Embracing a better workday in 2023
Do you ever feel like you are very busy but getting nothing done? Would you like to be more productive in 2023, without spending more time at work? In this article, I will share some simple, straightforward ways to improve the way you work, whether you are in the office or at home.
It’s more than time management.
The biggest mistake I see people make when it comes to productivity is focusing solely on time management. Even if you do your best to manage every hour of your day, it isn’t going to create more time. More importantly, other people will regularly seek to take up some of the time in your workday. This is not a bad thing; it is one of the ways you stay connected to your purpose at work. But it does mean that even your best efforts to manage your time and schedule will not always be enough.
To make the most of your workday, you must consider two other factors: attention and energy. Are you paying attention to the right activities? Do you have the motivation and energy to complete those?
Even if you had an entire day free of interruptions, you wouldn’t be able to make the most of that time if you didn’t manage your attention and energy.
What’s grabbing your attention?
What do you need to pay attention to today? This powerful question helps you identify the primary area of focus for a workday - before the emails and messages begin.
By deciding what work is most important for the day ahead, you can better prioritise everything else more confidently. If things come up during the day, which they undoubtedly will, this clarity will help you get back on track more quickly.
When are you most productive?
Even if you are logged into work for 8 hours every weekday, this doesn’t mean you will be productive the entire time. And nor should you expect to be. Our energy ebbs and flows throughout the day; working with our natural cycle is a smarter way to make the most of your day.
When was the last time you stopped to consider the best time to do different parts of your job? What difference would it make if you planned to do the most critical work when you had the most energy?
Daily reflection is the secret to sustained productivity in 2023.
One of the most sustainable ways to increase productivity is by building 15 minutes of daily reflection before finishing work. Taking the time to reflect on your day supports better decision-making and allows you to identify changes you need to make for the days ahead.
Go one step further by wrapping up the week intentionally each Friday. Finish the working week by listing three accomplishments and leave your workspace with a sense of achievement.
By following these suggestions, you will improve how you manage your attention and energy at work. You will be able to make the most of each day, regardless of what that brings. Decide now which of these ideas you will act on to create a better workday in 2023.
Niamh Brady
Productivity Coach
Stay Well/ A better workday
