.
So, while the goal is to have a productive day, we have to be cognizant of those time killers which hamper our work and impede efficiency. A few tips to organize your day and be more productive.
MEETINGS:
- Schedule for the noon session: Utilize the morning hours when you have robust energy for completing your tasks. Though meetings are inevitable and form a vital part of the job, schedule them for the afternoon session. An extended meeting in the morning tends to ruin the rest of the day and all other work at hand.
- Prepare in advance: Have an agenda, stick by it and be prepared for the Q&A session. That way, you can minimize the time spent in flipping over slides or searching for answers.
HAVE A TO-DO LIST:
Begin your day with a to-do list, ranking in order of urgency. This would ensure you complete the work within the stipulated period and also avoid the risk of oversight of vital matters.
DECLUTTER:
Declutter your desk, discard the unwanted. A clean workplace lets in the flow of unhindered thoughts with clarity.
POWER WALKS AND SMALL TALKS:
In between the hustle-bustle, try to venture out with a pal for a rejuvenating walk. A relaxed mind will provide you with better impetus to focus and complete your chores on time. A little desk exercise should also work.
BE WARY OF TIME-KILLERS:
As much as water cooler talks are necessary, have conscious effort on the duration you spend. There are always a few with leisure time and would seek out your company. Remember to attend to your work first.
HAVE TIME FOR AD-HOC REQUESTS:
Despite the scrupulous planning, there will be a few unplanned tasks coming through your way. Be organized and have some buffer to attend to such requests.
BITE WHAT YOU CAN CHEW:
No matter the work assigned to you, be your best judge and evaluate those which will suit your proficiency, serve as an opportunity for learning and will have less bearing on the work at hand. Handling too many responsibilities will deteriorate your overall performance.
Easier said than done…I agree to that. Since each of us is different, the above guidelines are not hard and fast, but merely an attempt to aid in choosing the ones that fit. More so than anything else, having a vibrant and cheerful spirit will give you the push to tide over any challenges coming your way. So soak in, do your best and end your day with the satisfaction of having performed up to your full potential!
You may also want to read other articles written by the author: ‘Stop limiting yourself‘, ‘Doing what you love – hobbies and passion to opportunity‘, ‘ Maximise your productivity to unleash your potential‘, ‘Be your own boss‘, ‘Broaden your intellectual horizon‘, ‘Career metamorphosis – Expert to beginner’, “Importance of networking for success in your career“, ‘Busy Day vs Productive Day‘, ‘Money matters for womens financial independence‘.
About the author:
Nithya Jagadish – I am a commerce graduate with an overall experience of 10 years in the Corporate Industry and handled diversified assignments at HSBC and Hewlett Packard. After gaining considerable knowledge and success during my tenure, I decided to focus my attention on other areas of interest. Now, a doting mother of a one year old, I spend my day reading, apprising on my topics of interest and baby-sitting.
An avid reader and poetry enthusiast, my love for writing started while at school and my dreams have borne fruits after motherhood. I strongly believe in living life to the fullest and making the most of each beautiful day.
(The author is a guest blogger at Her Second Innings. The opinions expressed are those of the author.)
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