Life’s demands can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed.
Deadlines, meetings, and managing personal life can leave us with very little extra time for the things we want to do.
However, it doesn't have to be this way.
Simplifying our work is possible.
By being more intentional about how we approach our tasks, we can change our work experience from stressful to manageable, and even enjoyable.
Here are three areas that have helped me to drastically simplify my work.
Make it Fun
- Pair two activities: Pair something you don’t like, with something you do. An easy example is watching your favorite TV show while you do the dishes.
- Gamify your work: Create personal challenges. Compete with a co-worker. Utilize a leaderboard to track progress.
- Reward Yourself: Finished a task? Treat yourself! Maybe a little extra screen time or your favorite hobby.
Make it Simple
- Break It Down: Big tasks are just small tasks put together. Break them into smaller parts, and tackle them one by one.
- One Thing at a Time: Focus on one task at a time. Don’t look ahead.
- Set Your Priorities: Does the entire task need to be completed, or can 20% of the task bring about 80% of the benefit? Re-define what your objective looks like.
Make it Repeatable
- Create Checklists: Create a checklist for tasks you do often. It doesn’t matter if it’s a simple task or complex one. By creating a checklist, you’ll remove the willpower necessary to complete the task.
- Create a Routine: Doing things at the same time each day can make it a habit. Before you know it, it’ll feel like second nature.
- Automate: Find ways to automate your tasks. Use tools like Zapier to automate your workflows.
- Delegate: Is it time to hand off your task? Use that checklist to delegate responsibilities.
By making tasks fun, simple, and repeatable, you'll change your entire frame of mind regarding your work. Be intentional with both your attitude and how you approach your work each day.
With a little practice, you’ll find previously mundane tasks to be so much easier!