Do this before you start anything
The critical step in starting anything is to know yourself first
So what?
You need to know yourself and how best you work if you want to:
- Be productive;
- Get results;
- Know when and where to get help; and
- Learn from failures.
Why do you need to know yourself?
We all work differently. People are motivated by deadlines, work better at night or refuse to work unless there is a piece of cake placed in front of them.
You knowing how best you work is the first step that you need to take before you do anything worthwhile doing. Don’t blindly rely on what worked or works for other people. You are different. Nevertheless, getting ideas from others is a great starting point.
Adapt to how you work
Do you prefer to work slowly or at your pace? Start it early.
Do you prefer to sprint to the finish line? Do other things and come back to it later.
Do you prefer to finish but not start a task? Ask someone else to start it and come back to finish it.
Do you prefer to start but have trouble finishing? Start it and ask someone else to finish it.
Do you prefer simplicity and silence? Start it with a blank sheet of paper after everyone goes to sleep.
Do you prefer background chattering and abundance? Do it in a coffee shop on Monday mornings.
You get the point. Find out what works for you. Consider both adding and subtracting. Try different combinations of things and have a couple of methods in your back pocket to apply in different situations.
Accept and stick to the methods that you have decided on
Accepting and sticking to these methods to get things done is as important as finding which ones work best for you. Finding them enables you. Accepting them builds confidence. Sticking to them simplifies your decisions. Simplicity is key.
My experience
My daily workload consists of both substantive and administrative tasks. Substantive work increased when I got my last promotion. I tried to cram these tasks each day despite not being able to complete them. I took a step back and asked myself what’s working and not working.
It was apparent to me that I was analytical and creative in the morning. Afternoon was when my brain started to slow down. So, I decided to get substantive work done in the morning and tackle mundane, process oriented, administrative tasks in the afternoon. Whether I’m less stressed or more productive, I found what works for me, accepted them and stuck to them. I made things simple for myself.
What now?
Are you about to start a new project or embark on a change in your life?
Take a day or two to get to know yourself
Did you recently finish a project or make a change in your life?
Ask yourself, what could you have done differently. What lessons can I learn from it.