Let’s make it easy

One of the reasons I wanted to do last week’s panel on personal brand is that while it can make a huge impact, you can actually make some easy changes once you start to think about it. And yes, you can also make it hard, but that’s not what we’re about.

So, I started thinking about what else we could do that would be easy. And I’ll be honest with you, when I say easy, I mean things you can do without a lot of time or effort. I will admit that a couple of these might be harder for you than others. And of course, we could go deep, but that’s not the immediate option being presented.

So what are some of the things?

1. Say No: This might be hard in certain situations, but if you can start doing less, you will make the things that are important to you much easier to focus on.
2. Chit-Chat: Relationships at work make a huge difference in enjoyment and success. Make it a point to engage in some chit-chat before a meeting or a call.
3. Ask Your Boss: Use your one-on-one time to understand what will make you successful in your role. This helps you get clear on what it takes to get that promotion and prioritize what’s most impactful to do less.
4. Take a Breath/Take a Walk: Taking a moment to breathe or go for a short walk can help reset your mind and improve your focus.
5. Review Your Day: Investing 5-10 minutes at the end of the day to review can save time in the long run. Do a quick triage of today and tomorrow, and let your mind rest for the night.
6. Get Help: We often think no one can do it as well as we can or that it will take too much time to explain. But there are viable options out there for help—don’t miss out on them.
7. Spend Money: Sometimes life is easier if you pay someone to do something for you. Whether it’s a housecleaner, a car to an event, or anything else that makes your life easier, sometimes it makes sense to spend a little.
8. Limit Distractions: Identify one major distraction in your workday and create a plan to limit it. We are terrible at this and it keeps us from being effective. This can help you stay focused and get more done.
9. Ask a Question: Before you respond to most things, it would benefit you to ask a follow-up question. This gives you more information and makes the other person feel heard.
10. Declutter Your Workspace: Take a few minutes at the end of each day to tidy up your workspace. A clean environment can boost your mood and productivity.

Let’s focus on making things easier, not harder. Which one of these are you game to try and what would you add?

Being clear about what you want can make life a lot easier. My four-session Clarity Bootcamp can get you there, reach out if you’re interested in seeing if it’s the right fit.