A few more thoughts on productivity
It’s hard to improve what you do without some sort of measurement. A “morning plan” might ask several questions: what it the number 1 task to complete today? Do I anticipate and distractions and if so, how can I handle them? Would I be willing to do something that I don’t often do such as (try, ask for, say, act upon) to help me along? If today. Was a big success, how would I describe it?
Similarly, when you are finishing the day, ask yourself: what could I have improved upon? What did I appreciate today? I learned something new… Today would have been better if I had… Three things I appreciate or am grateful for are…
I know this seems tedious to write down an analysis of the morning/evening plan, but it’s sometime helpful to do mundane things to help us focus on what we are really doing. It’s hard to measure rather than saying I “checked off” five things. We must think in a qualitative sense what is the measure of today’s work.
Keep your focus on your goals which are completed by accomplishing tasks. You are familiar with S.M.A.R.T
- Specific – What do I want to happen and what will it look like?
- Measurable – How will I know that I have achieved it?
- Attainable – Is the goal realistic and how will I accomplish it?
- Relevant – Why is this important at this stage in my life?
- Timely – What is my deadline for this goal?
Keep these thoughts in your mind as you schedule tasks:
- Will this make me money?
- What is the best use of my time right now?
- What can I do with what I have where I am?
- Why is this important
- Will this move me closer to my goal?
- What happens if I don’t do this?