• Turn off your phone: Unless you need your smartphone for work, turn it off or put it on silent until your day is over. ORGANIZING YOUR TIME • Try the 4 Ds: The 4 Ds method encourag- es you to determine what to do, what to delay, what to delegate to others, and what to delete or drop. Apply this method to each task so it’s easier to determine which items should require most of your time. • The ABC Method: Start each day with a list of tasks, then assign them the letters A, B, or C. The A tasks are your first priority, then B tasks, and so on. This makes it easier to determine which items should be done first every day. • The Pomodoro Technique: This popular technique involves breaking larger tasks into short, timed intervals known as Pomodoros. Each task should be spaced by short breaks. The idea is that this method teaches you to
focus for shorter periods while you stay on top of deadlines and improve your attention span. • SCRUM: This method is team-based and encourages each member to learn through experience, self-delegate, and self-orga- nize when working on a problem, and most importantly, reflecting on wins and losses to determine how to improve. ORGANIZING YOUR HOME • Declutter: Too much clutter makes it difficult to concentrate, so start by decluttering every room and either selling, donating, storing, or disposing of things you no longer want or need. When you get rid of excess stuff, staying focused on the task at hand is much easier. It’s also essential to make sure your office clutter is kept to a minimum as much as possible. • Organize your files: If you deal with a lot of paperwork, use a filing system so that it’s
easier to keep important information close at hand. Organize files in alphabetical order and use a locked file cabinet to store confidential information. • Keep it organized: If you do work from home, dedicate just a few minutes each day to go around your home and pick up stray items, put dishes away, and do a simple cleaning, so everything stays neat and tidy every day. When you start your day with a clean home, you’ll feel much more relaxed and able to take on your busy tasks. • Separate work and home items: Keep all of your work-related items in the home office or at the office itself, and leave home goods in their proper places. For example, keep your laptop or desktop on a desk in a separate part of the home and don’t use it while sitting on the couch. This will make it much easier to mentally separate your work tasks from doing things like spending time at home with your family.
CREATE MORE FAMILY TIME The key to a healthy work-life balance is finding more time to spend with your family, so keep these tips in mind: • Communication is key: Sit down and talk to your family about your current job arrange- ments. It’s important to establish boundar- ies now so that there’s no miscommunica- tion later. For example, if you’re busy during certain hours and can’t be bothered, let your family know in advance. • Allow others to help: Don’t be afraid to delegate certain chores to other family members or to your coworkers. Create a list of family tasks for each member to complete so they are doing their part to maintain the home. • Start a family hobby or project: Whether it’s a home improvement project or a fun hobby, come up with something you can do as a family together that’s enjoyable and fun.
113 MARCH/APRIL 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
112 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2022
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