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5 Tips to Start your Workday on the Right Foot

Written by Daniël van der Linden | Oct 21, 2024 11:09:09 AM

Grab a coffee, sit down and dedicate some time to create an effective daily schedule. If your workday lack clear direction, this guide is for you. By dedicating just 15 minutes to planning at the start of your day, you'll set yourself up for success. And no, we don't mean just glancing over today's tasks. Use Asana as it was designed - to make coordinating your work easier. Wondering how to make this process effective? We've got you covered with tips and tricks to help you start your day stress-free.

5 Tips to become a master planner

1. Schedule time to manage your inbox

Set aside specific time slots to check and respond to emails. Managing emails efficiently can save valuable time and help identify new tasks. By reviewing emails at the start of your day, you can immediately add any new tasks to your schedule.

 

2. Assign estimated time to your tasks

The key to effective planning is assigning a realistic amount of work within your available hours. By estimating the time needed for each task, you gain a clear understanding of what is feasible. This helps you to reduce stress and enhances the quality of your work, as you'll know how much time to allocate, avoiding last-minute rushes.

3. Prioritize your tasks

Asana's tasks prioritization feature helps you focus on what's most important. Completing a high-priority task first ensures that the most critical or deadline-driven work gets done efficiently and effectively. Simply assign a priority level to each task via the customizable fields, and you're all set!

 

4. Tackle difficult tasks on time

We all know that our focus fluctuates throughout the day. To be most effective, tackle your most important tasks first, based on their priority of course. These tasks should be addressed when your energy levels are the highest, typically in the morning or early afternoon. This ensures that complicated tasks receive your best effort and are completed on time.

 

5. Set aside time for unplanned tasks

Unplanned requests from colleagues or clients are inevitable. By setting aside time for these unexpected requests, you can help others without disrupting your schedule. If necessary, reschedule lower-priority tasks for another day. Additionally, be sure to account for meetings and other commitments, as they also require time and focus.

By following these five tips, you'll minimize stressful days and optimize your use of Asana. At the end of each day, spend the last 10 minutes reviewing any incomplete tasks and rescheduling them for the next day. Having a preliminary plan in place makes daily adjustments smoother.

Make the most of your week

To truly master planning, integrate weekly planning into your routine. Start each week by setting key priorities and outlining your objectives. This practice provides a clear roadmap for the week and helps you stay organized and focused throughout.

Best of luck with these tips and tricks! If you need further guidance, we’re here to assist — feel free to schedule a meeting with us.