Amazing Mondays

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What do You Need to STOP Doing?

Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important. Stephen Covey
Many times during my conversation with leaders they will speak almost fondly of when they were just starting out. When they were entry level individual contributors and actually had days where they  completed everything required of them. Do you remember that feeling? Well as a leader don’t get used to it! The more responsibility you take on the less likely you will ever have one of those days. There is always more that could be done.
Often I hear…”My day was so busy but I don’t feel like I got anything done. I had meetings, people asked me questions, I was pulled from one thing to another but I don’t feel like I accomplished anything.” It can feel quite literally that you are not in control of your workday.
The more responsibility you have the more you must prioritize. This starts with getting very clear on what your outcomes are and what you uniquely bring to making that happen. The next step is to ruthlessly decide what you will Stop Doing. These may be activities you are good at but as a leader you have to delegate in order to reach your goals. When you have a quiet moment here are some questions to help you focus…

Step 1. Define and write down your top goals at work. What are the absolutely most important things you must accomplish to be successful?

Step 2. Write your goals for this quarter.

Step 3: Write your goals for this month.

Step 4: Write your goals for this week.

Step 5: Every evening take a few minutes to write your goals for the next day.

Step 6: Begin creating your “Stop Doing” list. Basically any activity that does not lead to or contribute to the reaching of your goals for that day goes on the “Stop Doing” list!

Step 7: Take regular quiet time to evaluate your priorities and make sure you are on track.

Research shows that people who work 35 hours a week vs those who work 60 hours a week are actually are more productive. Why? They are forced to  prioritize. They have to stop doing those things which do not lead to their goals.

May your “Stop Doing List” be long!

Have an Amazing Monday (and everyday!)

Leanna Fredrich, Leadership, Career and Stress-Management Consultant

Leanna@amazingmondays.com

PS: If you would like help creating your “must do” and “stop doing” lists I would be happy to support you. Just email me at the address above.

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