[vc_video title=”” link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOhG3eHrVnU”]
If you relaxed a little too much over the summer, chances are, back to school time also means back to work time. But, before you ramp up full speed and possibly create unwanted stress, take a few minutes to watch this video (or read the article below).
3 tips for being happier and more productive:
- Bookend your Days:
It’s not unusual to wake up and instinctively reach for your phone to check messages, social media and the news. While it’s important to get up to speed on what you’ve missed, this isn’t always the best first thing to do in the day. You’re allowing yourself to be exposed to things — good and bad — that can easily start your day off on the wrong foot.
Instead, begin your day with a little more structure: Have a coffee, sit somewhere quiet and stop to contemplate something positive — even if it’s something small. These small things may seem insignificant, but in fact, these are the very things that make us happy.
Do the same thing before you go to bed: Make a list of two or three things that went well. By being grateful for what is going well in your life, you’ll be able to keep your problems in perspective.
- Be Purposeful:
It’s always important to set goals in business so that we can measure productivity, but one secret I’ve learned is to reframe your goals so that they are less stressful and more rewarding.
For example, one of RRi’s longest standing coaching members is working toward helping 80 families buy or sell a home this year.
I’m sure you’d agree, this goal feels very different from closing a deal or earning a commission. Suddenly, instead of going out there every day to take something, you are waking up every day to give something.
This positive, generous attitude goes a long way — your colleagues will notice it, your friends and family will notice it, and your clients will notice it. And they will reciprocate it back to you.
- Schedule Downtime:
We all know how easy it is to work around the clock — run full tilt from our morning coffee, through lunch and dinner, and right up to the moment we go to bed.
However, working non-stop is counterproductive causing unnecessary stress and frustration. It deprives of much needed down time to pursue things we enjoy like spending time with our loved ones.
Just like any other appointment in your day, schedule time to recharge. Make sure you set downtime quotas for yourself too, like an hour every day or a few weekdays each month. Know what’ll keep you happy and always strike that balance between work and play.
I know how difficult it is to change and make even the slightest adjustments to our routines. But I promise, over time, you’ll find that these strategies will become a natural part of how you work.
If you’ve discovered that magical balance between productivity and happiness – please share your secrets. I’d love to know!
Until next time, make it count.
Richard