If you clicked on this article because you were thinking, “I’ve been lazy, I haven’t done enough recently, I need to do better…” Here’s your warning: This article will not cover how to “be better.” . Thanks to the help of Productivity Coach Melissa Gratias, we recently discovered that you can’t be more productive unless you show kindness to your current self. So instead of saying all the things you should be doing, say “thanks to me” for opening this article to learn.
Being productive is a long-term strategy, not a short-term solution. In fact, Gratias told us that it’s often the most successful people who feel the least productive. Usually overworked or overwhelmed, your help-seeking clients often have a tendency toward perfectionism. Sounds familiar? Well, whatever your personality, the following tips will help you build a realistic, reusable foundation as you work toward your goals.
Melissa Gratias, PhD
productivity coach
For over 20 years, Gratias has counseled and advised multi-billion dollar multinational companies as well as individual entrepreneurs to help improve productivity. She creates workable systems so people can achieve their career goals in less time and with less stress. You can connect with her on her website.
1. Start with a happy file
Starting a personal goal or work project can seem daunting, especially if you lack motivation. An easier way to get started is to start with self-reflection. “Remind yourself how much you’ve accomplished first because it’s a fantastic motivator,” Gratias shared. But how? He starts saving (even printing!) those emails in which your boss compliments your work. Did you get a nice message from someone about you? Save it. How about a performance review that says you’re an asset to the team? Or a love note from your partner? Take these “happy files” and store them somewhere you can easily refer to on a regular basis. “Your file can look like anything — my notes are printed on my closet door and I look at them every morning,” Gratias said. Not a bad way to start the day!
2. Create progress schedules, not numerical lists
Now, we’re not saying that a daily to-do list isn’t helpful or to throw out your daily planner because this next tip can work for daily tasks. Here, we are learning how to manage our energy and make the most of milestones. “It’s about bridging the gap between where you are and where you want to be, when you work best,” Gratias said. Let’s learn how to do it:
Start by mapping out how long this goal or project will take. Look at the calendar, then write down the start and end dates. Determine small milestones that you need to complete along the way. Think tactically: If your goal is to land a new job by December 2022, your first milestone may be to update your resume by the end of June 2022. The next, in early July, may be for your resume to be peer-reviewed. If you have multiple work projects, determine when you can work on them instead of just writing down that you have to do them. Now, most importantly, when you go to choose these task dates, consider your energy: What times and days are you most likely to do them? If you’re better at writing in the morning, reserve that time to finish any written correspondence or writing assignments. If you’re working on a passion project, can you commit to 30 minutes every Tuesday night after work? Most importantly, don’t schedule yourself to do something on a Friday afternoon if most Friday afternoons you are exhausted or tired. Consider holidays, birthdays, etc. Ask yourself when you can realistically complete something.
“Avoid preparing to fail. Schedule tasks for when you have the most energy, not during your low energy times,” Gratias said. He added an important reminder: “You want the best for yourself and you will thank yourself for being proactive.”
Source: Social Squares
3. Use a buddy system
Partner, partner, friend, call them what you want, but it’s time to choose someone who will hold you accountable for achieving your goals. Why? We are more likely to succeed if we have committed to someone else, but the “who” is key. Gratias shared the perfect combination, and research proves his theory:
“We crave connection, so I love recommending the buddy system. But choose someone who has a different skill set than you, someone who can challenge you. The best match is someone you trust, admire, and aren’t too similar in personality or skill set.” This allows you to see multiple perspectives and gain insight into how others are managing their time.
You can also reply to the question. Most likely, this person also has a goal that he is working towards. Set a time when you can check on each other’s progress. The more you check in, the more times you’ll have to say “I’m doing it” or “I’m not doing it” and track your progress accordingly.
4. Use task management tools effectively
It’s easy to buy the cutest planner or weekly calendar, but don’t forget: we’re on a mission to be productive for the long haul. That’s why Gratias suggested a digital app for task management. “You want to be able to use it wherever you are, so it can be a challenge if it’s on a Post-it.”
Now you may be wondering, what tools should I use? “Use what you have or at least start with the free versions,” Gratias said. She likes Outlook and Trello tasks, but it doesn’t matter which one she uses, as long as she tracks her progress and creates milestones instead of long lists. If you’re looking for more options, we suggest Evernote.
5. Don’t work to solve problems you don’t have
We already know that comparing ourselves to social media accounts can negatively affect us. So when it comes to comparing what you should be doing or how to do it, it’s important to ask yourself, “Do I really need to change?” “Productivity is knowing what not to do,” Gratais said. “If you don’t need a morning smoothie, don’t feel like you need to make one…if you only make your bed 80% of the time, that’s fine!” You don’t need to add things to your plate (literally and figuratively) just because someone else is on TikTok. “That Girl” fans, I’m looking at you. Start small, be realistic, and don’t forget to use your life as the main point of view.
Here again, it’s important to follow your energy patterns and design a system that makes sense for your lifestyle. Ultimately, you’re setting yourself up for success, and that’s worth celebrating.
I work for myself: These are the productivity hacks that really help me get the job done
Source: theeverygirl.com