Regardless of whether you’re a professional landscaper like us or otherwise, it’s all too easy to be overwhelmed in life. This is particularly true when it comes to your career, which puts food on the table and a roof over your head. Naturally, we take our jobs very seriously, but in what way can you cope with the added stress?
The answer is simple: Make a list! Let’s find out why.
Be Proactive: Things Will Get Crazy
There’s really no way around it — at one point or another, you’re going to run into a hectic, chaotic time when all hands need to be on deck and ready to weather the storm. From the annual Christmas crush to a sudden spike in demand out of nowhere, it can be hard to pinpoint when you’re going to get busy or potentially overwhelmed. It may sound negative, but this is really an effective way to stay on your toes and not get too comfortable in a certain rhythm. Being proactive with list-making can help you maintain a clearer schedule in anticipation of things getting crazy.
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Planning
You’ve got a customer waiting. There are emails piling up. You’re getting a knock at your office door every five minutes while you’re trying to catch up. While these moments will happen, it’s important that you take the time to sit down, breathe, and try to plot out your day in advance. By making a list (and checking it twice), you can plan more efficiently. This is particularly important during peak busy periods or for a highly sensitive task that requires your full focus.
Priorities
Taking the time to make a list is as easy as grabbing your phone or sitting in front of the computer, or going for the no-nonsense approach by jotting down on a piece of paper. By being clear and concise in your writing, it can be easier to figure out which tasks need to be prioritized. It may end up that you have a ton of work that needs to be done as soon as possible, or it may be that several things aren’t due until longer than anticipated. Regardless, it’s better to be in the know. With list-making and boosted workplace efficiency, the dark clouds of frustration can clear, and the sunshine comes out to brighten your experience. In turn, it will also brighten the days of customers and employees who work with you. Many people consider planning proactively to hinge on the side of paranoia, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. You’ll see a happier, healthier, and more stable work environment as a result. For more tips, don’t forget to check out our 30 Lessons from 30 Years video series from our founder Ed Hansen!