How to Spend the First 15 Minutes of Your Work Day

The first 15 minutes of your work morning can set the tone for the entire day. Here are 4 steps to get off to a more productive start.

Ever get to the end of your work day and wonder where the time went? You know you worked hard; you’re just not sure what you have to show for it.

When it comes to personal productivity on the job, the way you start your day has a huge impact on how well the rest of it goes. In fact, the first 15 minutes of your morning are critical.

Whether you’re a field associate working on assignment with PrideStaff, or employed in a full-time job, you can use these tips to get off to a more productive start each day:

• Resist checking email.
  While this may sound counterintuitive, plunging into your Inbox without a clear plan for the day automatically puts you in a reactive mode – responding to others’ requests; putting out yesterday’s fires; and potentially shifting your priorities away from where they need to be. Email is important, but checking it shouldn’t be the first item on your To Do list.
   

• Begin with a brief planning session.
  Imagine yourself at the end of your work day, having accomplished everything you set out to do. What did you get done? This exercise can help you distinguish between what you must accomplish – and what would be nice to check off your list.

   

• Create a specific plan of attack.
  Block-off time early in the day for tackling your top priorities, and, yes, your most unpleasant (yet essential) tasks. Use action verbs and specific language to create concrete list items, so it will be clear at the end of the day whether or not you’ve accomplished what you set out to do.
   

• Assemble your tools.
  Make sure you have everything you need (supplies, information, space) to get your work done. If you’re waiting for resources to accomplish a task, plan it for later in the day so that you have time to gather what’s required.

These four steps typically take less than 15 minutes to complete, but they can save you hours during the day. With a sound plan, you’re less likely to be derailed by unplanned activities, urgent requests and flagging willpower – and more likely to achieve your daily goals.

Get your job search off to a more productive start this morning – by registering with PrideStaff.

As a leading national employment agency, we have the relationships, resources and opportunities you need. Contact the PrideStaff office in your area to find out more about great local job opportunities.