We’ve all had those times when there is so much on our plates we feel confused and can’t decide what to tackle first. This month I’d like to write about the day-to-day grind of running a cleaning business and how to cope without running yourself into the ground.
Write It Down
If a task isn’t written down, then it’s floating around in your brain waiting to be forgotten or—worse—it may wake you in the middle of the night when there’s nothing you can do about it.
Keep a task checklist and regularly whittle away at it. Whether you keep a list with pen and paper, or use some of the new apps, working at it every day will keep you from feeling overwhelmed or stressing over what you should have accomplished.
Prioritize Accomplishment Over Activity
Email has revolutionized the way we communicate and do business, but checking emails every five minutes prioritizes activity over accomplishment. Checking mail, tidying your desk, or filing papers are important tasks but should not take priority over major accomplishments, like contacting prospective clients. Try setting a timer to check emails every couple of hours and schedule desk tidying or filing for certain times, such as at the end of the day.
Separate Your Home and Work Life
Speaking of the end of the workday, make sure there is one. In the age of digital communication, it is easy to allow our work life to bleed into our home life. Likewise, bringing personal problems to work can keep you from focusing or cause problems with work relationships.
Become an effective time manager during your workday so you won’t have to bring work home, and don’t use work as way to avoid personal issues.
Demonstrate Professionalism
Each person with whom you interact, from employees to clients to your supervisor, has different personality traits. Unfortunately, many will behave unprofessionally from time to time. Learning to deal with different personalities and to not to take things personally will give you a leg up and help you accomplish more in the long run.
Escape
Many of us have the illusion that our workplace could not function without us. If that is the case, then you have not done a good job of hiring and training employees. It is important to remove yourself from the workplace occasionally. Take a vacation. Go to conferences and training sessions. Breaks will refresh you and help you be a better worker when you return.
Stay Healthy
It is hard to stay positive and productive when your body and mind are suffering. Get enough sleep. You will be surprised with the wonderful resources that your brain provides when you sleep 7 to 8 hours a day.
Watch your diet. It’s easy to eat mindlessly when you are stressed or overworked. Eat healthy foods and drink water throughout the day. Make time for exercise at least three times per week and break up long periods of sitting with short walks, even if it’s just circling your desk.
Find Balance
Our work provides resources for ourselves and our families, as well as a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. It can also be a source of pressures that damages our health and relationships. Finding the right balance will make you happier, healthier, and more productive
