We all lead busy lifestyles and it is very easy to suffer burn outs and nobody really wants that. Companies are continuously trying to motivate employees to perform above set targets. So how do you keep pace in this fast paced lifestyle? I have found the following self-motivation tips absolutely helpful in keeping me well paced.
Plan all the way to the end. In his book, The 48 Laws of Power, Robert Greene urges us to plan all the way to the end. It is important to start each day, month, year with a clear plan of action. Planning to the end gives us much leverage towards the successful achievement of our objectives. Remember what is not planned rarely gets done.
Learn to say NO, more often. Say no to unplanned meetings which a lot of times you get roped in without prior notice because of your position or just because it feels good to have you around. Say no to that colleague who charms you to an early lunch that definitely ends late costing you valuable time. Offer to instead meet them after 6pm at that Java next door. But how do you deal with that colleague who camps gossiping at your desk for 30 minutes every day!? Please share how you deal with this. Whatever you do don’t be rude, I suggest that you learn to multitask while listening to them, be boring company for that moment. Any polite means of shaking them off will do.
Maintain a to-do list. I normally keep a list of 5 key things per day and per week. A daily to-do list will focus your attention to key activities and helps you avoid irrelevant or non-urgent ones. Important to include in this list is when to read and respond to emails as these can be big time wasters. A weekly planner also helps to prioritize heavier tasks such as report writing and research which need more than a day to accomplish.
Exercise regularly each week. One intense session and two light sessions per week normally works well for most people. Exercise rejuvenates the body, keeps you fit, brisk and mentally agile. The question is how to create time. I normally utilize the evening to either do a road run or hit the gym. For the early birds, the gym is a great option; besides, both options help you avoid traffic.
Read a good motivational book to harness some energy and positive thinking. Rhonda Byrne, the author of The Secret, talks about the law of attraction. In essence whatever you think about, you attract to yourself, good or bad. Besides motivating you, good reading also allows you to have some quiet time for meditation, reflection and planning. Still on good books, I recommend that you start with ‘The Power of Habit’ by Charles Duhigg, a compelling read.
Take a power nap more often. There is some magic that a power nap does to the mind, you can’t really explain it, just try it. Additionally, it helps to sleep early; rest cannot be overrated especially for busy executives such as yourselves.
Please share your own favourite tips, after all no one has monopoly of knowledge.
Sospeter Thiga BA, MBA, CPA
| Sospeter Thiga is a Risk Management practitioner in East Africa and is currently the Group Head of Risk and Compliance at CPF Financial Services Limited. Thiga has over 12 years’ experience in Risk Management, Strategic Planning and Financial Planning and is passionate about effective Strategy implementation through adequate Risk Management practice. He holds an MBA in Strategic Management and a Bachelors of Economics from the University of Nairobi. He is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya. |
Get real time update about this post categories directly on your device, subscribe now.
