Why Consistency Matters

The benefits of a consistent daily routine at work are numerous and far-reaching. Here are just a few:

• Enhanced Productivity: When you establish a set schedule and stick to it, your brain gets into a rhythm. Activities become habitual, eliminating decision fatigue and allowing you to focus on the task at hand. Consistent sleep patterns and mealtimes also boost energy levels and cognitive function, further powering your productivity engine.
• Improved Time Management: Routines provide a framework for your day, helping you allocate time effectively. Knowing what comes next eliminates procrastination and allows you to prioritize tasks with greater precision. No more scrambling to meet deadlines – consistency keeps you ahead of the curve.
• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: The uncertainty of a haphazard workday can be a recipe for stress. Consistent routines, on the other hand, offer a sense of control and predictability. Knowing what to expect calms the mind and fosters a sense of peace, lowering stress levels and boosting your emotional well-being.
• Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving: When your brain isn’t constantly in overdrive, it has the space to wander, to connect seemingly disparate ideas, and spark creative sparks. Consistent routines free up mental bandwidth, allowing you to approach challenges with fresh perspectives and find innovative solutions.
• Stronger Relationships: Consistency builds trust and reliability. Colleagues and clients know what to expect from you, fostering stronger working relationships and creating a more collaborative environment. This not only improves overall morale but also opens doors to new opportunities and career advancement.

Building Your Consistent Routine

Creating a consistent routine at work requires intentionality and flexibility. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Start small: Don’t try to overhaul your entire schedule overnight. Begin with one or two manageable changes, like setting regular times for checking emails or taking breaks.
• Be mindful of your natural rhythms: Are you a morning lark or a night owl? Schedule your most demanding tasks for your peak productivity hours.
• Find your triggers: Identify cues that signal the start and end of your workday. A morning walk, a post-lunch meditation, or simply closing your laptop at a set time can create a clear boundary between work and personal life.
• Embrace flexibility: The unexpected is inevitable. Don’t beat yourself up if your routine gets disrupted. The key is to gently nudge yourself back on track rather than starting from scratch.
• Track your progress: Monitor how your routine impacts your productivity, well-being, and overall job satisfaction. Make adjustments as needed based on your observations.

Remember, the perfect routine is the one that works for you. Experiment, personalize, and don’t be afraid to tweak your system until it feels like a well-worn pair of shoes – comfortable, familiar, and propelling you forward on your professional journey.

Beyond the Daily Grind: Consistency in Action

The power of consistency extends beyond the individual. Businesses that foster a culture of routine reap significant benefits as well. Consistent communication, streamlined processes, and predictable workflows create a stable and productive environment where employees can thrive.

Imagine a company where team meetings always occur on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM, project updates are delivered every Friday morning, and deadlines are set realistically and adhered to consistently. This predictable rhythm eliminates confusion, fosters trust, and empowers employees to focus on their work with confidence.

Leaders who champion consistency set a powerful example. By sticking to their own routines, demonstrating punctuality, and upholding commitments, they create a ripple effect that strengthens the entire organization. This commitment to consistency, in turn, translates to happier, more productive employees, improved client relationships, and ultimately, a thriving business.

Looking to implement some or all of the above to optimize your success? Reach out and book a call at here.

Developing a routine that works for you is essential to consistent productivity. This routine should include a set schedule for work, breaks, and rest. While it may be tempting to work non-stop for long periods of time, taking breaks and allowing your mind and body to rest is important for maintaining productivity in the long run. As the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”

It’s also important to set achievable goals and prioritize tasks. This allows you to focus on what’s most important and avoid getting bogged down by smaller tasks that may not have as much impact. Breaking larger tasks down into smaller, more manageable pieces can also help to avoid overwhelm and maintain focus.

One article by John Rampton for Forbes highlights the importance of prioritization, stating, “It’s essential to know what tasks are important to your goals, and which can wait until later. Prioritizing tasks can help you manage your workload more efficiently.”

Eliminating distractions is another important aspect of consistent productivity. This can include turning off notifications on your phone or computer, closing unnecessary tabs or programs, and finding a quiet workspace. It can be tempting to multitask, but research has shown that multitasking can actually decrease productivity and increase stress levels.

In addition to eliminating distractions, it’s important to find ways to stay motivated and inspired. This can include setting rewards for completing tasks or finding a way to make the work more enjoyable, such as listening to music or working in a different environment. As the saying goes, “find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

It’s important to recognize that productivity is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not work for another. Experimenting with different routines and habits can help you to find what works best for you and your unique situation. Falling short once doesn’t mean you will fall short again. It’s all about consistency.

