Are you having a hard time being more productive at work?
Do you feel like you’re working but not really accomplishing the important things you need to do? Have you ever worked late or worked over the weekend because there’s still so much left to do?
You’re not alone. I’ve been there and fortunately, I found a way to get through it. I want to share a solution with you.
The Social Media of Work
You might be going through what I’d like to call the “social media of work,” which is your email internal chat system. The system isn’t organized properly and they:
- Make you lose focus every time your inbox pings
- Are inefficient because it takes to refocus after reading an email
- Provide a bad outcome
You’re diligently responding to emails and Slacks, checking those boxes off your to-do list, and revelling in the dopamine hits that come with each completed task. But the real question is – are you truly tackling the right stuff? Are you adding value to your day and propelling your career forward, or are you merely indulging in the chitchat of non-value-added work?
Ticking those boxes off your list might feel good, but it doesn’t always mean you’re delivering results.
The Aha Moment – Mastering Your Calendar
If the first thing you do the moment you wake up is open your inbox, it might be time to check something else instead.
Enter the calendar – your tool against the “social media of work.” Instead of living and dying by your inbox, let your calendar take the reins and own your day. Unlike emails and internal chat systems, your calendar is a natural prioritization tool. By blocking off specific times for tasks, you ensure that you’re focusing on what matters most during your peak productivity hours. Morning person? Block off 9-11 am for your high-impact projects. Afternoon enthusiast? Reserve 3-5 pm for the best output.
Don’t live and die by your inbox. You need to live and die by your calendar.
Strategic Email and Chat Management
I’m not saying emails and internal chats aren’t important. You’ll have to make time for them and the best way to do this is to use your calendar as a guide. Try to block off 10 to 20 minutes at least twice or thrice per day and use that time solely for email engagement. Reserve one at the end of the day to tie up loose ends.
You can do the same for your chats by setting aside 5 to 10 minutes every hour. You’ll be more efficient and focused without constantly getting distracted.
Mastering Meetings
Another thing is to schedule your meetings for 45 to 55 minutes, leaving room for quick follow-ups or breaks. Take the extra time to see what’s happening, if there are things you need to respond to, and plan to do it later. While you won’t own every meeting, doing things during your scheduled time will give you the space and freedom to focus on more important matters.
Take Action by Trying It for 3 Days
I get it – change is daunting. But what if I told you that taking control of your calendar could lead to a more productive and fulfilling work life? If you find yourself drowning in tasks and overwhelmed by the constant buzz of emails and messages, it might be time to rethink your approach.
Don’t just take my word for it; try it out for yourself. Give yourself the gift of 3 days to implement this calendar-centric approach and watch how much it will greatly improve your output. Your time is precious – use it wisely.
If you like more conversations about thriving and living fully as a working mom, check out my podcast, The Savvy Working Mom, on Spotify or anywhere you listen to your podcasts. We also talk a lot about prioritization, time management, how to be more fulfilled, and how to find peace in this overwhelming world we live in.
Don’t forget to sign up for my free resource library. You’ll get free printable worksheets, workbooks, and checklists to help with goal setting, time management, and self-care for busy moms.
Let’s makeover your routine at How To Get Unstuck.
