Finding Your Sway
When it comes to tackling a big task at work, many times the hardest part is getting started. If you can get over that hurdle, how do you manage to stay focused when other things continue to get thrown your way? It is important to find your Work Sway.
Your Work Sway is being able to stay in the Zone even when other distractions can pop up. Working in sway brings confidence, and that confidence translates to a positive outlook on the other tasks on your list instead of feeling stressed and overwhelmed. So how do you find your work sway?
Keep a check list of what NEEDS to be completed that day. Some things we do are ‘nice to do’ things but do not NEED to get done. Categorize your tasks in groups of Must Complete, Would be Nice to Do, and Eventually items. My group nicknames are ‘Get It Done….NOW’, ‘Get to It… this week’, and ‘Meh… Someday.’
Only give yourself one big project at a time. If you have too many big rocks to move, you can easily become overwhelmed and unwilling to even get started. While I’m sure you are super, you are not a superhero.
Give yourself a few small wins every day. Start your day with something that can quickly and easily be checked off your list to give you the sense of accomplishment right off the bat. My mom taught me to make the bed as soon as you wake up so you can start with one item checked off your list. When I was on maternity leave, my one win every day was taking a shower.
Give yourself the time you need. When you are ready to tackle that big rock, put your email/phone on do not disturb if possible for a block of time to allow you to get into your rhythm. There was a time long ago before email and cell phones existed. People got ahold of you by letter, or in the 80s with a fax machine. Nothing is so urgent that you can’t take an hour of undisturbed focus each day.
Take mental breaks that bring you joy. Channel your inner Marie Kondo. If working from home, getting up to walk the dog, pet your cat, dance with your kid, etc. If you are at the office, go outside and read a non-work related book, or if you work somewhere that is cold most of the year, walk up and down the stairs for some quick exercise just to leave your desk. Whatever it is, do something that makes you smile and clears your head. That will make sure you can stay focused and productive for longer periods of time.
How do you get your work sway?