One of the WORST pieces of advice I ever received is the idea that working longer hours is how to get more done. Surprise conference call at 8:30pm? No prob, dial me in! Email received at 11:15pm? One sec, I’ll just reply to that…
At first, it did seem like putting in more hours helped me to achieve more. But it didn't take me long to realise that in reality, it was creating a cycle of busy-work that made me LESS productive. Not to mention frustrated and burned-out! 🙇♀️
I knew something had to change. But I didn't know what! It finally clicked for me when I discovered a this thing called 'intention setting'.
This approach totally changed the way I manage my day. I'm so grateful - it's really made me feel focussed and relaxed in my workflow. Setting a clear intention allows me to say "no" to low-priority tasks, and save all my creative energy to use on things that actually shift the needle.
So, are you interested to give it a try? Of course you are, it only takes a second! Here's how it works: To practice intention setting, simply take a few moments each morning to reflect on your goals. Do this FIRST THING, before all the other distractions sneak in. Then, jot down a short phrase summarising your intention on the front of a card or piece of paper, and on the back, write a question that will prompt action towards your desired result.
For example: "Achieve promotion to an executive role" and on the back: "How can I continue to increase my impact and positioned for a promotion in the company?"
Keep the card in a visual place and use the question to prompt you throughout the day. When a task or distraction pops up, ask yourself, "Will this help me achieve my goal?" If not, put it aside! Refocus on your intention, and direct your energy to the tasks that matter most.
If you've found this helpful, you'll get a bunch more from this event: From Busy To Brilliant: Strategies For Women To Thrive In Demanding Roles. I'd love you to join me there!
Brian Tracy puts it well: "Your intention sets the direction for your life. If you don't have a clear and compelling intention, you will drift along with the tide of life, never quite achieving what you want."