3 Easy Fixes for an Unproductive Week

Your schedule is out of control and now another unsuccessful day is turning into an unproductive week.  Sick and tired of being stuck in this rut?

Of course you are. But what can you do?  Well, here are a few tips to help you dig yourself out of the rut and salvage your productivity.

Three symptoms of a bad week and three easy ways to fix them:

1) You had a poor plan or no plan at all - You choose to go through your day without a plan, jumping from one pop-up task to another “Whack-a-Mole” style.

*The Fix:  Use 15 minutes every Sunday and 5 minutes every morning to prepare a task list and schedule that includes all of your (and your family’s) important activities.

2) You had unrealistic expectations – Your to-do list is just too big.  You fall short with an “everything but the kitchen sink” list because a) there isn’t enough time, or b) the timing is wrong.

*The Fix:  Think about each task and estimate how much time you think you need to accomplish it.  Then, compare that time to available time slots in your schedule.  If it doesn’t fit, delegate it or push it to another day during the week.  Remember, a successful to-do list gets completely checked off.

3) You got distracted – It doesn’t matter if it’s a last-minute request from a co-worker or getting caught up on Facebook, any distraction is preventing you from doing things that need to get done.

*The Fix:  Simply say “no” to requests, delegate tasks you don’t have time to complete, and make a commitment to your daily priorities.  Be accountable to yourself and don’t let yourself down.

A final word of advice – Be smart, use your logic.  You expect slow traffic on snowy days, right?  Of course you do.  So plan your day around expected delays, tangents, and other detours life throws your way.  And remember to give yourself some breathing room.  Schedule in extra time for the unexpected as well as a little time just for you.