A productive day can look very different for separate offices, but they all have one thing in common: getting things done!
As a business owner, it’s crucial for you to define exactly what it means to have a productive day. For both yourself and your team.
Simply put: it’s no use having a goal without a plan of action.
You need to break down your definition of productivity into manageable steps that can be repeated each day.
And just in case you need some extra oomph, we’ve written down our own tried and true formula!
Important Things First: What Do You Need To Complete To Be Productive?
Let’s face it: as a business owner, you’ll never reach the bottom of your to-do list. You’re simply too good at your job and people keep asking for your help!
You’ll need to accept this one simple, but harsh truth: you can’t get everything done in a day.
But you can get the important things done.
Here’s what you do and don’t need to have a productive day:
DO: One Top Priority Task
There is one very simple way to have a productive day:
Identify the most important task you have – usually the biggest – and don’t work on anything else until you’ve finished it!
Notice how we said one thing? You simply cannot have more than one high-priority task.
Otherwise, your focus will be too scattered and you likely won’t complete your most important task.
Always try to tackle this task first. Once you complete it, you will feel empowered to take on the rest of your day.
Rule of thumb: depending on the amount of time this task takes, completing it can be all you need to do to have a productive day.
You will have much more productive weeks, months, and years if you get just one important thing done per day, as opposed to jumping between four or five semi-important tasks, never finishing anything.
MAYBE: Two To Three Important Tasks
Let’s be honest: we all wish we could have only one thing to do per day. But as we mentioned, that to-do list is ever-growing.
Once you’ve finished your most important task for the day you’ll want to move on to your important – but not highest priority – tasks.
Think about it like this: if your one priority task moves the needle for your business’s growth, then these important tasks are what keep your business running.
Usually repetitive, but they need to get done – the bread and butter of your business.
The important thing here is to remember it’s not the end of the world if you don’t get these done today. They can certainly contribute to a productive day – and they will eventually need to be completed, perhaps later in the week – but you can have a productive day without them.
So don’t stress yourself out trying to finish all of them.
DON’T: Spend Too Much Time & Energy On Admin
Let’s be clear: we’re not telling you to ignore admin tasks like emails – at least, not entirely.
These tasks will require some of your attention; but always remember that you have much more important things to be focusing on.
Try to delegate these tasks as much as possible. Or, where you can’t, challenge yourself to complete these tasks within a designated block of time. Usually twenty to thirty-minute increments outside of time committed to priority and important tasks.
Always make sure you don’t try to complete these tasks until your priority task is finished.
These tasks – such as emails, meetings, networking, etc, – can serve as procrastinators if you’re not careful!
The rule of thumb here is simple: if you spent the entire day doing these admin tasks, you wouldn’t feel like it was a productive day. Therefor, only spend as much time as needed on these tasks. Use the rest of your day to focus on your priority task.
DO: Keep A Notepad Handy For Tasks That Crop Up
No matter how focused you are, additional tasks will always crop up.
Sometimes it can be from a client request or an employee needing help. It could even be a mistake you found!
Write it down on your notepad immediately. Check these notes at the end of each day.
This will prevent it from taking up space in your mind while you continue to focus with full attention on the task at hand.
Next Up: Productive Finances
At The A Firm, we have over one hundred and fifty combined years of providing qualified, expert financial advice to Australian small businesses.
From payroll to tax accounting solutions, our financial team can help grow your business.
Give us a call today for your free business finance audit!