Here are a few simple things you can do to increase your productivity and success for the New Year.
1. Celebrate the Success of Others
Be happy when good and exciting things happen to other people. Another’s win, promotion, happiness or success is never your loss. Celebrate the wins of others. Soon they’ll be celebrating with you too.
2. Schedule Everything
A busy leader must be in control of his time. Make time for what is most important and know ahead of time when you’ll have busy days and weeks. Schedule in family time, exercise, work, deadlines, vacation, appointments and anything else you don’t want to miss or be late for.
3. Check in with Yourself
Every once in a while slow down and check in with yourself. One entrepreneur asks himself the same question every night before going to bed: “If I live every day the same way I did today, what kind of future would that create?” Another question I love is from Parker J. Palmer: “Is the life I’m living the life that wants to live in me?” These are powerful questions. Are you ready for the answers?
4. Seek Out New Experiences
New experiences will help you grow and give you new stories to tell. Whether it’s learning a new language, travelling, skydiving or a cooking class, you’ll gain experience, meet people and be challenged in new ways.
5. Step in Another’s Shoes
Great leaders are empathetic leaders who can step into the circumstances of others. This helps identify problems and fill needs for your employees and volunteers.
6. Be You
This works two ways: humility and authenticity. Whether you’re the pastor of a mega church or a tiny country church, just be you. Of course, you’ve been gifted and called, but you don’t have a high view of yourself. You see that you’re a key player and you see others are a key players too. In all you do, be you. There’s only one you. Learn from Andy Stanley and Francis Chan, but be you. This will keep you approachable and accountable.
7. Give up Multitasking
Only 2% of the population is able to multitask effectively. It’s best to focus on one thing at a time. It may not feel as productive, but chances are you’ll accomplish more or at the very least, you’ll accomplish tasks more completely.
8. Do Away with Clutter
A clean workspace is professional and less distracting. Get rid of excess in your closet, home, car and workspace and you’ll breathe a little easier.
9. Be Kind to Yourself
Self-care is important. Eat, sleep, exercise, and spend time with family and friends. Close your eyes and just rest and breathe for ten minutes. Be sure to offer yourself the grace, kindness and love you give to others.
What would you add to this list?
