Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Sabotage!

Feeling overwhelmed at work by that never-ending to-do list? You may be unintentionally engaging in self-sabotaging behaviours that are preventing you from doing your best work.

Guide Magazine

4 Ways You're Making Yourself Overwhelmed

1. You forget feedback. – If you feel like you’re always doing the same thing twice, it may be because you’re forgetting feedback. Keep track of all suggestions and constructive criticism to help you move forward.

2. You need constant confirmation. – If you’re always seeking everyone’s approval, you could be waiting a while. Seek support from a few key people (your supervisor, a trusted coworker), and get back to business.

3. You cling to the past. – Is there an old or outdated way of doing something that you just can’t quit because it’s comfortable? Let it go, and embrace the new with a coworker’s help.

4. You plan for everything. – Overanalyzing every little task can give you analysis paralysis and unnecessary stress. Plan to plan for a designated time each day, like before your shift, and remember that change and unforeseen events are inevitable.

Source: Harvard Business Review

8 Surprising Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder

1. Log your time. – Spend a week logging everything you do to see where you’re wasting the most time and how to trim that back. You may be shocked to discover how much valuable time is spent scrolling social media!

2. Delegate. – You probably spend twice as long on tasks you’re not the best at. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and enlist coworkers who are better at certain tasks than you are.

3. Pay attention to energy levels. – Are you more energetic in the morning than the afternoon? Complete your most challenging tasks in the morning, and leave the tasks that require less focus for the afternoon (and vice versa).

4. Be positive. – Positive people tend to be more productive, take more initiative, and have greater levels of work satisfaction. If you find yourself lacking, you may need an attitude adjustment.

5. Listen up! – Do you often daydream while your supervisor or coworker is talking to you, or are you always thinking of what you’ll say next? Be quiet and simply listen—you may be missing out on valuable information.

6. Just ask. – If you’re not getting the feedback you need from a supervisor or coworker, just ask! Chances are they’ll have insight that will help you work smarter.

7. Slow down. – It may sound counterproductive, but slowing down and focussing on completing one task at a time—and doing it well—will benefit your performance in the long run.

8. Remember your “why.” – If you’re finding it hard to stay motivated, stick a picture of your “why”—the reason why you go to work every day—in your locker or workspace.

Source: Fast Company, inc.com, Forbes

Sabotage!

4 Ways You're Making Yourself Overwhelmed

8 Surprising Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder

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