Here’s a secret to having a more productive week:
Spend 30 minutes Sunday afternoon or evening, or even early Monday morning, planning your week.
I know that sounds overly simplistic, but it can actually be quite powerful.
Give everything you have to do this week an estimated time and then place it on your calendar.
Make sure you allot time for recreation, exercise and family. Even schedule some time to read and/or dream.
Then try, as hard as you can, to work the plan. When interruptions come in your week, unless they are true emergencies, you have a valid reason to say no.
I don’t do this every week, but I try to especially do this on busy weeks, when the demand on my time is more than I feel I can accomplish, or just when I really want to be most productive.
Let me know how it goes.
And don’t tell anyone – it will be our little secret!
In my next post I will share a more detailed listing of how I do this.
I will have to give this a try. I try to use to-do lists and task managers but it always ends up being "on the fly" and never sticks with me for some reason.
Thanks Chris. Let me know how it goes!
Twitter: tijuanabecky
says:
Agreed Ron! Sticking to a plan and following God's lead are key. I've found it very helpful to use a calendar and know what's going on at least a day ahead of time so I know what to say yes or no to. Definitely helpful to have a plan or system.
Thanks Becky.
But what if the interruption to your schedule is a God appointed interruption? How do you know when saying No is saying No to God?
Obviously God's interruption trump our own plans…but I find that if I plan well, I'm more prepared when those interruptions come.. Thanks
I try and plan my week on Sunday or Monday. The times when I work, want to write, church volunteer time, relaxing time, and time with my wife and family. I have not been as consistent in doing this but have seen the positive results from writing out my week. Great thought.
Thanks Dan.
Thanks Dan
I do try to do something like this on Sunday or early Monday. I need to do that more with my blogging. I more often have some things in my mind though: like my cycling. I know when i want to but don't write it down. I need to be more pointed with it. That ought to set the "watch-it-alls" on their tush. Ha
I get the cycling part (ha…the name). Good time thought to prepare I'm sure.