How To Get More Done And Have More Fun
Getting more done and having fun may seem like two conflicting goals, but there are ways to achieve both. As a life coach one of the things I like to help clients with is helping them find a better work/life balance. Here are some tips that may help:
Prioritise Your Tasks: When you have a lot to do, it can be helpful to make a list of all the tasks you need to complete and prioritise them based on their importance and urgency. This can help you stay focused on the most important tasks and avoid getting distracted by less important ones. Whilst we may not like to be regimented with our work approach, it can sometimes be helpful and ticking things off a to-do list is very satisfying. Just make sure you don’t keep stuff on your to-do list indefinitely. I personally like to clear my list by the end of the week - that is to say that if I’ve got a low priority thing on there it won’t appear on the list the following week.
Set Realistic Goals: Setting goals for yourself can be motivating, but it's important to set goals that are realistic and achievable. This can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. I have written about goal setting a few times.
Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps: If a task seems daunting, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This can make it easier to get started and keep making progress. You have your main goal, or (to harken back to my acting days) super-objective which is the ultimate goal, you then have your units or objectives which are the things you need to achieve for each section…and each of these steps has a little goal too.
Use A Timer: Setting a timer for a specific amount of time (e.g., 25 minutes) can help you stay focused on a task and avoid distractions. This technique, known as the Pomodoro technique, involves working for a set amount of time and then taking a short break before starting the next task. Again, some people don’t like being to regimented in their approach to work, but there are benefits, especially if you’re one to forget to take a break, have a drink, or go to the bathroom! Which leads me neatly to…
Take Breaks: Taking breaks can help you recharge and stay motivated. Try taking a short break every hour or so to stretch, go for a walk, or do something else you enjoy. Not only does it break the day up, but it can also help prevent you getting stiff from being sedentary.
Make Tasks More Enjoyable: Look for ways to make tasks more enjoyable or rewarding. For example, you could listen to music or a podcast while you work, or reward yourself with a treat after completing a task. Of course in an office environment, you may not be able to listen to music but that’s where the “reward” system comes in play.
Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is important for both your physical and mental health. Make time for activities you enjoy, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family. Taking care of yourself can help you feel more energised and motivated, which can help you get more done. I’ve written about self-care a lot recently.
Remember that it's okay to take breaks and have fun, even when you have a lot to do. By prioritising your tasks, setting realistic goals, and finding ways to make tasks more enjoyable, you can get more done and have fun at the same time.