Are you the sort of person that plans you day or not at all? Do you start the day by writing a“to-do” list? What is your first step when sitting down to work?
I am going to suggest that it is actually much better to write a plan at the end of the day when it’s all still fresh in your mind; It takes less time to think of what has to be done tomorrow. Ideally, you could keep a list during the day so that tomorrow’s list is mostly done anyway….
Not being able to ‘switch off’ when you get home in the evenings is a common issue? We worry about things and think “must remember, must remember” and it clogs our mind when we should be focusing on the plot of Greys Anatomy. By saving fifteen minutes at the end of every day to plan tomorrow, you get it all in writing and off your conscious mind. Instead of nagging thoughts about things you need to remember: your mind can relax.
There is even research to suggest that our subconscious mind can automatically get to work on the tasks you’ve written for tomorrow. If you find things feel easier when you start work the next day with your list in place, that may be your subconscious giving you a head start; ideas spring to mind more readily, you feel more motivated when you sit down at your desk already knowing what you need to do today. The plan will need to change during the day, we all know that ‘shift happens’ and we need to accommodate. However, at least you’re just dealing with changes, the plan as a whole is there.
At the end of every day make it a habit to plan tomorrow
If you manage a team of people, why not consider making it standard practice that no one leaves without first writing their plan for tomorrow? Don’t believe this is possible? I know offices where it happens, and it works. The staff consider it entirely normal; they know the advantages and like the culture it creates.
I am aware that not all teams welcome change and there may be cynics (“Here’s another great idea that won’t last”.) If that’s how it feels for you, I suggest a few options.
- You consistently live this idea yourself for at least a full month before you roll it out for the team. During that month, don’t highlight it, simply demonstrate how well it works.
- Introduce it to a few team members or even just one at a time. Make the suggestion all about the benefits, not a favour to you or a new rule. “I plan tomorrow at the end of each day – I think you might find it beneficial too….”. Perhaps they could commit for just one week and see how it goes?
When team members see a benefit to themselves then the culture will start to be created. If they do it because you made it a rule… they’ll do it while you’re around and checking. Make it a beneficial part of the culture.
