Ensure you stay on track by asking yourself the following
questions at the beginning of every month.
What are my top three priorities this month? Your monthly priorities may include
completing a work assignment, starting a home-improvement project or spending
some quality time with your family or friends.
Whatever the case, identify your three most important priorities for the
month.
What must I accomplish to ensure that my priorities are
met? Once you have identified your most
important priorities, look at your calendar and discern what you need to do to
accomplish them. If spending quality
time with your family this month is at the top of your list, there may be
several small work assignments that you need to get done ahead of time to
ensure your family gets your full attention during your time off. Or, if you have a large work project due at
the end of the month, assign yourself incremental deadlines throughout the
month to ensure you stay on track.
What are the obstacles that I may encounter? Take a hard look at your monthly calendar and
seek out those things that may throw you off track. Are two of your priorities competing for your
attention this month? Is it likely that
your boss will have last-minute demands?
Attempt to anticipate likely obstacles whenever possible.
How will I handle those obstacles? Decide now what actions you will take to surmount
anticipated obstacles. If you have two
competing priorities such as the completion of a work project and a much
anticipated family vacation, decide now how to best allocate your time. Perhaps that means working the first two
weekends of the month to ensure a stress-free, family focused holiday. Plan ahead for likely last-minute demands on
your time.
Where is the “me time”?
As leaders and as human-beings, we are constantly looking out for the
needs of others. However, in order to
rejuvenate and refresh, you should ensure that you set aside at least a few
hours every month for yourself. Whether
it is a free Saturday afternoon to spend with a favourite book or week-night
ceramics class just for fun, make sure that you have some monthly “me time” on
your calendar.
