1 Page, 4 Steps... To being the most productive version of yourself

• 1. Maintain A Rhythm

  • Rhythms help keep us focused and productive during the day, especially when there’s a lot to accomplish. Consider starting and ending your day with a simple routine that prepares you to tackle the big items on your list. For example, every morning you might workout, meditate, define priorities, check email, and start your most important task. Try different things until you find a rhythm that works for you.

• 2. Do What Matters First

  • It’s easy to get bogged down with a million different tasks you need to accomplish everyday, but let’s be honest, most of us aren’t getting it all done. The most important thing is that we do what matters and do that first. Typically, the tasks that matter most are often also the hardest tasks. Naturally, we tend to postpone them in favor of something easier. Unfortunately, this leaves us more stressed and less productive at the end of the day. So, do what matters (and what’s hard) first! This will set the tone for a successful day.

• 3. Fill The Gaps With Quick Wins

  • Throughout the day, there are gaps, such as 5 minutes before the next call or 20 minutes before the end of the day. It’s in these moments that time is often wasted because we don’t know what to work on. Everyday, create a list of tasks that take 15 minutes or less. We all have plenty of these quick to-do’s to tackle each day, whether it’s paying a bill, responding to an email, or one of the many other tasks that can be done in a matter of minutes. When you find yourself with one of these gaps in your day, pick the first thing from this list and get it done. Filling the gaps with quick wins is a great way to accomplish more in your day.

• 4. Postpone, Delegate, or Choose to Pass

  • Everyday there will be more to do than is physically possible. Successful people quickly learn to postpone, delegate or choose to pass. Making a conscious decision to postpone a to-do will free up mental space to focus on the task at hand. Delegate. I once heard someone say, “If you find someone who can do a task at least 80% as good as you... delegate.” If you lead people or work within a team, learn how to delegate in order to make the most of your time. If you don’t have anyone to delegate to, consider using automation tools to handle tasks you once managed yourself. Choosing to Pass is another key component to conquering your day. Learning to say “No” is one of the hardest, but best ways to be more efficient with your time.