Be PACED Every Day
No two days are ever the same, most of the time. There are days when merely showing up to work seems like that is all you can muster. Showing up and doing your best is what will ultimately set you apart and make you feel more productive in the long run. So, PACE yourself.
- Prioritize and Plan Your Day
Take time at the beginning and end of every day to look at what you have done and what you still need to do. Prioritizing and planning your workday (or the next one) will allow you to move seamlessly through your day without losing focus.
- Aspire to Stay Encouraged
Let’s say you have a special project to complete. Instead of working endlessly toward that big end goal, set mini-goals or milestones for yourself to achieve. If you can meet your mini milestones, it will be easier to stay encouraged and reach your end destination with a sense of accomplishment.
- Conquer Difficult Tasks First
That one task you are really dreading, like calling back an annoying salesman or debt collector—do it first. Get it off your list. The rest of the day will seem like a breeze, and you will not use other tasks as a way of procrastinating on doing what needs to be done. The advice I have relied on many times is this: It only takes 20 seconds of insane courage. So, take the deep breath, do the dirty deeds first and get on with your amazing day. I will bet you that it won’t be as bad as you anticipated. Just do it.
- Everyone has limitations. Even you.
Your limitations exist. Everyone has limitations; it’s just that some of us are too stubborn to admit it. Be aware of them and admit them to yourself. You may need to tell the world to step back. Being aware of things that are overwhelming to you will make asking for help easier.
- Do Not Stress
The first four steps in my list can be pretty daunting. The first three may require that you restructure your day entirely. Number three might give you heart palpations, and number four, who wants to admit to their own shortcomings? Do not let these stress you out. Instead, slowly work to implement the easiest of the suggestions (whichever that may be for you), and just keep going. Think of the benefits waiting for you at the end of your day.
