Being productive in today’s busy world is a challenge, as many people split their time between different locations, in the hybrid model. This year I want to help you work smarter. I say ‘smarter’ because I know you are doing lots of good stuff already, when it comes to managing your time. But we all need some help and focus with our busy lives and ‘always on’ culture. So this ‘Work Smart in 2023’ series is my way of giving something back to all of you who have supported me over the past 5 years, since I started beproductive.ie.
Work Smart in 2023
One of the key goals I set for myself this year was to run a free monthly webinar on smart working. I want to listen to your productivity challenges and give specific tips in these interactive sessions. So when you register each month on Eventbrite, you can submit any questions or concerns on your mind.
The January session booked out and the momentum and interest continued into February, building up to over 170 people looking for a space at the April webinar.
Each month I compile the tips shared into a full article, which you can access from the Articles page on the beproductive.ie website.
You Pick the Webinar Theme
Each month I ask the attendees to nominate a theme for the next webinar. ‘Managing your Stakeholders is the current front runner for March, but I run regular polls on LinkedIn and other social channels so you can vote there.
January Webinar
The theme in January was ‘Reset and Refocus Tips’ when I shared some insights on how to:
- Reset and Refocus for a productive year ahead
- Make realistic plans that fit your work schedule
- Stay focused when things get really busy
Here is the link to the ‘Reset & Refocus’ blog.
February Webinar
The theme in February was ‘How to Improve your Work Life Balance’ when I shared some insights on how to:
- Tune into where your time goes
- Assess what you can adjust in your weekly plan
- Develop boundaries and a routine that works for you
Here is the link to the ‘Tips for Work Life Balance’ blog.
March Webinar
The theme in March was ‘How to Manage Your Stakeholders’ when I shared some insights on how to:
- Manage Your Response Time
- Review Urgent Requests
- Agree Expectations
Here is the link to the ‘Manage Your Stakeholders’ blog.
April Webinar
The theme in April was ‘How to Manage Stress in Your Workday’ when I shared some insights on how to:
- The importance of a weekly plan to take control
- How to quickly reset as things change
- How to discuss overwhelm in a productive way
Here is the link to the all the tips in the ‘Manage Stress in Your Workday’ blog.
May Webinar
The theme in May was ‘How to Spend Less Time on Email’ when I shared some insights on how to:
- The Impact of Distractions & Interruptions
- Response Times
- How to Spend Less Time on Email
- How to Break the ‘Always On’ Habit
Here is the link to all the tips in the ‘How to Spend Less Time on Email’ blog.
June Webinar
The theme in June was ‘How to Beat Procrastination’ when I shared some insights on how to:
- Understand why you Procrastinate
- Get things done, even when you don’t want to!
- Get started and build momentum
Here is the link to all the tips in the ‘How to Beat Procrastination’ blog.
July Webinar
The theme in July was ‘How to Manage Your Energy & Focus’ when I shared some insights on how to:
- Tune into your energy levels
- Plan to Optimise your Energy
- Reset your focus throughout the day
Here is the link to all the tips in the ‘How to Manage Your Energy & Focus’ blog.
August Webinar
The theme in August was ‘How to Reset & Refocus after Summer’ when I shared some tips on how to:
- Reset Your Mind
- Reset Your Goals
- Reset Your Routines
Here is the link to all the tips in the ‘How to Reset & Refocus after Summer’ blog.
September Webinar
The theme in September was ‘How to Plan for a Productive Q4’ when I shared some tips on how to:
- Set Priorities
- Develop Good Goals
- Make Realistic Plans
Read more about these planning tips in the ‘How to Reset & Refocus after Summer’ blog.
October Webinar
The theme in October was ‘How to Manage Distractions & Time Wasters’ when I shared some tips on how to:
- What are typical Timewasters and Distractions?
- How to take control
- Making Changes to reduce
November Webinar
The theme this month was chosen by the attendees on the October webinar – ‘Tips for Productive Meetings’. I shared some tips on the importance in meetings of:
- Have a Clear Purpose
- Take & Keep Control
- Make sure there is Follow Up
- Contributing (Self & Others)
- Trying alternatives
You can read our article on Productive Meetings at the link here.
December Webinar
The final theme for 2023 was ‘How to Make a Productive Start to 2024’. I shared some tips on how to:
- Plan before you Finish
- Make Goals & Plans
- Get through January First!
For New Year planning tips read more in our blog here:
Productivity Training and Resources
You can access lots of productivity articles on our website on a range of topics including Tips for Hybrid Working, Managing Email, Reducing Stress, Wellbeing and Saying No.
We work with individuals and companies to help people develop productive working routines, through our Productivity Workshops, Webinars and Seminars. If you want to develop new skills in your own time you can bookon my Signature Productivity Programme – an online self-paced course called ‘Turn Busy into Productive’.
To discuss any of these options, contact our Productivity Consultant Moira Dunne here.
Written by Productivity Consultant Moira Dunne, founder and director of beproductive.ie
