When people explore a job move from commerce to not-for-profit, one of the common reasons for the change which they provide to us recruiters is based upon the elusive search for better work/life balance. Yes, it is true that NFP is much more accepting of this need for balance, but regardless of where you work there are steps that can be taken to limit the number of times you need to apologise to family & friends for staying too long and late at work.
‘Simple ways to get more things done’ is a great post by Jeff Haden on Inc. He covers a range of practical matters without once getting hung up on the typical advice about streamlining your email or coordinating your social media demands. What are some of Jeff’s suggestions?
- Pick one important task during which you decide you won’t multi-task: it has often been said that multitasking is an opportunity to screw up more than one thing at a time. Attempt too much at once and you can easily find you do nothing well. Look for something important and decide to give it your undivided attention.
- Make better use of your daily travel to & from work: I’m amazed at how many people always play games on an iPad or their phone for their 30-40 minute train travel. Don’t waste this time, whether you travel by car, foot, bus, bike or train – get creative on how you can make the time more productive.
- Stop looking for that last 10 percent – that last 10% gain to obtain the perfect outcome can take more time to achieve than the first 90% of your time spent
- Practice your ‘I’m sorry but I just don’t have time’ speech. Many of us are an easy touch when people come looking for a volunteer. It is great to be highly regarded and lend a helping hand, but you also need to say ‘no’.
- Set short time limits on your tasks, remembering we all typically adjust our activities to fit whatever time we’ve allowed. And when no time limit is set?
- Outsource one task, try it with just one: and if you’ve never checked out Freelancer, Fiverr or oDesk then do yourself a favour and have a look. I now get my birthday greeting done by Fiverr!
- Eliminate one commitment that you accepted based upon ego: is there something you spend time on simply because you thought it would look good on the resume?
- Rework your morning and evening routines and also one routine task. So much has been written about building success habits through developing daily routines, so I’d encourage you to read the related post ‘Tips to Bookending Your Day‘.
- Fix that one thing you often mess up: that one mess-up that happens time & again and you keep promising that one day you’ll sort it out. Make it today!
