You’re a Productivity Novice
Do you feel like you have a lot to do but you don’t know where to start? Are you juggling too many balls or not enough?
We all start our productivity journey somewhere. And we all fall off the productivity wagon at times too. Starting on the path to productivity means taking it one step at a time.
Check out these practical steps to get you on your way.
Get a Handle on Your To-Dos
Your first step on your productivity journey is to take control of your to-dos.
Taking a full inventory of what you have on your plate is daunting at first. But it gives you a clear sight of what you need to do before you even start scheduling how you are going to do it.
While you are at it, dust off your copy of David Allen’s Getting Things Done (if you don’t have this book, please rush out and buy it now!).
Plan Your Day
Next, plan your day – even if it isn’t perfect. Think about your energy levels. When in your day are you most alert? When are you the most distracted or sluggish?
Now overlay everything else that you have in your life (kids, work, commitments) and plan a general daily routine that makes you the most productive and fulfilled.
Understand Your Workflow
What information comes into your day? What is your workflow – or your “infoflow”?
Maybe it’s your emails, sales orders, invoices, ideas, transactions, notes, actions from meetings.
Think about (draw it if you are so inclined) the funnels of information that comes into your day.
What information goes in? What comes out the other side?
Write Things Down
Having too much in your head will overwhelm you. Be careful if you are carrying too much in your head.
Find some way to get more on paper. Memo that idea you had. Create a file for your ideas. Send an email to recap that great conversation you had with a co-worker. Draft a project plan.
Start Small
Don’t underestimate the power of small changes to make big impact on your productivity.
Pick one battle a day.
Inch it forward.
Check out the 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins and Atomic Habits by James Clear. These are great resources for understanding the power of starting small.