Is this you, or someone you know, in the office? Are you experiencing March Madness? We often have the best of intentions and are determined to get through those piles on our desks, cross off the to-do’s, and clean out your inboxes but then another co-worker needs your assistance, and the next thing you know the day is over and you didn’t get any of your work done. Does this sound familiar?
Here are some tips to stay productive daily and feel accomplished ~ let me know if you try any of them and what you find:
* Take the first hour of being in the office to do the following, with no exceptions:
- give yourself the first 15 minutes you arrive in the office to get yourself organized at your desk (i.e. put your stuff away, log into the computer, grab your coffee, etc.)
- go through your emails and see if there is anything that is a high priority and needs your immediate attention
- look at your to-do list and prioritize what needs to be completed that day
* After that first hour, get up from your desk and do one (or all) of the following:
- say hi to the boss, co-workers
- make some small talk
- fill up your water
- take a bathroom break
- grab a snack
- go for a quick walk (even on your office floor)
* Once you get back to your desk, start working on those high-priority tasks and emails. If you need to remain hyper-focused, close your office door, put headphones in, etc. to allow you to remain productive.
* Make sure once an hour, you get up from your desk and walk away, just for 5 minutes.
* Try to not take your lunch at your desk either! You deserve that time away from your desk. If it is nice outside and you choose to walk during lunch and then eat at your desk, that is great too!
I hope some of these tips work in helping you to take back control of your day-to-day tasks. Here is another blog on 8 ways to stay productive ~ read that one too!
March madness, or whatever month it may be, happens to all of us, but don’t let it take over you.