We all have those days where we lack motivation and focus. In these situations, not much gets done and you often feel behind the following day. However, if you have a plan, your day becomes much more productive. To do this, you need to begin before you even start work. For some tips on how to make the most of your day, take a look at the tips below:
1. Don't sleep the day away
The earlier you wake up, the more time you have to accomplish your tasks. This also allows you a minute to yourself before you have to go to work and interact with everyone else. Make yourself a well-rounded breakfast, meditate or throw in a seven-minute workout – the optimal length for waking you up and getting your blood flowing, according to James Reinhart, cofounder of thredUp.com, in Entrepreneur. If you can get yourself up and moving earlier, you'll be better able to focus on the day ahead.
2. Make a plan
You have a schedule – use it. You'll feel much better if everything is organized into one, set plan. This way you'll know exactly what you have to get done and you'll have no time for extras, Matt Mayberry, an internationally-acclaimed motivational speaker and maximum performance strategist, told Entrepreneur. However, it doesn't hurt to be flexible. Not everything will get accomplished and every meeting won't run on time. It's best to leave some "buffer" time in your schedule just in case, Marty Fukuda, Chief Operating Officer at N2 Publishing, explained in Entrepreneur.
3. Set goals
While it's nice to accomplish everything you have for the day, it's not always realistic. Reinhart suggested choosing three tasks to prioritize above the rest. Whether that's running over to your community bank to make a deposit or completing a presentation for an important meeting, make sure you get something accomplished. Even if you don't get a lot done, setting goals will at least ensure you're making progress.
4. Leave some 'me' time
Sure, you're supposed to actually do work while you're at work, but that doesn't mean you can't take a minute to breathe. You won't last very long if you're constantly on the move, according to Fukuda. Too many tasks can stress you out, and nothing gets done when you're overwhelmed. Step away from your desk, go for a walk, grab a snack – anything to get your mind off your job for a moment. You'll feel much more focused when you sit back down.
You only have so many hours in a day. It's best to maximize your time so you can get everything done. However, don't stress yourself out too much. Creating a plan and making goals will help you know what you need to get done and set you on your way to feeling accomplished.