Category Archives: Goals
September 13, 2023 Mastering Time Management: Tips for Boosting Productivity
We’ve all been there. There’s a deadline looming ahead of us, or a work project that we really need to start…but we log into social media instead and start scrolling. Or we check the news. Or we get distracted by daily life (the laundry needs to be done, the kids have school and sports, the dog needs a vet appointment), which can derail us even more.
With so many things vying for our attention—both entertainment and little tasks—how can we boost our focus and get the things done at the TOP of our to-do lists? How can we practice better time management and boost overall productivity?
Here are five ways…
Opt for Airplane Mode
If social media or online browsing is your weakness, try to do whatever work you can in airplane mode (yes, your laptop has this function too). This will give you a measure of control over mindless scrolling and help you to solely focus on the task at hand.
Set a Timer
An excellent productivity method is to use timers to do “work sprints.” Set the timer for a short amount of time (say, half an hour or even twenty minutes) and focus on ONE task until the timer beeps. Do not multitask or stray from what you’re doing. These short bursts of concentrated work can help you stay focused and productive.
Prioritize Tasks
Make a to-do list and prioritize the tasks based on their importance and deadline. Start with the most critical tasks first and work your way down the list. By focusing on the most important tasks, you can ensure your time is spent efficiently and effectively.
Eliminate Distractions
Identify potential distractions in your environment and take steps to eliminate or minimize them. This could involve turning off notifications on your phone, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, or finding a quiet workspace where you can concentrate without interruptions. If you’re working at home, it’s a good idea to go into a room and close the door to separate yourself from the rest of the house (and all the housework that’s waiting for you!). This sends the signal to yourself (and anyone else at home) that it’s work time, and you’re about to dig in.
Take Breaks
While it may seem counterintuitive, taking regular breaks can actually improve your productivity. Research has shown that short breaks during work can help recharge your brain and prevent burnout. So, get up and stretch, practice a little yoga, take a walk, or enjoy a cup of tea—whatever will help you relax and detach for a few minutes. Then, once you’re feeling refreshed, you can tackle your work with renewed energy.
Bonus Tip: Use the Pomodoro Technique
This technique is another effective method for managing time and boosting productivity. This technique involves breaking your work into intervals called “pomodoros,” typically 25 minutes long, with short breaks in between. After completing a set number of pomodoros, you can take a longer break. This method helps you maintain focus and prevents burnout by providing regular breaks.
By implementing these strategies and making them a part of your daily routine, you can improve your time management skills and increase your overall productivity. Remember, it may take some trial and error to find the methods that work best for you, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust as needed. Good luck on your productivity journey!
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: beat procrastination, boost productivity, Margaret Smith life coach, productivity at work, time management and productivity, time management improvement
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Changing Your Life, Goals
May 31, 2023 5 Meaningful Diversity and Inclusion Actions in the Workplace
For the past few years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has been a hot topic in the workplace. Companies have pledged billions of dollars to DEI initiatives (although they haven’t necessarily followed through with those pledges), have hired DEI directors and consultants, and have declared their support of DEI efforts. While these intentions are good, not all of this work has been effective or impactful. It’s easy to talk about doing something, and far more difficult to follow through in a meaningful way. When it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, it’s not enough to make surface level changes; this work requires collaboration, strategy, data, and the will to take meaningful actions. Here are 5 actions you, as a leader, can take:
1. Create a Diversity and Inclusion Council
Creating a diversity and inclusion council is a great way to involve a variety of employees at different levels of the company in the work of promoting diversity and inclusion. This council can help develop and implement diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout the company, and help ensure that different perspectives are represented. Remember: make an effort to invite a wide variety of people to serve on this council. It can be counterproductive for a fairly homogenous group to make decisions that will affect others with very different backgrounds and experiences.
2. Collect Data
If you don’t have data about diversity metrics, how will you know when and if your DEI initiatives are working? This data could be quantitative (stats about demographics, numbers related to hiring practices, promotion rates, etc.) or qualitative (responses to surveys, complaints or negative feedback, testimonials from either private meetings or forums, etc.). Collecting diversity metrics can be a powerful way to identify areas where the company is excelling and where improvements can be made. Once the data is collected, use it to inform strategies and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion.
