The 10 Steps to Having a Great Day
If we are to create something meaningful with our lives, something that will outlive us and be remembered in the generations to come, then what we do each day determines if this will ever happen or will just be an illusion. At least we know that success is not an overnight event, but takes days of hard work, passion, dedication and optimism. So what are the steps to a great day?
There are days I say to myself; “well, today I did well”, then those days that I go to sleep, tired, but can’t relate to anything great I have done. Maybe because I was busy doing things I didn’t need to do in order to avoid doing the things I was actually supposed to do. The end result, we do not achieve our set goals at the end of the year, but hope things will get better. It is surprising that what is holding us back from having a great day are things we have control over.
What’s holding us back
- Procrastination
- Not having goals or not setting goals
- Failing to keep a “to-do” list
- Failing to prioritize our daily activities
- Distractions, distractions — right, left and center
- Not taking any breaks
- Saying “YES”to everything
To have a great daily routine, it is about time we draw a line between the world’s demand and our own ambition. It is true that we have obligations to satisfy and bills to pay. But the truth is , there is a wide gray area between the have-to’s and the want-to’s in our lives. We spent most of our time on reactive work; responding to other people’s demand- replying to emails, tweets — and not having to create anything truly worthwhile.
The 10 Steps to a Great Day
Before even taking any step, we have to switch to creative work first and reactive work second. Well, it is important that you don’t keep people always waiting for you to reply their emails. It is also important that you don’t spend the best part of your day in other people’s priorities. It is better to disappoint a few people over small things than to surrender your daily dreams for an empty inbox each day.
Figure out your high energy periods
For me, its early in the morning, between 4.00 am and 09.00 am. To some of my friends, it’s late in the night. Dedicate this time to your most creative work. Avoid scheduling any meetings or other administrative tasks during this time, and just focus on creating and building.
Your environment matters — create it
Do you always like some background music while writing? Then ensure that you have a collection. Do you always take a cup of coffee while coding? Please don’t deny yourself. This simply tells your mind; “am are ready for take off!”
Have a “to-do”list
As simple as it sounds, having and managing a “to-do” list is what makes the difference in most people’s daily lives. Limit your list based on urgent, important, not urgent and not important. Emily, my communication fellow at MEST, taught us about the Eisenhower Principle which I use every day when am creating my “to-do”list.
Focus your energy
Break down your daily tasks into smaller actions and goals. Always STING. Select one task at a time, Time yourself using a clock, Ignore everything else during the at time, No breaks or interruptions till you are done. Give yourself a reward. Michael Altshuter said:
“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot”
Capture every commitment
Train yourself to record every commitment you make — to yourself and others — so that you won’t forget. This helps you to respond to requests more efficiently and to become a better collaborator. You also become at peace with yourself.
Establish hard edges in your day
Set start times and finish times for your work day. Dedicate different times of the day to different tasks. This will prevent some tasks from taking longer than they should. Also to avoid work alcoholism. Monitor how much time you spent on a particular task as well.
Don’t wait for moods, just get stuff done
Do you have those “I don’t feel like…” moments? You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know that it has got to get down to work. So get to it.
Manage distractions
Say “no” to some requests. It is not a sin. Run away from distractions. Do you remember those “Do Not Disturb” signs? Use them. Set specific time of the day to visit your Facebook account. For emails, only handle them once, if that allows you to. Turn off your phone notifications.
On average, it takes 23 minutes to get back to a task after an interruption.
Track your time
Keep a time sheet. You will be surprised how much time you spend on Instagram each day. During my Communication class, Emily introduced us to the Fringe Hours Time Tracker. You should probably use it too.
Make time for inspiration
Last but not least, inspiration will take you places you have never imagined before. Take a walk, talk to someone new, try something different, go jogging, try a new meal recipe, try a Salsa class — Do this every day.
Our daily activities differ from one person to the other. Find what works for you and stick to it. To be different, you have to see things differently, and you have to approach things differently as well. Happy productive and great days ahead!
Originally published at www.isaacjumba.com on January 25, 2016.
