Many people have been able to save money thanks to restricted activities this past year and, as a result, there has been a significant rise in domestic projects. With more people working from home, the creation of suitable spaces has also been in demand.
This has meant that thousands have turned to professional tradespeople.
When we’re checking in with you at our trade counter, speaking on the phone or catching up on site, it’s great to hear how busy many of you are. Busy is good! But in case you’re feeling overwhelmed by your workload, we’re sharing our thoughts on stepping back, taking a breath, and focusing – helping you to manage that workload.
One hour of effective planning could save more hours further down the line. Taking time to map things out clarifies priorities and gives a clear strategy and timeline for the project and end results.
Multitasking can slow down your brain. We’re not built to manage several things at once – certainly not things which need focus and attention. Instead, break down your tasks and focus on completing one at a time.
Many people focus too much on tasks such as organising their desk, answering emails, and responding to calls. It can often feel like it, but not everything is a priority. Concentrate on the most crucial. A super simple way to do this is to write down the tasks you need to get through and number them in order of importance. Then work down that list, making sure you don’t forget tip number 2!
It takes courage to accept something isn’t working. Be honest with yourself about what’s working and what’s not. Look for better solutions —you’ll progress much faster — and, if you have the means to, delegate wherever possible.
Everyone has their skillset but it’s important to know your weaknesses too. Don’t do tasks you simply might not be very good at. Look at how best you can complete a successful project and bring in others with complementary skills if you need to.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and if you think there’s not enough balance, it might be time to make a change. It’s important to focus on work, but it’s just as necessary to focus on other aspects of your life.
Distractions kill productivity. According to a University of California Irvine study, on average it takes over 23 minutes to regain focus after the interruption. That means if you’re distracted 5 times a day, loss of productivity is almost 10 hours a week!
Sleep is vital because it enables the body to repair and be fit and ready for another day. Recharging keeps you fresh and alert. Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.
Taking control of your time by scheduling it into chunks makes you more productive. Block off specific times throughout the day to return phone calls, respond to emails, and check social media accounts. It improves focus and deters procrastination.
If you’re not naturally inclined to slowing down, the best thing you can do is schedule downtime. Taking breaks will improve your mood, boost your performance, and increase your ability to concentrate.
Got a tip we haven’t thought of? Let us know on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook!
-01.png){kind=small}