3. Embed DEI Principles into Performance Goals
Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into performance goals can help ensure that these values are front and center in the work that employees do every day. When employees see that DEI work is valued and rewarded, they are more likely to take it seriously and make it a priority in their own work.
4. Review and Update Policies
Policies that are not inclusive can have a negative impact on diverse employees. Reviewing and updating policies to ensure they are inclusive is a crucial step in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This includes policies around hiring, promotion, performance evaluations, and workplace accommodations.
5. Foster a Culture of Inclusion
Creating a culture of inclusion requires effort from everyone in the company. Leaders can set the tone by modeling inclusive behavior and encouraging others to do the same. This includes listening to diverse perspectives, actively seeking feedback, and ensuring everyone feels valued and respected. It also means creating opportunities for employees from diverse backgrounds to participate in decision-making and leadership roles.
While it’s beneficial to conduct diversity and inclusion training, don’t stop there! And don’t make this a one-time endeavor. DEI work must be ongoing and embraced by people at all levels of the company, from the leadership to support staff.
Incorporating meaningful diversity and inclusion actions in the workplace is necessary for creating a more equitable and welcoming environment for all employees. It requires a strategic and collaborative effort from everyone in the company—all voices and contributions make a difference. While these five actions are a good starting point, they should not be the end goal. Companies must continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion and be open to ongoing adaptation and improvement. True progress requires ongoing effort and a willingness to adapt and improve.
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: better DEI initiatives at work, DEI workplace changes, improve DEI in workplace, margaret smith career coach, Margaret Smith professional speaker, meaningful DEI workplace actions, meaningful diversity and inclusion practices
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- Posted under Better Business, Goals, Organization
May 17, 2023 How to Beat Summertime Procrastination: 6 Tips
As we tiptoe into summer in the Upper Midwest, it can become increasingly difficult to concentrate. Who wants to be stuck inside staring at a screen when the weather is mild and sunny? Who wants to enter information into a spreadsheet when you could be riding your bike, barbequing with your family, or simply taking a walk in the fresh air? The procrastination bug can bite hard when you’re resistant to the tasks in front of you! To help beat summertime procrastination, try any or all of the following 6 tips:
1. Take a midday break
Taking a midday break is a great way to recharge your brain and get moving. Take a 30-minute break to go for a walk, ride your bike, or simply sit outside with a good book or cup of tea and enjoy the sunshine. Getting outside can boost your mood and energy, making it easier to focus when you return to work.
2. Work during off-hours
If you’re finding it difficult to concentrate during the day, try working during off-hours. Wake up early and work before the sun rises, or work in the evening when you’re not as tempted to go outside. This way, you can take advantage of the sunshine during the day (at least for a few hours) without feeling guilty for not working.
3. Break tasks into smaller pieces
Breaking tasks into smaller pieces can help make them feel more manageable. Instead of trying to finish a big project in one day, break it into smaller tasks that you can complete over a few days. This way, you’ll feel more accomplished and less overwhelmed.
4. Set a timer
Setting a timer can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on a task without any interruptions. Once the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break to stretch, grab a snack, or check your phone. Repeat this process until you finish the task. Remember, there’s really no such thing as multitasking! Focusing on one project at a time is a better use of your time AND produces better results.
5. Create a summer schedule
Creating a schedule can help you stay on track and make time for both work and play. Set aside specific times each day for work, exercise, and leisure activities. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what you need to do each day and won’t feel guilty when you take time off to enjoy the summer weather.
6. Find an accountability partner
Having an accountability partner can help you stay motivated and on track. Find someone who shares your goals or is working on a similar project and check in with each other regularly. This way, you can hold each other accountable and offer support and encouragement along the way.
By trying these 6 tips, you can beat summertime procrastination and make the most of your summer. Remember, it’s important to take breaks, stay motivated, and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. Happy (almost) summer!
MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE.
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE.
Tags: anti-procrastination techniques, beat summer procrastination, Margaret Smith life coach, Margaret Smith UXL, overcome summertime procrastination, tips to beat procrastination
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- Posted under Advice from a Life Coach, Goals, Thrive at Work
