You may recall the blog on the Daily Grind (Read here) where we discussed figuring out “what” you want to do being a tough question? But, since that has been addressed, as promised, here is the “how” to do what you really want to do!
The “how” always comes down to how you spend your time. The “how you spend your time” always includes delegation, which we’ll cover another day. How you actually get to spend your time on what you really want to do is not a simple accomplishment. It may take time depending upon your current situation.
For example, if you are currently a litigator but realize, because of some other events, you really want to practice in another area of the law, that will take some time and planning. On the other hand, you may be in the exact work situation you want to be in but lack the control over your day and time which prevents you from doing the What you really want to do.
Regardless of the situation, the starting place is to take control of your time on a daily basis. Easily said but we all know how hard it is to actually do. Here are some things you can implement immediately that will make a difference. At the end of today, take 5 minutes, maybe 10 since it is your first day doing this, and and plan your day tomorrow.
Do not try to plan every minute but rather plan certain blocks of time.
The first step is to decide what the three most important items are that you must accomplish tomorrow. How much time will they take? Then you need to also think about the normal course of activities in your day. The new big thing that has to be accounted for, or more specifically, controlled, is electronic access. Are you accessible all the time? Do you need to be accessible all the time? Can this be controlled?
Before you figure out when you will accomplish your top three items, you must control your access and when you do your best work. Once you do that, block off that time period in which you eliminate access and do your top three. For example, I personally like to do the top three first thing each day. I try to get these done by 11am each day. In addition, I do not check email before 11am. Also, I recognize that certain days or times of year, require that I check email before 11am. These are exceptions to the rule but accounted for in my planning.
Ending each day by planning the top three items to accomplish tomorrow, blocking time and limiting access is how to start spending more and more of your time on what you really want to do.
Sanford M. Fisch
CEO & Co-Founder
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
(800) 846-1555
www.aaepa.com
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