How diligent were you in 2016? You must feel like you did your best, right? And 2017 is likely to be much the same – a year of blood, sweat and tears running down your desk. We know it's impossible to work harder, but you can work smarter. From Monday morning habits that will improve your productivity to tips that will banish the post-Sunday blues. So how can you approach the new working year fresh and be even more successful at work?
How to be more successful at work in 2017:
You play 'podcasts'.
The commute is the perfect time to give your brain (and soul) some food. You will do this by listening to podcasts. Download Neil deGrasse Tyson's StarTalk podcast, which covers the fields of astrophysics, the depiction of space in movies, and asteroids. You can also play Dan Carlin and Hardcore History, where you will dive into the past, or comedian Ben Kissel, where you will laugh at the American political confusion. Thus, your brain is warmed up for work.
Invest in good headphones.
You'll need a good pair of headphones for podcasts, as well as a 'do not disturb' sign that will kindly alert your colleagues. Even if you're not listening to music or anything else, wearing headphones can signal to the rest of the office that you're focused on important work and that now isn't the best time to borrow office equipment from you again.
READ MORE: 3 routines for greater satisfaction and success
Start the day with 'bad', unfun things.
When you sit down at your desk, tackle the most unpleasant tasks first or clear the desk. T. i. technique Eat The Frog it means we 'devour' that hideous green amphibian first and everything else in the day will be a treat in comparison.
Please check your email three times.
You are focused on work and then 'bing', a new email has arrived. Whatever it is has disturbed your concentration now. Stop and do not open the mail again and again, but do it only three times a day and spend only 10 minutes on it each time. Your productivity will thank you.
Get rid of the Monday blues.
Every Sunday night we realize how limited our weekend is and how endless the work week is. It's only a few hours away and there's a good chance the Monday blues will hit us. If you already decide on Friday what you will do on Monday, it will not terrorize you.
