We are busier than ever.
We have more technology to contend with, which means many more forms of
communication and interaction to master and address. We have more work to do,
as many companies are making do with fewer employees, piling the work of many
onto the shoulders of few.
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| Work stressing you out? Feeling overwhelmed at work? |
Do you need to simplify
your work life? Well, you might, if:
•You feel completely
stressed at work.
•You feel overwhelmed, with
too much on your plate.
•Your productivity is
decreasing due to an inability to handle your projects.
•You spend too much time
on things that just aren’t priorities.
•No matter how many hours
you put in, you can’t seem to get out from under your workload.
•You bring stress and
anxiety home with you.
Simplifying your working
life will help you find balance and do a better job.
Here’s how:
1. Streamline your work
environment.
Your physical environment
has an enormous impact on your wellbeing, productivity, and intellectual
ability. Your workspace should be as minimal and efficient as possible.
Look around your
workspace. If you have a lot of clutter, chances are it’s creating or
contributing to inefficiencies and distractions. The key is to create a
clutter-free distraction-free, stress-free, and productive workspace.
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| Is this what your desk looks like? |
First, organize your
computer desktop. Move things off that do not need your attention. Next, edit
your walls and desk. Does all that stuff really need to be there? Yes, you want
a few personal and inspirational items, but you only need a few. Pick two and
get rid of the rest.
What papers or files are
on your desk? Decide what you need and file the rest away. Organize your tools.
Do you really need a stapler, tape, and paper clips on your desk? Put them in a
drawer.
 |
| Ahhh...that's better. |
Simplifying your workspace
will help you become more productive, and it will also provide a powerful
psychological support system for keeping your work life simplified.
2. Prioritize your work.
Now that you have
streamlined your work environment, you can get to work. Start by prioritizing
your workload. Look at all your projects and determine the method of
prioritization.
If you are self-employed,
use whatever system aligns with your business. For example, most of my work is
based on a deliverable, so I prioritize my work based on due dates and the
amount of time each project will take.
If you work in an
organization, your supervisor or manager should direct or help you prioritize
your workload. Meet with them to go over your projects and find out what the
priorities are. When a new project is assigned bring up existing projects, go
over your workload, and reevaluate all of your priories.
Work with your manager to
stay clear on your priorities. People who are afraid to have this conversation
with their supervisors are not going to be able to simplify their work life. And
it’s a simple conversation, not a complaint that you can’t get something done
or a demand that they give you less work. What you are doing is asking for
clarity.
3. Use technology the
right way.
Look at the different
technologies you utilize to complete your work. Do they make your life easier
or add an unnecessary layer? Email is a perfect example of a very common
time-suck. Ask yourself: Do I need to start what could be an endless and unnecessary
stream of electronic messages when I could have my answer in a minute with a
little physical effort or a phone call?
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| Talking in person instead of emailing might save time! |
The problem with
technology is that we fall into the trap of relying on it for things that may
be better and more efficiently handled the old-fashioned way. Decide what
actually works for you and use it. Lose the rest.
4. Be realistic, seek
clarity, and say no.
In terms of your physical
work habits, it is imperative to be realistic about what you can accomplish,
both in terms of time and skills. You must know what is important and what
isn’t. Then, focus on what is important and let go of the rest.
You also need to learn to seek
clarity and/or say no. If you are completely swamped, say so. Perhaps you can
renegotiate the projects you already have or get someone to help you. Seek clarity
on assignments and expectations. Find out exactly what is expected and what
will satisfy their requirements. These are called the conditions of
satisfaction, and you should understand them from the beginning.
~
By simplifying your work
life, you can be far more productive and much less stressed at work. Minimize
distractions—physical, visual, and technological. Start small and build to
where you can prioritize your projects and work on them with focus and clarity.
Simplify, and you will increase your productivity. And your sanity.
~
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