Lists can be useful- especially if you enjoy crossing stuff off. Image Credit: Koalazymonkey
A decade on from the turn of the millennium and there’s no doubt that the world is a changed place. Aside from obvious advancements in technology, information is freely available, there are 100s of different ways to communicate and ultimately there is far more that you are expected to do and achieve in the same amount of time. This is particularly true in an industry like ours where things change faster than you can say Google Nexus One. Not only do you have to do your job – a strange and often undefined beast when you’re an eMarketer – but you also have to stay up to speed with the latest developments, come up with creative ideas for your clients, focus on building your own brand and advancing your career.
Theoretically, you should be doing all this while developing real relationships with real people who you have met in real life (ones based on texts, IM, email, Twitter, Facebook etc don’t count). You also have to remember to feed your dog. And pay the bills. And, and, and…you get my point.
Feeling overwhelmed? Welcome to the club; I've put together a starting point for coping.
1. Get yourself some goals
Everyone needs goals. Goals provide an end point so that you never feel like the daily grind is all in vain. They also act as a guide – in theory, all of your actions should be related to an end goal of one sort or another. These goals that you set for yourself should preferably be divided into short term (the next month), medium term (the next year) and long term (anything longer than that). If you’re feeling really organised, each goal should be accompanied by a brief but well thought out tactical plan around how you intend to reach it in the designated time period. This process will help you stay on track. Ideally these goals should be revisited regularly. This is less an excuse for procrastination and more a way to re-prioritise and acknowledge your successes.
2. Put together an ongoing to do list and plan around it
A list of goals and a list of things you have to get done are not the same. That said, your to do list should reflect your goals. Try making a list of everything that you need to get done in the foreseeable future and ascribe a deadline to each one. Everyone has a different system and finding one that works for you is part of the process. I’m currently trying a notebook (old school) divided into 3 parts – do now, do soon, do later. I review my lists weekly, allowing me to prioritise tasks for which deadlines are approaching. Admittedly, I do occasionally add items that I have already done just for the satisfaction of crossing them off. Don’t judge me.
3. Minimise distractions
For many a technology nut, the Internet is the holy grail of communication. While its existence has done a lot to make life simpler, better and faster it nonetheless poses some obstructions to productivity. Constant distraction through emails, both work related and personal, phone calls and IMs ensure that we are continually breaking our focus on tasks. While writing these tips, I have checked my email 6 times, taken 2 calls, chatted to an Intern about a press release, responded to 8 emails and read 2 articles that have nothing to do with this one. Other than finishing this article (in twice the amount of time it should have taken me), I have not completed any of my other tasks as a result of these communications. Ultimately, not worth it. My 2010 resolution is to check my email a maximum of 3 times a day (8am, 12pm and 4pm). Starting tomorrow of course :).
4. Compartmentalise your time
Getting stuff done and crossed off your to do list is no easy feat if you have as much going on as the average eMarketing Joe. Getting it right will take careful planning on a daily basis. Of course, sticking to this plan as best you can is relatively crucial. Decide where your priorities lie, estimate the time it will take to get actions out of the way and budget your time. Give yourself regular short breaks (make a cup of tea or stare at the mountain) to regroup your thoughts and tackle one thing at a time, working on it until the allotted time is up or you complete the task – whichever comes first.
5. Take time out
Despite what your boss might say, balance is important. While I’m the first to admit that sleeping on a problem is often the best way get your head around solving it, try not to be one of those people who is either working or worrying about work. Worrying about work all weekend won’t help scratch out action items on your to do list on Monday morning. Switching off is hard and for some people requires discipline. But it’s necessary. Got to yoga, take your dog for a walk, have a glass of wine or two, watch a movie or read a novel. Allowing your brain to take a timeout will allow you to tackle tasks with new perspective and greater focus.
Also check out:
I think out of all of them #5 is probably the most important. You'll be surprised how much more you can do when your body feels rested.
Posted by Jean on 2010/01/13