I know getting more done in less time sounds great but how do you do it?
After all, if you’re like how I used to be, you’re working 7 days a week currently, and wondering “How do you think I’m going to work one day a week less and get more done?”
I have an answer for you, but it will be challenging for you, and my prediction is that many of you won’t take it.
Here is the secret to getting more done in 6 days than you could normally do in 9.
Take one day off per week.
As one of my coaches pointed out to me, that meant no email, texting, or any other connections to my business.
I had discovered on my own that I needed a day off every week, but I still checked my email in the morning and after lunch and in the evening, after all, who knows when someone will need me?
I found that after taking a day off, I felt more rested and better able to get my tasks done on the following day.
When I thought that I was too busy and worked on my “day off” I often dreaded going to work the next day, and that didn’t bode well for my productivity.
After the challenge from my coach, I had to give it a try. After all, I pay him a fair sum of money to help me succeed.
And do you know what? The world and my business kept going without me, and when I return everything is mostly as I left it, and sometimes even better.
Most importantly, when I come back to work I’m energized and looking forward to what’s waiting for me. When I have that mindset, work just flows. I get more done in that one day then I would have normally done in two.
How do I define a day off?
I did challenge my coach and ask if it had to be a day or could I pick any 24 hours and he said with an exasperated sigh that any 24 hours would be fine.
That works for me. Most weeks I work until 4 PM on Saturday after a bit of a late start and then that’s it.
My wife and I have a nice dinner and do something together. Then on Sunday we often go to church, dinner, and enjoy an afternoon of fun together.
Sunday evening is my time to review my previous week and plan the next week. So, in the evening I take an hour and make sure I’m organized for Monday and check that there really wasn’t an emergency while I was gone.
Taking the time to do this has led to me being more productive, my relationship with my wife and family is stronger than ever, and I’m having more fun. It’s even got to the point that I now look forward to my day off.
When I take an entire weekend off I find that my energy is even higher when I get back, but so far I’m not willing to commit to that on a regular basis.
However, one of the next steps my coach challenged me to do was to schedule a 3 to 7-day vacation and do zero work.
I will be doing this sometime in the next few months and will let you know how that goes. This is still a bit uncomfortable for me, as my coach defines time off as “no email, texts, or calls from work.”
Are you up for this challenge? Will you try taking a day off each week? It can be any day that works for you.
After all, a day off has been recommended for years. Even God took the 7th day off, rested, and enjoyed his work. If it’s good for him, it’s probably good for us too.
Try this for 3 weeks and then send me an email letting me know how it’s working for you.
Have a Great Day!
Brian