If you’re anything like me, you struggle without structure. Minutes turn into hours, hours turn into days and days turn into, well, consecutive days without a sense of feeling purposeful. It is far too easy (especially with all the newfound downtime) to be consumed by social media, (fake:D) news sources, and the life sitting in front of a screen that we all have been suddenly inundated with. If you’re not careful, you’ll let mornings that were once productive slip away. Here are some quick tips that were inspired by a handful of people in my circle and some outside that I’ve paid attention to from afar.
1) Make a list. A list of things you’re going to do on a daily basis regardless of circumstance. This list can be (almost) anything as long as it's yours and it’s productive in some way. This list should add value to your day, personally or professionally and should be both realistic and helpful in maintaining a routine. Think of it as a set of rules that you’re setting forth, that you are going to abide by. Write them down, put them on the fridge, a mirror or in any place where they’re blatant and obvious. You’re accountable to yourself here and if you fall off the wagon, just try again tomorrow.
2) Find ways to ground yourself when you’re performing daily tasks. If you are about to workout, start the workout with the same song every time. If you’re about to clean, light a candle or start with by following the same routine i.e. I wash the dishes first, clean the sink, etc. You want to signal to yourself “it’s go time” and associate those triggers with whatever you’re about to do.
3) Use the 50-20 rule. 50 minutes of productive, undisrupted work (to whatever extent you can control), 20 minutes of rest, recovery and whatever else you choose to do to sooth your mind. I was recently shared this little secret by a friend of mine I met at a coaching conference last May and it has been a game changer for my productivity. I get more done, in less time by having a very focused drive pointed in the right direction, while also having time to recharge my batteries and get off task a little. Finding a routine is tough, but just like anything, consistency beats short barrages of intensity every time. Just like when you’re trying out for your sport, you have to be guided in your practice and daily rituals. We just have to make due since we’re all on the #QuaranTeam. (See what I did there)
Estevan Lucero MBA CFSC
Operations Director
8 Grady’s Performance Center