It’s not rocket science – but it’s also not easy, at least not every day. To boost your productivity, stay focused on high-priority tasks, avoid missing key events, meetings, or deadlines, and – last but not least – maintain a healthy work/life balance – you need a schedule. One you can stick to.
Wait! Your eyes may be glazing over or rolling … but that’s what it takes. A schedule that’s smart, realistic, and achievable.
It’s worth taking some time to focus on it and make it a regular part of your routine.
The Value of Scheduling Each Day
A daily schedule helps you set SMART goals, making you aware of your capabilities, limits, and how much time you need to get things done. It also helps you to:
- Stay focused. Avoid interruptions and distractions.
- Be more efficient. This leaves time for non-work-related items on your to-do list.
Focus on Time Management
Time management is similar to many skills and strengths: With practice and discipline, you can master it. Here are some tips to get you started:
- First things first: establish a morning routine. Even if you’re not a morning person, get used to waking up early enough to be fully prepared for your day without having to rush. Know how much time you need to eat breakfast (tip: do not skip it!), get dressed, take care of family and personal matters (your kids and pets need to eat, too!), and commute to work or transition into the right mode if you’re a remote employee. Leave a few extra minutes for the inevitable unexpected because Murphy’s Law will occasionally kick in!
- Prioritize your daily tasks. Write down all your tasks for the day, and then put them in order according to which ones are most important. Make sure you choose a realistic number; think about which ones you may be able to postpone for a day or more. Rearrange as needed. (Yes, this should probably be your last task at the end or the first task at the beginning of a daily list!)
- Schedule time for each task. Listing them is a good start, but you must also set a reasonable start and end time for each task on your list. Just as you left time in your morning routine for the unexpected, overestimate the time needed for each daily task. Don’t forget about travel and prep time. Also, factor in meals and breaks.
- Periodically reassess your schedule. It’s a dynamic thing – changing as needed. Reevaluate your schedule periodically to find ways to use your time more efficiently. For instance, if certain projects wind up taking longer than planned, you’ll know to reserve more time for them in the future.
Before long, it will all become routine!
Do you need more tips to keep your career on the growth track – or possibly start seeking out your next great opportunity? If so, reach out to PrideStaff Fresno today.
