The holidays are (almost) over: your batteries are recharged and you might have even come up with a few good ideas while lying on the beach ;) Still, the transition from holiday to a full schedule can sometimes be overwhelming: piles of work, deadlines looming, and the feeling of being behind before you've even really started.
Why overview is so difficult
You might recognize this: you know what you need to do, but creating an overview often isn't easy. And surprisingly, it doesn't start on your laptop or phone, but simply with a (erasable) notebook. We all know this, but it doesn't always happen.
So start small. Find your own rhythm and experience patterns that work for you. Less chaos means peace of mind, and automatically leads to more satisfaction and motivation. We're bombarded with stimuli every day, so a moment of peace is anything but unnecessary.
We want to help you a little, and perhaps the following method will work for you.
Have you ever heard of the Pareto Principle?
It is also called the 80/20 rule and helps you use your time and energy efficiently.
The principle is simple: 20% of your to-do's yield 80% of your results. Not all to-do's are equally important, so it's wise to focus first on the ones that yield the greatest results. This doesn't mean you have to put in less effort, but rather that you focus on the right things first. This way, you'll achieve results and create more peace of mind.
Here's how to apply it in your erasable notebook:
1. Make a list of all your to-dos (in your erasable notebook, of course 😉)
2. Determine the most important tasks – which to-dos will deliver the most results?
3. Focus on those 20% first – work on the to-dos that really make a difference first.
4. The remaining 80% later – less important tasks often don't yield much; you can do these later or skip them if necessary.
Pareto example:
Suppose you have ten to-dos today: finalize a report, answer emails, prepare for a team meeting, create a client presentation, catch up on administrative tasks, make phone calls, hold a brainstorming session, analyze data, maintain social media, and tidy the office.
One of the most important tasks, such as finalizing the report and creating the client presentation, has the greatest impact on your results. This accounts for 20% of your to-dos, but delivers 80% of the impact. You can tackle the remaining to-dos once you've finished the most important one.
The Pareto principle helps you maintain an overview, prevent stress, and get more out of your day. Less chaos equals more clarity.
Productivity Value Pack
Ready for a fresh start? Write down your to-dos and prioritize them. Let's go! And for those who want to boost their overview, our Productivity Value Pack is a handy bundle to get organized. And it's even discounted 😉.
