These actionable steps will help you to avoid working overtime
I recently published an article on working overtime is pointless. The response was overwhelming. It was pleasing to know that so many people could connect with the issue; the article received more than 100,000 views in just a couple of days.
‘Want to get things done quickly and go home on time? Stop relying on emails to manage projects and start using a project management tool.’
Continuing the topic, I am going to share some actionable steps that will definitely help you to step out of the office on time. So, without wasting too much time in the prologue I’d like to get straight to the topic.
Here are some actionable steps you can take to finish things on time -
1) Be realistic with deadlines
There are two things to keep in mind when you are setting deadlines for your work. Number one is the amount of work you already have, assigned to you. Number two is the time estimate that the new work is going to take, which has been assigned to you now. You need to set a deadline with due consideration to these factors.
After all there is no point in having set a deadline, which you are unable to meet and it might impact the overall project progress. So it is better to set a realistic time-frame based on the two factors mentioned above and ensure that nothing slips through the crack and you can easily get things completed without having to stay late at work.
2) Say NO, wherever needed
Another possible scenario in the case mentioned above could be when you don’t have the power to set a deadline for your work, i.e. the manager has already assigned you the work, without even asking.
This is where you need have to keep a straight face and tell the manager about your pre-occupied work schedule. This will lead to two outcomes - either the manager will understand the scenario and prioritize your work so that the important things get done first. Or, he will simply delegate the task to someone else. And this will avoid the instance of something unwanted, like missing deadlines, from happening.
You can follow some quick tips mentioned in this post that will help you to become adept at the art of saying no, gently.
3) Embrace the right technology
Automation has taken almost every industry like a storm. With technology bringing so much advancement in every facet of work, there is no denying the fact that processes have become faster. The challenge lies in not just embracing technology, but embracing the right one.
For instance, if you are finding it difficult to meet constantly changing project requirements, team meetings, tasks and deadlines using emails, then switching to a software like ProofHub can be the best thing for you. This will not only save you time which was earlier wasted on managing multiple activities, but also help you to get things done on time.
This is just one of the countless examples where technology can be of great help in getting rid of the problem of working overtime.
4) Limit distractions
We live in a work culture surrounded with demons of distraction. From the constantly buzzing chat notifications and emails, to social media updates, whatsapp messages and never ending meetings, all these things eat up a big chunk of your productive time. Some of these are simply unavoidable, but some are.
For instance, you cannot simply part ways with office meetings but you can avoid whatsapp notifications, checking emails constantly and more. Once you switch on the working mode, keep all these distractions as far as possible so that you can meet the deadlines. And you will get to know that getting things done on time is lot easier than you ever thought!
On a concluding note I’d like quote the words of Tony Robbins - the path to success is to take massive, determined actions. If you really want to get rid of the struggle of having to work overtime every day, then these simple steps will help you achieve that with ease.
Give them a try and I’m sure you would see a positive change in your life, within a matter of days!
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