As Thomas Edison once said, “genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” Consistent productivity requires discipline, dedication, and hard work. By developing routines, setting achievable goals, eliminating distractions, staying motivated, and experimenting to find what works best for you, you can achieve your goals and reach new levels of success.

If you would like to start on the path to professional transformation like you’ve never experienced, our team would love to hear from you. Visit the following link to see how our coaching services can help you become the best version of yourself.

www.jengaudetcoaching.com

Automation and Artificial Intelligence 

Automation is already revolutionizing many aspects of the workplace. In the next few years, advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and machine learning will make it possible for businesses to automate mundane tasks and processes, freeing up human employees to focus on more meaningful projects. Companies will also look to AI-enabled solutions to detect problems, suggest solutions, and analyze data for valuable insights. Companies will look to artificial intelligence-enabled solutions to provide deeper insights than ever before, enabling business leaders to identify problems and opportunities early on. AI can also enable companies to find potential solutions and make data-driven decisions with greater accuracy and speed than traditional methods. After 2023, AI is expected to become a key factor in the workplace, with the technology becoming an integral part of many business operations. For example, AI chatbots could be used to deliver personalized customer service, while AI-driven marketing automation can be used to better target customers. Furthermore, AI could be used to streamline processes, helping businesses to save time and resources. With the right strategies, businesses can reap the rewards of AI in the workplace and remain competitive in the years ahead.

Remote Work

As technology becomes more advanced, remote working is becoming increasingly popular. 2022 was the year that remote working became the norm in many industries, allowing companies to tap into global talent pools, save costs, increase agility and innovation, and improve employee engagement.

A key question in 2023 will be how many companies are willing to continue embracing hybrid working and how many employees are willing to return to the “traditional” workplace. It is likely that some companies will opt to switch to more permanent remote working arrangements while others may choose to bring staff back on a part-time or full-time basis. Additionally, individual employees may have different preferences on where they work, making it important for companies to ensure they have measures in place to cater to a diverse range of requirements. Ultimately, the decision will depend on several factors, such as the nature of the company’s work, the availability of suitable technology, and the preferences of individual employees

Subscription Economy

As companies shift away from linear business models, the subscription economy is quickly gaining momentum. This year, companies will start creating more and more dynamic and cost-efficient services for their customers, enabling them to access a variety of products and experiences on a subscription basis. This ongoing relationship between customer and seller will create the need to develop an even more meaningful customer journey and experience.

In conclusion…

It’s clear that automation and artificial intelligence, remote work, and the subscription economy will all shape the future of work in 2023, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving workplace. Companies should begin preparing now for these changes, as they will bring both challenges and opportunities in the coming years. With the right strategies and the right technology, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive.

A typical day in the courtroom for a judge responsible for arraignments involves looking at a complete stranger, reading their rap sheet, listening to the district attorney, listening to their lawyer, making a judgement, and then setting bail. It would be fair to say that this entire process is filled with difficult decisions. They are tasked with looking at someone they don’t know, and then asked to review a vast amount of information quickly and ultimately make a decision which could be life-changing. They must look at their previous offenses, employment history, where they live, the testimony of witnesses, and so on to make their decision. In short, they must absorb as much information as possible and hope that the decision works out for the best. But, how successful are judges at making the right decision?

In a study conducted by Harvard economists, with the help of three elite computer scientists, and a bail expert from the University of Chicago, the records of 554,689 defendants brought before arraignment hearings in New York from 2008 to 2013 were analyzed. In reviewing these records, the team came to find that judges had released just over 400,000 of them on bail. They wanted to know whether or not these 400,000 were “the right decision.” How many of them committed crimes awaiting trial? Did all of the information the judges have help?

They built a computer system based upon sophisticated AI technology to evaluate their findings. The researchers gave the computer only two pieces of information regarding the same 554,689 people; their age and previous offenses. Then, they tasked the computer with choosing which 400,000 should be released on bail. The results were astonishing.

The 400,000 people the computer chose to release on bail were 25% less likely to commit a crime while awaiting trial. The judges had a plethora of information before him, far more than the computer did. It shouldn’t have even been close. How can this be? The computer only had two pieces of information and made much better decisions. The judges simply fell victim to the innate human flaw of believing that more information leads to better decisions. People we’ve just met or situations we’ve just encountered aren’t always what they seem on the surface. We can have all the data in the world about someone or something, but never truly understand. Too much information can lead us to make mistakes.

