This post isn’t going to tell you how to get all your work done. Believe it or not, there will also be more work to do. However, the key isn’t always to work harder, just smarter.
I have a love-hate relationship with Mondays. I love the excitement that comes from having a clean slate ahead, a week full of fascinating projects on the agenda, and the energy that comes from the world buzzing all around me. But on the flip side, I hate being thrust back into a full schedule after spending two days off, and many times that time was packed with personal projects that I failed to get done during the week.
But I’ve learned four simple things that have helped me to get the most out of my Mondays and really any other day, too. Hopefully these tips can help you as well.
1. Start your day with God first.
This is the biggest secret to getting more accomplished each day. It is a phenomenon that we mere mortals simply cannot understand. Time spent with God always equals a more productive day. Personally, I think it’s because when you put God first, He honors the rest of your time by giving you the wisdom, strength, and insight into new ways to glorify Him through your work.
I love what Hudson Taylor had to say about the importance of starting your day with God:
“Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.”
2. Tackle the most important things first.
Before going to bed the previous night, I like to make a list of the top priority items for the next day. This way, when I wake up, I’m raring to go and know exactly what I need to work on first.
If you have a meeting, prep for that meeting first. If you told a client you would have something to them by noon, work on that before 11:15. Save the lesser priority items for later in the day, after you’ve completed your top priority tasks.
3. Work in your brain’s sweet spot.
Do you know when you are at your peak each day? If not, look back at your previous week and try to determine whether you were more productive in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Once you determine when that occurs, try to plan your day around that time.
For example, I know that I am at my peak each day before noon. Being a left brained thinker, I rely heavily on being able to do certain tasks during my brain’s sweet spot. I try to spend my mornings doing more logical, process-oriented tasks like communicating with clients and developing / revising websites.
Then, in the afternoons, once I’ve tackled these more left-brained (and deadline-oriented action items), I like to spend my time working on my right brain tasks, like brainstorming, writing, reviewing designs, working with my team, and giving my creative side a chance to work within a more relaxing, deadline free time frame.
4. Avoid distractions.
When the internet is your workspace, you learn quickly that distractions are EVERYWHERE. It’s not like you are working in a warehouse, doing one task and one task only. Instead, your workspace is also your playground. And many times they get mixed up during the day.
Try to get yourself into a routine when it comes to dealing with social media. Avoid checking your Facebook all day during the day. Even if you are using social media for work, you can save yourself a lot of time by checking them on a schedule, not haphazardly all day long.
By staying focused, you will be able to get more done. This week, try working smarter and see if that helps you get more done, without always having to work longer.
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