3 Strategies to Take Control of Your Day and Accomplish that BIG Task
Does this sound like you?
You wake up and have a list of essential tasks that NEED to get done and one really important task that takes the highest priority… or else. You are ready to go mentally and spiritually filled up to tackle those tasks and whatever else the day brings. Then for the next 8 hours, you frantically jump from one task to the next, feeling distracted and annoyed because all you wanted to get done was that one big to-do. 5 o’clock rolls around, and now you’re wondering what you did all day. You decide to be determined the next day to get that important task done NO MATTER WHAT, but sadly your next day turns out just the same as before, leaving you feeling more frustrated and more aggravated with yourself.
Does this sound like you? Sadly, this sounds like me more than I care to admit. However, I have some excellent news for you. I would LOVE to share my top 3 ways of staying on task, accomplishing those significant priorities, and ending your day knowing exactly what you accomplished. How does THAT sound?? Let’s dive in.
Tip #1: Goals are different than Plans. You can have a goal to complete something, but if you don’t have a plan to back up that goal, it will likely not get done. A goal is intangible, whereas a plan has tangible steps. The tangible steps of a plan bring you to your goal, but you need the tangible pieces and parts of your plan to accomplish your goal.
What does this look like practically? My advice is to think of that one big to-do and write down everything you need (and don’t need) to accomplish this. What does my work setting need to be for me to focus? Am I putting my distractions away? What time of the day is best for me to commit myself to getting this done? Make that list so you have a plan to help support your goal.
Tip #2: Don’t start your day diving into those little insignificant tasks. I have found myself more and more knowing what I need to get done, having every intention to complete it, but then immediately diving into checking my email, responding to things that can wait, and completing an easy ask from someone. I think I do this because I know the asks and tasks are simple, but I now see how much it derails me.
What does this look like practically? Decide and dedicate yourself to NOT diving right into your day. Take a moment and make the conscious decision to decide the order of the tasks you will complete as you start your day. If it is checking email first thing, set a timer. If it’s tackling that big to-do, make sure you have a plan to achieve it.
Tip #3 Know your Productive Hours. This has been a BIG one for me - and so simple! Do you know when you’re most productive? I know it’s in the morning. So why in the world would I ever decide to tackle a big and important task at 3 pm? I’m just shooting myself in the foot.
What does this look like practically? Take inventory of your week and get a basic understanding of your schedule. Block out those hours you know are perfect for completing your focus work. Even if it’s just 30 minutes one day, block it out. This is putting your best foot forward and taking ownership of your mind, body, and to-dos.
I hope these tips help you feel empowered to know you CAN achieve what you set out to do, but you need to help yourself sometimes! We all need help, and hopefully, these tips give you the confidence you need to re-commit to your goals and make your dreams happen.
P.S. Check out my Catholic Business Owner Prayer linked here. (Scroll down on the linked page to find it.) Download it, print it out, place it on your desk, and start your day with it to center your mind and put God first before it all.