When you get to the end of the day and look at the list of things you didn’t get done, do you contemplate your productivity, how you spent your time during the day?
Recently I took inventory over my daily routine to look for places to improve my productivity. In evaluating this I found some opportunities didn’t just come from what’s happening during the work day, but also how closely I follow my early morning and evening routine. It all ties together. I set some big goals this year, so I’m being honest with myself about where and how I work, where and how I relax and how my day is scheduled.
I spend very little time on Facebook – but if you’re like most people, you lose many minutes or hours during the day updating, reading and surfing Facebook. Does that behavior lead you toward accomplishing the goals you set out to achieve this year?
The internet is an addiction for other people. five minutes here, thirty minutes there, two hours at night and poof you’ve lost 2-3 hours of your day just surfing the internet. Is that how you want to spend your time? And again, does it bring you closer to the goals you’ve set for 2016?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting you work all the time, but I am suggesting that you make good decisions and work smarter while you’re engaged with the “8-5.” When you start work, do you know what needs to be done first? Do you tackle what’s most critical and get it done? Do you procrastinate so you cause yourself stress before things are due? These behaviors become habits and these habits can lead to addiction.
Is your phone permanently glued to your hand? I always look around me at stoplights and am appalled at the number of people on their phones while waiting for the light to turn green. Whatever it is—it just ain’t that important! We lived just fine for many years without stoplight entertainment.
Take 15-30 minutes this week and evaluate your day from start to finish. Would your day be easier if you packed your lunch the night before? Would that help you get to work on time? Would you be more productive from the minute you start your day if you make a list the night before of what needs to be done the next day?
This is your ticket to freedom…what can you do more efficiently that paves the way for starting that new project, more free time and reaching your goals?
