For some reason, 2022 has been off to the races. The list of items that require my attention seems to blossom overnight. Well, and in the daylight. However, my available time isn't seeing the same growth. It's come to a bit of tough love with my to-do list and things that are 'required'. These productivity hacks are a surefire way to address that blooming to-do list and keep your mental wellness.
We all fall into it. I'm known in my family for having the most open tabs in any web browser. Mostly, it's for convenience. But it's also to 'help me' bounce between items I'm working on. First things first, time to shut down some of those tabs.
Many studies prove that multitasking leads to more errors and more stress. In a study from the Cleveland Clinic, multitasking leads to being less present, less mindful, and this affects our mental well-being. And as legal professionals, well, we are already on a slippery slope. Mindfulness or the ability to be present at the moment is a great tool to reduce stress. Without it, well, more stress. And who needs more of that?
That feels a bit light, right? Well, it's all in the definition. One goal per day prioritizes the one thing that must be done that day. Not to say you can't do more on any given day, but setting one goal drives that focus. And with one goal per day, you are likely to complete that. Getting things to the completion stage, well, that feels good. It gives me a boost of confidence and clarity. Those feelings roll forward to the next things on your list.
By prioritizing one thing per day, you are able to focus on that one thing. Think of it as strengthening a new muscle. By focusing on one thing per day, you are developing the ability to focus. And that focus will drive further productivity throughout all your efforts. And yes, I have one goal per day. But I also have three other items I'd like to get done, depending on the time requirements for the one goal. So adjust as you need to on a daily basis. But focus on one thing per day that must get done. After that's done? Move on to the 'nice to get done'.
We are our own worst enemies sometimes. We want to grow our law firm and we take all possible cases we can. We volunteer for various events, whether through our professional or personal relationships. Then, before you know it, your days are overflowing with things that need to get done.
Remember, it's ok to say no when you need to. In fact, it's healthy. Work with other attorneys in your area to refer cases to the other when required. You can volunteer to help in those social and professional groups as your time allows. You don't need to commit to a continuing role. Manage the whole of your commitments in a way that aligns with your values and time availability. Sure, a law firm goes through times of need when working 50+ hours a week is required. But if it's a typical week, well, maybe rethink your commitment and make the appropriate changes.
One thing I've learned over the years is to block time on my calendar for myself. My availability is actively managed. I block a few hours in the morning when I'm most productive generally, and another hour at the end of the day. That time is for me to get my own stuff done. That one goal per day and other stuff that needs attention. If I get that one thing per day done, I chip away at the rest of the to-do list in my blocked time.
That's not to say that I'm not flexible. If something needs urgent attention and it requires me to be present in a meeting or phone call, well, of course, I can make myself available. But taking the active approach to blocking time for yourself is an easy step to help you be more productive. Remember, to get to that productivity level, you need more than 1 hour to do the 'deep work' that requires your focus.
Simply put, walk away. Turn your computer off and walk away from it and from all work. You need time to relax and decompress in order to get the relaxation and sleep you need to be productive and healthy. Just like managing your calendar, it can be adjusted of course. But the idea here is to set yourself as a priority. That includes time away from work. I'm a big fan of a planner. Yes, I'm 'planner-years-old'. But seriously, just organizing your priorities, focusing on what needs to be done on any given day, and prioritizing all of it is key to driving productivity. There are so many options out there to track tasks, including case management software. Just saying.
Improving productivity leads not only to getting more stuff done but to a happier and healthier existence. Balance, people. Set those priorities. Block your time. And enjoy your life outside of work. It all works together to make you even more productive.