You are likely well aware of the importance of planning your day and creating a daily schedule, but the real challenge is sticking to it. While the pressure to keep up can be overwhelming, the solution is slowing down.
Originally posted by Lucy Paulise @ Forbes
When you’re solely focused on work and neglect to pause and take time for yourself, it can be challenging to sustain in the long term. Think about the times when you got more stressed. Were you organized and disciplined, or did you struggle to stick to your schedule because you were too busy? Failing to stick to a plan in the name of getting things done faster can lead to constant stress and frustration, impacting both your work and personal life.
Although high productivity through quickly tackling many things at the same time without a well thought plan, in the short term may seem beneficial, it is not sustainable. Over time, this approach will decrease your productivity, diminish the quality of your decision-making, and negatively affect your relationships and sleep. That is why Napoleon Bonaparte used to say “Dress me slowly, I am in a hurry”.
By intentionally slowing down, you can gain better control over your schedule, improve productivity, and enhance your overall well-being. Here’s how you can implement this strategy and actually stick to your schedule.
1) Prioritize with Purpose
The first step in slowing down is defining your purpose, identifying what is most important to you, and determining how to utilize your signature strengths best. Every day, ask yourself: what are the three “big rocks” I need to get done today to feel like I made progress at the end of the day? How are they connected to my strengths and purpose? Use the Eisenhower matrix to prioritize with purpose.
2) Create a Structured Routine
A well-structured routine can provide a sense of order and predictability. Start by setting a consistent wake-up time and morning routine to kickstart your day on the right note. Plan your day the day before or do it first thing in the morning, timeboxing for work, breaks, and personal activities, so that your plan seems doable and realistic. Stick to this routine as closely as possible, but also allow for flexibility to accommodate unexpected events by leaving some blocks free of tasks. Use technology and AI or specialized apps like Sunsama to help you organize your day and pull meetings, tickets and events from your calendar into your daily task list.
3) Incorporate Breaks Into Your Schedule
Taking regular breaks is essential for maintaining productivity and preventing burnout. Schedule short breaks throughout your day to recharge your mind and body. Take long breaks, such as lunch breaks, and timebox them on your calendar if possible. Take short breaks between meetings or when you start a different type of work. The more you single-task, the easier it will be to identify when you can incorporate a break. Talk yourself into doing at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. You’ll return to your tasks with renewed focus and energy.
4) Practice Emotional Self-awareness
Throughout your day, try to identify which activities drain you the most. See if you can reduce them or react in a different way by practicing your emotional intelligence. When starting to feel nervous or anxious, start breathing deeply or practice mindfulness to stay present and recognize why you feel the way you do. make breathing part of your routine at the end of your day through a shutdown routine
5) Set technological boundaries
“While practicing emotional self-awareness, it’s important to consider how much it is influenced by the constantly changing technological environment throughout the day. To address this, it’s crucial to set clear boundaries. Take control by deciding when to check emails. Research has shown that reducing the frequency of checking emails throughout the day can decrease daily stress. Additionally, consider scheduling 45-minute meetings instead of hour-long ones. This approach will allow ample time to cover the agenda and provide a necessary break to relax and recharge before the next meeting.
Slowing down might seem counterintuitive in a world that values speed and efficiency, but it can be a powerful strategy for sticking to your schedule and achieving sustainable productivity. Remember, slowing down is not about doing less; it’s about doing what matters most with intention and focus.
