Wow, today it is already February. January has just flown by, has not it? Time has somehow just vanished. This is what happens to my clients all the time.
You work hard, yet you always seem to run out of time. That is why this month the focus will be on productivity, one of the pillars of my “Be the CEO of your life” programme. At the end of this month, I will close it off with a challenge. You in? It is all about creating more time in 3 days <<Yes, give me more time>>
Do you have a moment?
Finally, you feel like you have your to-do list under control, and then you are asked: “Can you quickly do this? It is urgent!”. When you are just in the middle of an important piece, and all of a sudden you receive an email from a client: “Can you please call me, I like to discuss something with you?”
Not just now
Many of my clients are capable of processing a lot of work. They are happy to give it all they got and do not mind to extend their workday. But when too many unforeseen issues interfere, that is when it often goes wrong.
But it does not always have to be that way. You can plan for the unforeseen, but in reality that reserved spot will soon be taken. What works better is asking yourself one question. You do this every time you have to start something new, whether it is small or big.
Ask yourself 1 important question and immediately become more productive, less stressed and more effective.
Ask yourself 1 question only
The question: “Must I do this now?”.
Ask yourself this question not once but 5 times. Only when the answer to this question is 5x yes, you will start. If not, it is a great thing to do for someone else, just not for you!
1. Replace must do with want to
MUST I do this now? Do you indeed have to do it, or is there no obligation? To have to do something, must do is forceful and that alone raises your stress levels. We also often think that things must be done, where in reality that is not the case.
When you can replace must with want to, it gives you a better indication that something “has to be done”.
2. Are you the right person?
Must I do this now? Are you the right person to be doing this work? Or is someone else more suitable? When you are diligent, you will be handed the jobs someone else could also do. But they are handed to you because you work fast so you will be finished sooner.
When your workload becomes too much, that alone is an indication that you are not doing it right. You are doing too much by yourself. Delegating, automation or simply stop working on something are the solution. Start asking yourself whether YOU really need to do this?
3. This or something else
Must I do THIS now? That what you are asked to do, is that also what you need to do? Sometimes you get asked to do things that are not relevant. Sometimes things are made extra difficult. Sometimes, someone wants something that is not necessary, or what could be done in an easier and faster way.
So ask yourself before you start, do I have to do this or do I rather start something else?
4. Never ask when something needs to be finished
Must I do this NOW? Ask when someone wants it done, and they will tell you yesterday. Ask someone whether you can deliver something the day after tomorrow and they will also say yes. When someone asks you to do something, ask yourself whether it really needs to happen right now at this moment.
Does that suit you? Is it really that urgent for that other person? Take back control and determine, based on your diary, when is a suitable moment to start.
Set your priorities straight – ask the question
By asking this simple question every time when you are about to start something new, you will be able to set your priorities straight. Often people think that someone who is always there and who always takes immediate action is the best colleague or most client-orientated person. But the contrary is true.
When you are always there to help everyone directly, you will, in the end, have to let people down. If no one else, yourself.
Make sure you have your priorities straight, by asking this question. It helps you to “underpromise and overdeliver”, which guaranteed does make you more popular.
Do you also want to make more impact in less time? I love to help you. Book a focus call with me, in 30 minutes we will discuss what it is you need to take that step.
Amaze Yourself
Yvonne
P.S. Are you looking forward to being more productive, but on your own terms? Working nicely, getting loads done and having actual time to do other things as well? Then I am here to make that happen for you. Send me a message or directly book an appointment.
P.P.S.: Want to do more in less time? Register for the free challenge at the end of the month <<Yes, I want more time>>
Yvonne Dam is a life coach who helps ambitious and successful 
people to people to create time. Looking at how you can personally make a bigger impact, without working longer. Resulting in better results, more free time, and overall more fun in life. Freedom- by living your life on your own terms. Yvonne is passionate about coaching and sharing her expertise with you so you can be liberated to fully embrace life. Ready to have more time and enjoy life? >> Get More time Done in Less Time – download now<<
Yvonne has a vast coaching experience from executives to teams to ambitious business owners.
Through her personal and business coaching programs she has helped dozens grow their businesses while drastically reducing their working hours.
And when Yvonne is not coaching, you can find her indulging in beach walks, and a sparkly glass of champagne.
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