Small Changes, Big Results: Transform How You Start Your Workday with These Three Simple Tips
Welcome to Motivation Monday – your weekly dose of inspiration and practical advice to make running your business a breeze with business owner Kelly Thomas! In just 5 minutes, I'll share a fantastic tip to boost your efficiency and take your small business or nonprofit to new heights. So, let's dive right in and make this Monday the most motivated one yet!
Running a business or nonprofit can be a whirlwind, and staying organized is no easy feat. But fear not, I've got your back with three simple ways to organize your workday and make it a breeze!
Taming the Email, Text, and Social Media Madness
We've all had those days where we sit at our desks working for hours, but it feels like we accomplished nothing from our to-do list. Trust me, I've been there too! So, let's dive into the first tip that can change your workday game:
Tip 1: Change Your Approach to Notifications
Do you wake up, grab your phone, and dive into the sea of notifications? It's time for a different approach. Instead of getting overwhelmed by them, try starting your day by checking your email first and sorting them using folders. This simple act can be a game-changer!
Take a moment to delete the junk emails and unsubscribe from unwanted subscriptions. Now, organize the rest into different folders like "Reply Soon," "Read Later," and "Delegate." The goal here is not to reply to emails just yet, but to get them organized. You can even repeat this sorting process after lunch to keep your inbox in check and maintain productivity throughout the day.
Delegating and Using Technology Smartly
As small business owners and leaders, it's only natural to want to do everything ourselves. But the truth is, we can't be superheroes all the time. That's where the power of delegation and technology comes in.
Tip 2: Embrace Delegation
When you hire team members, look for those who complement your strengths and fill in the gaps. Delegating tasks that are not your expertise can free up valuable time and mental energy. Trust me; it's liberating!
Additionally, there are fantastic free tools like Slack, Airtable, and ChatGPT that can streamline your workday with your team. These tools enable efficient communication, collaboration, and project management, even if your team is remote.
If you're not ready to hire staff, consider leveraging the expertise of a Virtual Assistant, just like the one Kelly offers at Designed by Kelly. Virtual Assistants can help you with tasks like design, social media management, and email marketing – making delegation easier than ever.
Creating a Prioritized Daily List with Time Limits
Staying focused and productive throughout the day can be a real challenge, especially with so many distractions around us. But don't worry; I've got a secret sauce to share!
Tip 3: The Power of Prioritization
Every morning, after organizing your email, jot down your to-do list. Whether you prefer doing this digitally or on paper, choose a method that keeps you on track. It's helpful to have this list visible on your desk as a constant reminder.
Here's the key: Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and even set time restrictions on some of them. For instance, you can decide how long you'll spend on social media checking comments and use a timer to ensure you don't spend too much time going down the rabbit hole.
Lastly, don't forget the magic of a tidy workspace. Declutter your desk every morning, as a tidy environment can work wonders for productivity.
Embracing Progress Over Perfection
Before we conclude, let's address something important – there will be days when things go haywire, and that's okay. We're all human, and not every day will go as planned. In those moments, remember to be kind to yourself and extend grace.
Instead of striving for perfection, focus on progress. Every small step forward counts, and it's the cumulative effect of these steps that will lead to growth and efficiency. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
Here's some real talk – there will be days when things go haywire, and that's okay. Be kind to yourself, extend yourself some grace and remember, progress over perfection is the goal!
To make your journey to an organized workday easier, I have a special gift for you – a free daily organizer card. This handy tool will help you implement the tips discussed in this blog post. Just print it out and keep it on your desk. Make it a daily ritual to run through the card every morning for success.
Remember, it takes about 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic, so be consistent and patient with yourself.
If you need any extra support, don't hesitate to check out our Virtual Design and Social Media Assistant services at Designed by Kelly. We're here to make your life easier and help your business thrive!
Stay organized, download the daily organizer card, and let's conquer this week together. I'll be back next week with more motivational Monday tips for your success!