Back in high school, the school principal would always tell students that the first day of the week would determine how the other days would be. By saying this, he meant that if we resumed school on the first day of the week, Monday, disorganized, the rest of the days would be disorganized for us. But if we resumed well-organized and with a definite plan for the week, the rest of the days would be good, organized, and we would definitely achieve our set goals for the week.
By always saying so, he meant to teach us the importance of having a defined goal and having a list of things to do during the week. Funny enough, I have come to discover how true it is. For example, if I don't have a schedule of things I want to achieve during the week, sometimes I come to the office not knowing what to do at all or where to begin. If not cautious enough might spend the whole week being less productive.
The significance of establishing a clear schedule and strategic plan for the week cannot be emphasized enough.
One benefit is that it helps an individual to reduce stress. Imagine waking up late on a typical Monday morning, struggling to get things done and prepare for work. After preparing, as you make your way to the workplace, almost at your destination, you discover that you had left some essential work materials at home. Without those, it is of no use going to the workplace. So, you hurriedly board a taxi and return home to retrieve them, and hurry back to the office, all sweaty and late as well. Amidst shouting and scolding, you struggle to get tasks done in a messy workspace, unsure of where to begin. Obviously, it's just going to be a bad day.
But assuming the previous day being Sunday, a no-work day, before retiring to bed, with the knowledge of going to work on Monday, you packed all essential work materials and tools into your work bag, set an alarm to wake up early, prepared for work, checked for things you are supposed to do on that Monday, and wrote them in your to-do list. Clearly, you won't have any problem getting things done on Monday, and you'll still save yourself the stress of running around for one file or the other. Because you arrived early, you had the time to organize your workspace and relax a bit before starting work. That is just one beautiful aspect of having a schedule and plan.
In addition to reducing stress, having a defined plan and schedule ahead of a new work week is a good way to stay focused, manage time, and become highly productive and efficient. Who doesn't like the idea of getting ready for work calmly instead of rushing, arriving at the workplace early, already knowing all tasks you have to perform for the day, getting all started relaxed, and in a clean workspace without shouting and scolding? Definitely, everybody loves that idea.
It is no mere fantasy or dream; it is something actually obtainable when individuals plan ahead of a new work week. But how? here are two ways
One way is to make a list of tasks you have to accomplish each day. You can write them somewhere you check frequently. Personally, I prefer using the Google Calendar app on my phone.
The Google Calendar has a feature where you can plan activities for the day, week, or month. You even get options like goals, where you can actually jot down your notes, and it comes with a reminder as well. Even if you forget that you have a task to accomplish before a particular time or even a meeting to attend, you'll be reminded.
The objective is to map out plans for each day and be reminded of these plans.
Another way is to get ready for work the night before the actual workday. If you are to go to work on Monday, you don't have to wait until Monday to plan your outfit or order a taxi. Doing so means you have already signed up for lateness. You can do so before going to bed on Sunday. Lay out your outfit where you can easily reach for it. Arrange transportation ahead of time so that when you wake up, all you need to do is call to confirm.
Additionally, if you love homemade meals for lunch, you can check for what is on the menu and if the ingredients are ready so that you don't waste time in the morning looking for ingredients. You can as well perform some time-consuming chores before going to bed. And don't forget to set an alarm to avoid oversleeping.
It's a new work week already, and these are just a few tips to help us stay organized and highly efficient. How do you stay organized and become productive each week? Comment; let's interact!
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