There are definitely not enough hours in the day. No matter how short our to-do list is, it never quite feels like we’ve accomplished all we set out to do. Well, we can continue wishing we had more hours in the day or we can make the most use out of the time we do have — here’s how to go with the latter.
Step #1: Imagine Your Ideal Week
- What are your work hours on average?
- What are your standing meetings?
- Which time of the day are you most productive (i.e. morning or after lunch)?
- Are there days of the week that are more or less productive for you?
- Are different types of work better accomplished on different days or times?
Step #2: Make Others Fit Into Your Schedule
- Protect your schedule! You should protect your schedule like it’s your baby. Granted, things do come up and you’ll have to move things around. But if you can, keep time set aside for getting focused work done. Having a handful of uninterrupted blocks where you can really buckle down will be invaluable in squeezing more time out of your day.
- Block off your free-time. Write in your calendar that it’s a working block to avoid any scheduling conflicts. Another way to be proactive is by taking charge of scheduling meetings. For instance, always throw out days that work best for you — “Anytime after 3 pm,” or “Friday is wide open.” That way, the options will be anchored in your suggestions, not in times you want to keep to yourself.
Are you happy in your career? If not, Madison Approach Staffing can help you find a position more suitable to your wants and needs! Search our Job Board, or contact us directly to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect fit!
