Use these 5 simple tips to plan for better productivity


Use These 5 Simple Tips to Plan for Better Productivity

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Hi Reader! There's been something in the air lately, and I've had more on my work plate than normal. All this added work has made me super grateful for my time management and productivity system.

As you may know, my system includes daily task lists in my Full Focus Planner along with time blocking on my Google Calendar.

I like the physical act of writing things down and then checking off tasks when they're completed (Full Focus Planner). And I appreciate how easy it is to adjust and move time blocks around as needed in a digital format (Google Calendar).

But a system doesn't work if you don't do the work and use it. And that's where the tips on planning your week effectively from today's video come in ...

5 Tips to Planning for Better Productivity

  1. Take a Mental Inventory (that sounds nicer than a "Brain Dump" but it's really the same thing!) ... put on paper everything that's taking up space in your brain that you want to accomplish and/or don't want to forget. And then evaluate each task for importance.

    The act of writing it all down and then assessing your tasks gives you mental distance and a bit of perspective. It also helps prevent decision fatigue, according to Ryder Carroll, author of The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future

    "The first step to recovering from decision fatigue, to get out from under the pile of choices weighing on you, is to get some distance from them." -Ryder Carroll
  2. Block Out Time to Work on Each Task ... make an appointment with yourself on your calendar to do the tasks that are important. This helps you keep focused on the assigned task at hand, and ensures that you have time to realistically do the tasks you assign yourself on any given day.

    Time blocking adds structure and urgency to the act of completing your tasks.
  3. Practice Morning Reflection ... take 5-15 minutes each morning to go over the tasks you've assigned yourself for the day and think about why they're important.

    This can put you in a focused and productive mindset right from the start, which sets you up for a highly successful day.
  4. End the Day with Reflection ... celebrate the tasks you've completed, and move in-progress tasks to another day so they aren't forgotten. This helps make the day feel "complete" and allows you to walk away from your work with a clear and unburdened mind.
  5. Actively Celebrate! ... celebrate your achievements with a fist pump, a high 5, or a victory dance. When you've accomplished a larger task or goal, reward yourself with a larger celebration. Perhaps meet a friend for coffee or cocktails, or take off work early.

    "Celebrating your victories isn't just about patting yourself on the back; it trains you to identify positive moments, which allows you to discover - and enjoy - ore of them." -Ryder Carroll

You can incorporate any or all of these tips into your day whether you use the bullet journal method like Ryder Carroll, a combination of the Full Focus planner and Google Calendar like me, or another method to organize your time and focus your productivity.

The key is to do what works for you.

The crux of the matter is that you are simply more productive when you have a plan. Failing to plan may not always mean planning to fail, but having a plan certainly stacks the odds of success in your favor.

As always, I'd love to know what you think of this week's newsletter. Post your thoughts on social and tag me (@coachmichelepeterson), or simply reply to this email!

Thank you. I appreciate you!

xoxo,
Michele

Now for more good stuff ...


Interesting Reads ...

WFH Tip: To WIN working from home, ASK for what you need. Speak up for yourself! The saying may be "Ask and you shall receive," but the inverse is also true ... "Don't ask, and you'll never receive."


Badass Affirmation of the Week

I can survive even my greatest fears.

I have important things to say.

I face my fears bravely.

From the book Badass Affirmations by Becca Anderson


I hope you enjoyed this week's newsletter. Thank you for linking arms and being part of my working from home tribe!

I'll be back next week with more tips, inspiration, and other fun stuff to empower your WFH success. Until then, have a beautiful week!

xoxo,
Michele

P.S. It's my goal to inspire you and remind you of your greatness as we navigate WFH life together. If you loved this week's newsletter, please feel free to forward it to your friends!

And if you haven't already joined our Work From Home Winners Club private Facebook group, click here to do so now! We'd love for you to be part of the community we're building there.


April 14, 2024 | Coach Michele Peterson

Coach Michele Peterson

Get my best tips and insights on productivity, confidence, balance, and connection ... learned from 15 years of successfully working from home. Long-term WFH is a CHOICE, a lifestyle, a CULTURE. And I believe that if you're going to do something, you should do it right. But you don't have to do it alone. Activate your free subscription to The Tenacious WFH Entrepreneur newsletter so that you get your weekly dose of grit and grace to keep you going by entering your email address below.

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