In Malcolm Gladwell’s best-selling book Blink he expands upon this idea and discusses the phenomenon of the “illusion of certainty.” When we believe we have everything we need right in front of us, we become error-prone. In a study of violinists auditioning for some of the world’s top music schools, researchers came to find that those responsible for choosing who would be admitted were more successful in selecting students when they auditioned behind a screen. It didn’t help to know whether or not the person auditioning was tall, short, fat, or skinny… it only mattered that they could play their instrument well. All of the extra visual cues and subjectiveness to conscious and unconscious bias simply doesn’t help them make better admissions decisions.

There are countless examples of these types of scenarios playing throughout different parts of society. However, the implications for businesses and their leadership teams might be the most important in 2021. Because we have a sometimes dangerous tendency to convince ourselves that we know others better than they know us or more information results in greater success, there are a few key strategies to keep in mind:

We should spend less time talking and more time listening. In the middle of our conversations, we shouldn’t be thinking about what we are going to say next or fail to reflect on the speaker’s thoughts and feelings. The moments we spend ignoring outside information and focusing on the communication and relationship at-hand are fleeting and therefore valuable. We should also be patient when others feel that they are being misunderstood. Is it possible that what you may have heard isn’t completely accurate? Is it possible that you don’t have a complete understanding? Are you the right person to make the decision at-hand? It’s important to take a step back and think about whether or not we are truly evaluating information with the company’s best interests in mind. But, remember this takes time. The next time you are tasked with looking at a situation objectively, remember that you can rely on more than just data.

Having a difficult time stepping back and getting the 40,000 foot view?  This is an area where having the right coach in your corner can propel you forward.  The objective view can help you sift and sort to move powerfully forward.  Feel free to reach out to us at jengaudetcoaching.com

What does it mean to be productive? In short, it means accomplishing everything on our to-do list for the day. When we walk out of the office, there is a sense of confidence that we’ve done everything we could possibly do to be successful that day. However, in all reality, we rarely feel this sense of completeness. In today’s fast-paced and competitive business world, we are continually forced to think about the next thing on our to-do list. There is simply too much to be done to relax. While this may seem like the key to happiness and achieving what we want in life, over time it can be incredibly damaging. At some point, it is important for both our mental and physical health to find ways to be productive while also living in the moment and reducing stress whenever possible.

Did you know that there is actually a biological reason why we feel good when we accomplish something? Dopamine was developed by Mother Nature to help us stay focused on the task-at-hand when something important needed to be done.

In Simon Sinek’s best-selling book Leaders Eat Last, he offers an interesting perspective. “When we are given a task to complete, a metric to reach, as long as we can see it or clearly imagine it in our mind’s eye, we will get a little burst of dopamine to get us on our way.”

This is one of the reasons why creating a daily to-do list is so important. Humans are visual creatures and when we can actually “see” the task-at-hand, we feel much less stressed and prepared to take on the day. There is simply no substitute for the value of actually writing things down on pen and paper. Everyday, take a few moments before the day begins to truly reflect on what needs to be done and write it down… 

As odd as it may seem, you will actually get a “hit” of dopamine when you cross that item off your list. This “hit” will help provide you the energy and motivation you need to move on to the next thing.

But, there is much more to being productive than simply making sure to write down a daily to-do list… 

An important element of being productive is being well-rested and healthy. According to one study, poor sleep causes 23 to 45 percent of the population to lose more than two weeks worth of productivity every year. Other research suggests that those who regularly get 7 to 8 hours of sleep are up to 19% more productive than those that get 5 to 6 hours. In so many words, how rested you are plays a factor in your ability to be productive.

If you want to feel your best and get the most out of the day, make sleeping well a priority. Avoid going to bed at unusual times and try to set a routine for when you get up in the morning. When your body has a regular sleep schedule, productivity is sure to follow.

All of the above being said, perhaps the most important element of being productive is making sure that you are focusing on the right things. If it isn’t a priority, why worry about it? In the process of creating a daily to-do list or a plan for the week, think about what is truly important. If an item on your list isn’t necessarily going to impact the bottom-line in that moment, maybe it can be pushed back a bit. However, this doesn’t mean that if it can be done tomorrow or next week, it should be pushed aside every time. But, taking a moment to reflect on the importance of certain tasks helps you gain perspective into how to be as productive as possible.

All in all, when it comes to being productive, writing things down, sleeping well, and prioritizing your daily responsibilities are all valuable parts of the equation. But, similar to the business world, there is much more involved than just a few variables. Being productive means stepping back and truly reflecting on the priorities in your life and how to move forward earnestly.

If you are looking for ways to elevate your life, health, and business, Jen Gaudet Coaching is here to help. By taking an innovative approach to self-care, stress management, mindset, Jen Gaudet is ready to help you become successful. Visit the following link to schedule a consultation and start on the journey to an empowered life.