If time is so precious in business, why do you insist on wasting it?
You know you have a million and one things to do each day, but there will be moments when you aren’t focused on your to-do list at all.
Why? Because…
You are engaged in banter with another work colleague
Your colleague might walk over to your desk to talk about a project but, as many of us are prone to do, they start talking about non-work related matters. They talk about the latest episode of your favorite television show, the game last night or their upcoming weekend plans. You know, stuff you like to hear about. But by engaging with them in the conversation, you get distracted and stop working. Before you know it, time will have flown by without any dent to your to-do list. To stay on task, strive to limit these break times and remind your colleagues to do the same.
You have arranged a pointless meeting
Okay. So I’m not saying meetings are pointless. They should be quite productive when ideas are being shared, and decisions are being made. However, there are times when information can be relayed without having to hold a meeting. If you can email what you need to say to others, then do so. You can send files this way too, or you could use a virtual data room provider. Using a virtual data room provides you with a more secure method of sharing sensitive documents. A quick phone call might occasionally suffice too, or even a video call on Skype.
You should also assess why you want to have a meeting. If you hold daily meetings with your staff, for example, because it’s part of a routine, ask yourself: Are always necessary? Perhaps a weekly meeting would suffice if you don’t usually have a lot to share during your daily get-togethers.
You are tempted by the internet
Don’t get me wrong; the internet is good for business. You can market yourself on social media, make improvements to your website, and research your competitors online. However, there may be times during the day when your internet usage isn’t confined to work duties. You might get distracted by Facebook, YouTube, or any number of other sites you might use for personal rather than work purposes. While it’s fine to view these sites during your break times, you should probably install a website blocker on any site that causes you to lose valuable minutes during your working day.
You are struggling with a difficult task
Okay, so in this instance, you might be focused on one aspect of your to-do list. However, if you are struggling to make headway with other things you need to do because you are stuck on a task, you have to find a way to move forward. You can consider one of three things. One, outsource to others. Two, delegate to trained people on your staff. Or three, use a downloadable app or software tool to make light work of whatever is complicating your day. Check out these accountancy apps, for example, which are useful if you regularly struggle with numbers and finances.
And so…
Remember your time is precious; stop doing anything that is only going to eat into your productivity each day. Follow these suggestions, and hopefully, you’ll get through the day without feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by all the things you have to do. Here’s to YOUR success!
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership and Life Coach. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc. where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, and personality assessments. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Assessment. You can find out more about both assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
