Kick-ass Career Guide for Women

Prioritize your day and ignore the noise

There are only so many hours we can fit in a workday before our bodies tell us we need rest.

To help prioritize the day, I recommend a technique where we work with:

*Rocks - the high priority tasks
*Sand - mid-range priority tasks
*Pebbles - low priority tasks.

If you're a procrastinator like me, it's tempting to start with the low priority tasks, which are often the easiest to complete. However, I found that by doing so, I would leave the high priority tasks to the latter half of the day.

By the time I was about to start on the high priority tasks, I was often interrupted by other urgent requests.

Then, I ended up working late to deliver my reports and complete the high priority tasks, known as the "rocks." This was not productive either to myself or my family.

As part of managing my time better, I now start my day with the "rocks", then the "sand", then finish off with the "pebbles". The result is that I produce better results, keep my team (including my boss) happy, and I come home on time for my family.

By tackling the more difficult tasks, the day's challenges can become fun, giving a more positive mindset to the day. The low priority tasks can wait for the next day, or I outsource these tasks to other members of the team.

Another good habit is to ignore the "noisy" emails that serve very little or no purpose to create or enhance productivity. This includes emails that have no relevant impact to your tasks, emotional emails that serve no purpose, or emails from those who can resolve the issues themselves.

Be selective about which meetings or events you choose to attend. If they add little value to the overall outcome of your projects, think about how you can use that time to complete tasks that require attention (especially the "rocks").

Every week I decline at least one or two meeting requests that do not add value to my work schedule or team. It's okay to say no. I encourage you to learn to say no when it is relevant and appropriate.

I've said no to other managers who ask me to complete a task for them if it has no benefit or relevance to my responsibilities, projects, or objectives. I redirect them to others who are in a better position to help them.

I also decline pushy sales calls. I cut them about fifteen seconds into the conversation and politely decline their offer or services.

The day is short, so make the most of the time you have. Remember that working longer hours does not equate to working smarter.

It is important to take short breaks during the day. A few minutes every hour or every two hours to stretch your legs, arms, or even have a brief chat with a colleague, helps to make the day less stressful.

Come home on time (not too late) so you can relax and exercise.