Six Tips To Stay Focused And Close The Year Strong
I don't know about you, but 2019 has flown by for me — and for many of the people I work with. And since most of the people I work with are hard-charging high achievers, they're constantly looking ahead. Which is a good thing — until your runway gets really short, which tends to happen at about this time each year. I don't want to alarm you, but we've entered the sub-65-working-days-left-in-the-year phase.
Worried about overwhelm taking over? Want to make sure you're doing as much as you can to close out the year in a powerful way? Consider these six strategies:
1. Revisit your goals. Now is the time to get crystal clear on what has to happen for the remainder of 2019. How are you progressing on the goals you set earlier in the year? Be candid about what you can accomplish and ruthless in your assessment. Know that some things may have to come off the list in service of bigger priorities. That's OK. Taking things off your list may mean deferring them to 2020, or it may mean that your priorities have shifted. Either way, be discriminating about how you spend the time you have over the next few months.
2. Limit distractions. We've all heard the stats about the myth of multitasking. We know that we can take as much as 40% more time to complete a task while multitasking versus when we operate with a singular focus. So: Close your browser. Put your phone on "do not disturb." Focus. Set a timer and focus on one single task — ideally, the one with the biggest impact. You'll be amazed at how much you'll accomplish.
3. Be selective about what you let in. Remember the Grinch from Dr. Seuss? One of his biggest complaints was "all the noise noise noise!" Our world is full of noise these days: people, technology, reminders, notifications, tweets all clamoring for our consideration. In 2018, people spent an average of two hours and 24 minutes on social media per day. Assuming an eight-hour workday (and who has those?), that's two full workdays per week! And daily social media statistics have increased steadily since 2012. The message: Be frugal with your time and your attention. Know your priorities, and allocate your time accordingly.
4. Remember your values. Getting clear on your values and drivers can go a long way in helping you be more successful and satisfied at work, and it can help you better understand and relate to others. Your values are your key drivers — the things that motivate you and define what you desire in your work and life. Take time at the end of each day to look ahead: Are you spending your time and energy on the things that are most aligned with your values? If not, make changes.
5. Find your people. We are social creatures. We're wired for community. Having strong social networks is linked to a more effective immune system, reduced risks for cancer and heart disease (compared to those with fewer social ties) and even increased life expectancy. Sandra Day O'Connor put this so beautifully: "We don't accomplish anything in this world alone … and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something." So, if you're feeling guilty about taking time from work to spend time with your friends — don't. It’s good for you!
6. Breathe. If I could give everyone a one-minute game-changer, this would be it: Breathe. Stop. Take a slow, deep inhalation and exhale to the count of four or five. Repeat. Three or four slow, deep breaths can change your physiology and your outlook. Try it next time you're headed into a meeting. Our mental state impacts our productivity. Give your brain and your body time for recovery, even in the midst of busyness.
Adopting these strategies will help you close 2019 strong and set a solid foundation for the year ahead.