We’ve all been there.
Finding out that we’re not getting stuff done so we try to create a schedule to see where most of our time went and where are we going to allocate it.
The reason is we want to become productive and not waste time at all.
So then we have have a schedule and we’re happy.
For the first few days we try to follow our schedule, but soon enough – probably after three days or so – we’re back to our old disorganized procrastinating selves.
I know how hard it is to let go of old habits and stick to a schedule. But here are some ways to help you stick to a routine:
1. Know the Reason for Failing
Before anything else, you have to find out why you failed previously.
Was it because the strategy that you’re trying to use was too complicated? Did you get overwhelmed by the tasks that you listed down? Did you try to do everything in one day?
You have to find out what didn’t work, so you don’t have to use the same methods again. Also, you’ll find out what could be the main cause for you to become unproductive. Without knowing the main problem, you’ll never figure out how to resolve it.
2. List Everything Down in One Place
Use a planner either a notebook or an app. You just have to have one place for everything.
Organize your thoughts and tasks in one place so you won’t miss anything and you’ll find what you’ll have to do at every point of time.
This way, you can make sure that no tasks or meetings will overlap each other.
3. Details, Details
This might seem like such a hassle, but write everything down in detail.
From the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep. Everything!
Take a moment to sit down and schedule your day. Once you get the minor things like taking a bath or brushing your teeth out of the way, then you can focus more of your thoughts on the things that really matter in your business.
4. Find Out What Works For You
What works for other people might not work for you and vice versa.
So it’s important that you find out what method works for you. If a calendar or organizer doesn’t work for you, then you can try doing checklists instead.
Find something that’s fun and that you are really willing to use.
If you force yourself to use a method that worked for somebody else but it’s something that you really don’t want to use for yourself, then prepare yourself for failure.
5. Don’t Panic
Lastly, don’t panic when things don’t go as planned.
Keep in mind that you don’t have control of everything.
You can’t control it if meetings go longer than usual or if an unexpected call will take up most of your time.
Be flexible, don’t try to do everything at once. Keep calm, don’t panic.
Just like in every aspect of business, things don’t work well if you don’t have systems.
Scheduling and sticking to it, is just a system that you create for yourself.
Remind yourself why you do what you do, and know what you need to be more productive. You know how limited out rime is and you wouldn’t want to waste any of it.
