How to Get More Done Every Week
Productivity. It’s a word that can bring up a lot of emotions, both good and bad, that may change from day to day or month to month. When we are at our best and most productive we can feel accomplished, powerful, and efficient. But we cannot live life at the top of our game all the time, and as a result there will be seasons when being productive is not a consistent part of our lives.
I first started this business when I was working full-time at another job, and it didn’t take long to realize that I had to make the most of the limited time I was given each day after work. I tried and failed in a few different ways, but over time I have streamlined a lot of my processes to make sure I can get done what I need to in the time frame I’m given.
We all have the same amount of hours each week, so maximizing them is important when you’ve got a lot on your plate. Here are some of the things I’ve learned, and exactly how you can get more done every week:
1) Start each week with a list of what you need to get done.
Not want - need. It’s very likely you’ll get a lot more done than you think you can, but do the things first that are non-negotiables so they don’t hang over your head for days. The rest of your accomplishments are just a cherry on top of your productivity.
2) Set a weekly rhythm.
I used to feel inadequate because my day-to-day life differs so dramatically that I could not make Monday-Friday look the same…until I realized this was actually healthy for me. Each day of the week I have regular tasks on my list (I use TeuxDeux to keep track), so even though Monday and Thursday don’t look the same, each Tuesday is pretty similar to the next. My busiest days generally stay the same, and I know on Wednesday I will likely get some down time. This helps me push through on the harder days!
3) Prioritize rest (and sleep).
Rest is not necessarily doing nothing - just read the book Rest and you’ll see what I mean! - but it’s extremely important to get time away from your work. This might mean watching Netflix, or maybe it’s engaging your brain in a different way through reading. Above all, make sure you’re sleeping enough at night tor adding a nap in during the day. Obviously some seasons don’t allow this to happen (hey all you new parents!), but don’t let your sleep suffer long-term over poor decisions.
4) Look at other life factors.
As I mentioned at the top, we cannot all live our most productive lives year-round. There are a lot of other factors that play into our productivity at work. My brother recently reminded me to take a look at outside stressors when I’m wondering why I feel stressed or unproductive, and this is a practice that’s always incredibly eye-opening. Life affects work and work affects life, so look at the sum of your days rather than just a sliver to see why you feel the way you do, whether positive or negative.
At the end of the day, productivity is not my #1 goal. I want to love God, love my family, serve others, live a healthy life…and have a successful business. Sometimes my priorities get mixed up, but reminding myself why I do what I do, and realizing that I’m not just a machine working on a to-do list, takes a lot of the pressure off my shoulders. I hope it does the same for you!
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