Summer 2019 is well and truly over. It is time to focus back on work, and the goals and targets that have set.
The first week of September tends to mark the very end of the summer holidays. Children are going back to school, and the more relaxed workplace of the past six week or so is becoming more intense, as the priority shifts to achieving year-end targets, whilst also planning for 2020.
With the days going by so fast, you may already be feeling anxious, as your colleagues continue to ease back into the grind. To give you a head start, below are some strategies you can implement over the next few days, to help you fully get your head back in the game, and achieve goals and targets that have been set.
1. Get in the right head space
Although many of us might want to hold on to the feeling of relaxedness that a slower paced office tends to foster, we need to get into fighting mode. With less than four months before the end of 2019, but perhaps just about three truly productive months, there is not that much time left to achieve work-related targets or goals, in particular. It is thus imperative to make a conscious effort to get rid of the cobwebs and malaise that might have settled in. The following may get the process started:
- Wake up a bit earlier than you have been over the past few weeks
- Get in some exercise, preferably before work, so you can clear your mind, but more importantly, get it done before you have to deal what the day might bring
- Collect your thoughts, which may include spending some time in contemplation and thinking through the day ahead.
2. Review goals and targets
Regardless of whether you work in an organisation that has an established performance appraisal structure, or you work in a micro or small business, it is likely that some targets have been established to which you are expected to contribute. Review all of the those targets that have been assigned to you, and try determine your performance to date. Are you ahead of schedule? Behind schedule? What might be your final results at the end of the assessment period?
In the event you work within a team or unit, and are dependent on the output of others in order for you to complete what you need to do, it may be necessary to have a discussion with your fellow team members. It would be important to get a sense of how they are performing their assigned tasks, and the extent to which you might be hindered in completing your tasks, and may hinder others in completing theirs.
3. Plot a path or course-correct that initially established
Having understood your current situation, it would then be time to revisit and adjust whatever strategy you had been executing. The need to revise that strategy would more critical if, you are behind in meeting your goals and targets.
Further, and if you had not been doing so, it is recommended that you track your progress more frequently. Earlier in the year (or executing period), it may have been okay to track your performance on a monthly basis, or even more sporadically, but as we get down to the wire, it is crucial to remain informed, and to be in a position to course-correct as needed.
4. Prep and execute
Finally, it is time to execute consistent with the strategy you have prepared. However, it is almost inevitable that setbacks will occur, or additional tasks or responsibilities might be thrust upon you. It is recommended that you include some wiggle room for delays or other unforeseen situations that will require attention. Hence, get on the ball early, and try to push through as much as you can, in order to minimise the stress you are likely to experience as you get down to the wire.
One more thing…
With your adrenaline hopefully pumping and your focus now back achieving your targets and goals, it is also crucial to maintain your overall health and wellness. Hence, do schedule sufficient time for rest, relaxation and exercise, and pay attention to your nutrition. This sprint to year-end can be stressful, but ensuring that you take care of your body, mind and spirit, can help you to more clear-headed and productive. More importantly, managing your stress levels and adopting good life and lifestyle practices are likely to also serve you well in the long term.
Image credit: allispossible.org.uk (flickr)
Needless to add that a To-do list, while sounding over-simplistic in such well and broadly outlined scheme, is a very helpful component.
Ensuring that it supports the goals is an important attribute to focus on. I find preparing it the night before ( rather than on the material day ), to be more effective as things like timing can be appropriately adjusted in advance.
In previous articles, this forum has provided hints on several smartphone apps that help in preparing and better managing TO-DO list.
Yes, Kamutula.
There are several apps that can help people in planning and organising not only their workdays, but also their lives. They can be quite useful, especially since so many of us are pressed for time, and are trying juggle countless activities.