21 Feb Work smarter not harder: Five rules for a productive work day
Everyone works differently.
I love deadlines and I work best under pressure.
But this also means that I am very good at procrastination.
I need to structure my days carefully otherwise I get nothing done, or at least not what I am meant to be getting done. I’ve tried lots of different methods, including never ending lists. And I found that trying to do too much was almost as bad as doing too little. Here are the rules that work for me.
Rule No. 1Â Be Realistic
Don’t give yourself an impossible amount to do and then be disappointed when you don’t get it all done. Set realistic, manageable goals.
Rule No. 2Â Don’t start the day on social media
I love technology and it’s an integral part of my business but if I start the day online I find that before I know it it’s midday. I always try to start the day designing or making. I normally leave out a project the night before that I can pick up and get going on first thing in the morning. I have my laptop booted up so if there are any urgent emails I can deal with them but they are not my priority.
Rule No. 3 Plan your day the night before
After a bit of work I came up with a ‘Planner’ that works for me. I have a bunch of them printed out ready to go. I can put tasks into categories, which helps me what I need to dedicate some time to. When I complete a task I tick it off and at the end of the day I fill in what goals I achieved that day.
Rule No. 4 Don’t waste your time
When I go on social media sites I set a timer. (This trick I learnt from the awesome Laura Roeder) I give myself 10 minutes and a daily goal. For example reply to or interact with 10 tweets with the aim of getting at least 5 to respond to you. Then when they do keep up the conversation. DO NOT CONSTANTLY SELF PROMOTE! It’s boring and one of the main reasons I will stop following someone.
Finally
Rule No. 5 Just get on with it
Not everything that is part of your business will excite you. For example I hate doing accounts, taxes and all that numbers stuff. But you have to do it. So set aside a portion of your week or month and just get it done. And when you do complete it treat yourself.
How do you work?Â
Until next time
– Vanessa