Not much happens by luck!

Not much happens by luck, but you can change your outcomes through planning! We all have the same amount of time available to us; it’s just that some of us use it more effectively than others, PAYing a higher yield. I’m by no means suggesting that you turn yourself into a planning tyrant, but an idea unplanned is only a wish! Planning your day in advance enables you to figure out the difference between what you will be doing and what you should be doing. We often get side tracked in our day-to-day activities and stray from our targeted goals. Planning your day and the coming weeks will help you reach your targets with efficiency. You must make sure you provide appropriate weightage to all your nominated tasks. Do your important tasks immediately and remember to plan time every day to enjoy yourself.

Go with the flow….or not?

Going with the flow is good but only when the flow helps you to reach your goals. Jumping to conclusion on what needs to be done without considering all the variables and required actions is dangerous and can lead to imminent failure. Careful planning and preparation will save you additional hard work and time down the track. Get up every morning and plan your day. Include all the necessary activities that are important and urgent and also the ones that will help you to reach your ultimate goals. Prioritise what needs to be prioritised and leave out everything which serves no yield. Then stick to your plan! You will see significant productivity improvements in no time. You can also plan to plan each night. This will ensure you start each day with a clear head and your targets firmly in sight.

Distraction action!

Distractions come in all forms and often when you least need them! They switch-task your focus and can negatively affect your mood. If distractions come in the form of your friends or colleagues, you may need to teach them how to do business with you. Focusing on your goals and meeting your planned deadlines does not make you rude or unprofessional; quite the opposite. The majority of the population have poor time management practices. Advising people you are busy and asking if you can come and see them when you have finished what you are working on is an appropriate course of action to take in the workplace. Schedule an alternative meeting time with them at a time that is convenient to you and your schedule. Stay focused on your efficiency and productivity and fight hard to keep your attention on your urgent and important tasks.

Learn to track all self-induced distractions which cause you to deviate from your work schedule. Social networks, the internet and smart phones, unless you are accessing and using productivity apps or undertaking research these activities may need to be avoided. Consider blocking out and blacking out time in your Outlook calendar for you to work on your priority tasks. Advise your colleagues that you need to be free from interruptions. Close your door, wear a funny hat, place a ‘Back in 30 minutes’ sign on the back of your chair if you are in an open plan office, do whatever it takes to ensure you remain focused on your goals. PAY yourself first!

To download a copy of the [Weekly] Scope To Do Planner, or to learn more on planning to achieve, visit the professional development area on our website.