Planning Equals Productivity

As Brian Tracy once said, “Every minute you spend planning saves ten-minutes in execution.” We’re all given the same amount of time every day, but we all don’t use it the same way. Planning your day will allow you to effectively utilize the hours that you have in a more meaningful and productive way. 

Just think, by taking just five to ten minutes each morning to strategically plan out your day, you’ll be able to get significantly more accomplished and maximize your productivity. It’s also important to mention that weekly planning is also based on your monthly and yearly goals. Each day’s effort should be moving you closer towards your long-term vision and plan for your personal and professional life. 

The first few hours of the work day can have a significant effect on your level of productivity over the following six or eight, so it’s important that you have a morning routine that sets you up for success. How you begin your morning often sets the tone and your attitude for the day. If you remain committed to good morning work habits, you won’t fall prey to feeling unproductive and distracted. Having a plan to do that takes some practice. 

For starters, arrive on time. This may be obvious to most people, but some don’t realize that showing up late can not only leave a bad impression, but also throw off your entire day. Then, organize your day. The first hour of the work day is the best time to assess priorities and to focus on what you absolutely need to accomplish. You may wish to make a to-do list, or update the one you made the previous day, and try to stick to it. 

When you prepare your morning to-do list, determine what must be done today and what can be completed tomorrow, and prioritize accordingly. Also determine your peak working time and plan your schedule accordingly. If you are a morning person, tackle the important items when you are at your best. Conversely, you night owls may wish to address important tasks in the late afternoon when functionality is at its peak. 

Also, don’t be distracted by your inbox. This one is difficult for most people, but the experts agree that you shouldn’t check your e-mail first thing in the morning. If you do, only read and respond to messages that are urgent. Remember, if this is your best time of the day you need to maximize it and be disciplined enough to stay on task. Only respond immediately to the urgent messages so that you control your morning activities. Inevitability, there will be time during the day to respond to the less urgent e-mails.

Lastly, always set a written agenda for yourself and prioritize your activities on the basis of time tables and urgency. As you develop your plan, you will inadvertently create positive habits that are created out of having regular cues that prompt a routine. These critical habits will help you be more focused and productive and ultimately lead too greater and more enriching success.