My day would begin with a hot cup of coffee. Then, I would get right to work.
From my daily tasks to addressing employees’ and providers’ needs to attending meetings, I had an idea of what I wanted my day to look like.
I was always one to set goals for myself to be better. If I did not get everything done in one day, I would work harder the next.
The problem with this way of thinking was that I was setting myself up to work even harder day after day…..playing catch up.
One year ago, at the start of my journey on building a simplified work life, I came across videos of planning. For months I watched content creators planning their life, finances, businesses, and all the things…..i had an ah-ha moment!
What if I used this same system for work?
I spent several months breaking work down from my daily tasks to weekly and monthly tasks. From the projects, meetings, and calls. Issues that popped up and became priorities to deadlines that needed to be met. Through trials and errors, I was able to find a planning system that helped streamline my workflow.
While planning did not solve my problem of finishing all the things that needed to get done each day, it allowed me to manage all of the things more efficiently and effectively…..and I began to build a simplified workday.
Now, I’m on a journey to help others break through the chaos of everyday work that creates stress and overwhelms, so you can get back to enjoying the work you love.
- PLAN YOUR DAY
It doesn’t matter if you choose to plan your day at the start of your morning or the end of the day. Whether you choose to plan your day in a planner, a journal, or use a digital tool, dedicating time each day to write down your plan for the day will help you be more successful at getting things done.
Remember when I said I had an idea of what my day would look like?
Well, I have learned that a mental checklist is not the best method for planning your day. There is a chance of forgetting something important while trying to remember all the things that you have to get done. A mental checklist does not allow you to set your day up so you are the most successful at getting things done. And having to think about all the things that you have to get done throughout the day, creates overwhelm.
- SET THE TONE FOR YOUR DAY
Are you taking control of your workday or is your day taking control over you?
I’m sure you have heard, “When you wake up in the morning, start your day with a positive affirmation to set the tone for your day.”
I am here to tell you that a great way to set the tone for your day is by starting with a positive affirmation. But what happens when you get to work, and it’s one of those days.
While working on a project that has reached its deadline, you completely forget about a mandatory meeting scheduled that same day.
While in the middle of working on your daily task, you run into an issue that is going to take hours to resolve.
After spending your morning socializing with coworkers, your day begins on a good note until you realize the amount of work you have to get done, you realize that you probably should have skipped that morning pow-wow.
A few things will happen when you start taking the time to plan your workdays:
- Better control of your day.
- Preparation for the unexpected.
- Minimal stress of everyday work.
Once you have planned your day and set the tone for your day, you will:
- BECOME A BETTER DECISION-MAKER
When you know what your day, week, and even your month will look like, you will have a clear vision of how to approach your day.
Having a clear vision of your work will help you tackle your daily tasks a lot smoother than if you were to go about your day with an unclear vision and expectations.
The Medical Billing Industry is not always cut and dry and there are times when the unexpected happens. When you plan your day, you will be able to navigate through any unanticipated event. You will be prepared to move your schedule or tasks and adjust with ease. Most importantly, you will have a clear vision of what you have mastered throughout the day….a testimony of what you think you are getting done and what you are getting done.
This clarity will allow you to do a few things:
- Put measures in place to manage your workday more effectively.
- Prioritize your work for efficiency.
- Know when to adjust your work.
With these steps in mind, you will be able to build a more simplified workday:
- FOR A BETTER TOMORROW
Planning is a continuous process and like your work changes, your plan may need to change. Once you understand the system, you will be able to build a work plan that works for you.
Happy Planning