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Some people get more done than others. They move through their days like machines, methodically checking off task after task. Even the surprises seem to go down smoothly. These people are usually first in line for advancement. This could be you, too, and it doesn’t take much effort.
Start the night before:
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- Take 5 minutes to quickly review the day behind you. What went well? What didn’t? You get bonus points if you actually write it down each day.
- Take another 5 minutes to look at tomorrow’s schedule. Any meetings you need to do more prep for? Write down your top 3-4 tasks that have to get done first. Writing more than 4 is useless because it loses its focus.
- When you leave the office, take some time to decompress. This is different for everyone. You could read, get dinner with friends, have a good Kentucky bourbon….whatever works for you. The point is to separate from work, even if it’s just for 10 minutes (hopefully it’s more, though).
Kick off the next day right:
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- Get going – You know what works for you. Whether it’s coffee, making your bed, exercise, daily affirmations in the mirror….whatever, mentally prepare to make it a great day. Just be sure to choose wisely – you’re kinda missing the point with a soda and a cigarette.
- Review the tasks you laid out yesterday and knock one out quickly. This starts the production train rolling and gets the day going right. Then move to task #2.
- [There’s no 3rd point because you want to start the day easily.]
Friendly Remembers
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- Sometimes this works and you crush the day; sometimes it turns into a dumpster fire. Even if it blows up, if you use the approach above, it’s less of a catastrophe.
- Technology gets in the way – only use it sparingly. Only check your email a couple of times a day, put your phone in the other room at night, etc.
- Be flexible, because things will change and surprises will come. If you use this approach, you’ll be nimble enough to smoothly glide through the challenges.
If you add up everything above, you’re looking at about 20 minutes in the evening and 20 minutes in the morning. Taking this approach will save you way more time than that, and will get you moving upward to some great things.
Photo by Dan Schiumarini on Unsplash
