Page 21 - PA_Enterprise_March-2024

PAE

You’re determined to make this the best year for your career yet.

Your motivation is running strong, but when it comes to actually
making this happen, you’re a little stuck. Whether you want to save
yourself time and frustration or do a better job of focusing on what

really matters, these tips are easy to implement and will get you one
step closer to making this the year that you actually take your work

life up a notch.

1. Take regular breaks with the Pomodoro my inbox tab open all the time and can’t resist
Technique the urge to check immediately as soon as I
Are you the type of person who sits at your see a new message has arrived.
desk for hours without realizing how much But here’s the thing: I know that majorly
time is passing? Or, maybe you’re the type sabotages my focus and productivity. I’m
who finds yourself getting distracted every few constantly ripping my attention away from the
minutes. task at hand to read an email that likely isn’t

Either way, the Pomodoro Technique can all that urgent or important anyway.
be helpful. This time management approach That’s why so many people swear by email
requires that you split your workday into batching, where you only allow yourself to
smaller, more manageable chunks (called read and respond to emails two or three times
pomodoros) and use a timer to track them. per day at set intervals. It’ll reduce your urge
You’ll work for a stretch of 25 minutes and to constantly monitor your inbox, and prevent
then take a five-minute break. After completing email from continuously sidelining your
four pomodoros, you reward yourself with a workday.
longer break of about 20 minutes.

What does this do for you? It boosts your 3. Manage your energy with a to-do list
focus by instilling a sense of urgency because coding system
you’ll naturally want to get as much work Your energy probably doesn’t remain
accomplished in that 25-minute chunk as you consistent throughout the day. Maybe you’re
can. Plus, it ensures that you get up from your ready and raring to crank through your to-do
desk every now and then, which is important list as soon as you grab your morning coffee,
for your brain and your body! or perhaps you’re someone who really doesn’t
hit your stride until the afternoon.
2. Save time with email batching Being productive is about more than managing
For most of us, email is the bane of our your time, it’s about managing your energy.
existence. I’m one of those people who keeps 

March 2024 21