We are busier than ever, but by creating smart daily, weekly, and long-term plans, you can increase your efficiency and accomplish more in both your personal and professional life. This help decreases your risk of burnout and give you more time to spend doing the things you love.
Modern technology has automated many processes and streamlined many positions. You would think that this would mean less time in the office, and more time being able to focus our energy on personal interests and the things that bring us joy.
Unfortunately, it seems like this is not the case. Instead, Americans are spending record-breaking amounts of time in the office and fewer people are using their vacation time resulting in their health suffering. Burnout affects all parties producing lower productivity and employee morale and higher turnover rates. All of which will negatively impact a company’s bottom line.
Instead of working longer, we should be working smarter. When you effectively plan your work day, you can do more in less time. And you will typically have a higher quality product to show for it. But just having a to-do list will not magically make you more efficient and productive overnight. You have to do it right. Keep the following factors in mind if you want to create daily, weekly, and long-terms plans that will help you accomplish more in your personal and professional life.
Proactive Scheduling: Try to plan your day the night before. This way, you can get started right away as opposed to figuring out all of the things you need to do. Also, use those few free minutes you have between events to knock out your tiny tasks, and dedicate your big blocks of time to your more demanding projects.
Energy Flows: We all have personal ebbs and flows of energy. Some of us do our best work in the morning, while others work better at night. Do not try to force yourself to accomplish a lot at a certain time. Instead, plan your work around your natural energy levels.
Staying Flexible: Unexpected things are always going to pop up. When something inevitably does, consider how it should be prioritized. Remember that you can only do what you can do, and some things may need to take a back seat – that is okay.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can start accomplishing more in every area of your life. As a result, you will decrease your risk of burnout, and give yourself more time to do the things you enjoy.
