For many of us the end of August is the unofficial start of Fall. Whether or not you’re craving pumpkin spice lattes just yet, it’s not too early to create a fall productivity game plan. Check out these 5 Productivity tips for a Better Fall so that whenever the season unofficially begins in your mind, you’re setting yourself up for success.
- Streamline Your Morning Routine
It’s never good to start your day feeling agitated or rushed. Make a list of everyday tasks you must complete every morning, then brainstorm how you can make those tasks easier. For instance, does packing lunch in the morning feel like the end of the world? Try packing it the night before or prepare a batch of meals on the weekend. Do you find yourself late for work, or just barely making it on time? Set your alarm for earlier, and don’t procrastinate on going to bed. By slowing down your morning, you can feel calmer and less overwhelmed. This stress-relief will translate into a more productive workday.
- De-Clutter…No, Really
We’ve heard this one countless times before, but how many of us actually take the time to do it? The idea is that if your physical space is in disarray, your mental space and productivity will be too. This is especially important if you are working from home. Not ready to go full-on Marie Kondo in your work or living space? Try de-cluttering your devices. Create virtual folders to organize your files, remove documents you no longer need, unsubscribe from annoying emails, delete your voice messages, etc.
- Improve Your Schedule
If you’re like most people, your schedule is all over the place…literally and figuratively. Decide on what methods you prefer to track your work and personal obligations, and make sure that you and anyone who relies on your availability can easily reference them. Set reminders for each obligation so that you don’t forget them. Or, if you’re using a physical calendar or bullet journal, make it a habit to check your schedule throughout the day. Bonus tip: keep track of everything until you’re confident you don’t need to. You’d be surprised how useful it can be to set reminders for even the simplest responsibilities.
- Balance Work and Family Life
Many people, particularly business owners, struggle to balance the demands of work with the demands of family life. To make this easier, identify core responsibilities and desires for each, then set aside time to achieve these. If these responsibilities overlap, stop making excuses as to why you’re too busy to figure out a compromise. There is always a way to compromise; indecision is a decision, and usually not a healthy one.
- Establish a Vision
What do you want your life to look like? Once you know this, brainstorm tangible steps towards achieving it, and a timeline when feasible. Every step, no matter how small, matters.
