Let's especially not take it easy together
Yesterday I felt like the most degenerate girlfriend in the world. Just as we were enjoying sweet potatoes, tomato, and red onion from the oven (and yes, there was truffle mayo with it), my boyfriend suddenly wanted to know what was wrong with me in the middle of his story. And I really heard myself ask: ‘Can we maybe not talk for a quarter of an hour, darling, just for fifteen minutes?’ I am officially being rude.
For me, not wanting to talk is the signal that I am busy, so I had to swallow when I saw the headline in the Volkskrant: ‘Too busy at work? Try not to take it easier.’ Besides being agitated by the title, I also became intrigued, because could it be possible? I really don't want to take it easier, even though that's the only advice I always get, and apparently, there is a way to do it, says Rick Pastoor, author of the book GRIP, the secret of working smart.
I dove into the interview for you, and now that I have finished the interview, I promise to also dive into the book to uncover all of Rick's secrets. First of all, I would like to know from him what that one tool is to schedule appointments with an end time, seems delightful to me. Some tips from Pastoor, so we don't have to take it easier.
1. The agenda
Write out that workweek minute by minute, from your travel time (which indeed takes me about an hour and a half) to the start and end time of an appointment. And especially don't let others take over your agenda, you are the boss of your time. Sharp in the morning? Then schedule tasks that require your focus.
2. Write it down
Sometimes I write my to-do list retroactively, because I can see exactly what I did in a day. But Rick insists on writing everything down. Your brain keeps making you think about that one tab that is still open, and that happens especially at inconvenient moments. Write it down, then it's out of your head. Also, make a clear list of tasks that can be executed well, this keeps it organized.
3. What pays off?
Definitely worth thinking about. Emptying the dishwasher a hundred times and always responding to messages doesn't lead to a promotion. Pastoor advocates doing things that are not urgent. And do you feel like you are doing a thousand things that don't belong to your role? Then check your job description again or just write it yourself.
4. Reflect
Your accountability partner seems to be the biggest success factor. Someone with whom you review your workweek thoroughly on a weekly basis. This way, you check if you are really managing your time efficiently. I am still looking for a willing person, anyone?
5. Say no to notifications
One thing I am already doing cautiously well, I discovered. I don't get push notifications from my email, just like I have most group chats on silent. My headphones are the signal that I am busy and prefer not to be disturbed. I still need to take lessons from Pastoor, because he has no notifications on (wow) and checks his emails and other messages in three time blocks per day. While I am writing this, someone just tapped me on the shoulder through my headphones. But it was worth a try.
Also smart:
– A meeting-free Tuesday.
– See yourself as the person you want to be and look at what qualities that person possesses. I just ordered an extra large agenda and my phone is in my bag. So you can assume that I am becoming a successful and stress-free person. Googles: ‘does Rick Pastoor also offer courses?’
