Setting Up Your Future Self

We’ve all been there — it’s a Monday, you’re still easing into the week ahead, and suddenly you get to your desk and there are 500 things you had forgotten about, things that came up at the last moment, and even more things that just need your attention now. It can be overwhelming and can start you out on the wrong foot for the rest of the week. Today, I’d like to talk to you about how we can get ahead of that feeling and set ourselves up for a smooth, productive start to your workday.

Get ahead of your upcoming week

Being proactive is the best way you can support yourself as you end your week. It’s easy to drop everything when the clock ticks 5pm, but you’ll be kicking yourself in the butt on Monday when you forgot where you left off.

So, how can we help our future selves?

1. Start with a cleanup. The first step is gathering up everything on your desk and putting it in a place that gives you the physical space to think and get things done. Now, everything that was on your desk is still accessible, but it isn’t cluttering the place in which you need to work to achieve your tasks.
2. Go through your voicemails, emails, and physical mail. Sometimes we respond to things or take care of tasks during the week, but those communications stay at the top of your inbox or at the forefront of your mail pile. Sifting through these things lets you start fresh next week.
3. Dump your ideas out. It’s important to remember the importance of getting your ideas down on paper to avoid the moment your head hits the pillow and a million ideas come flooding in.
4. Look at last week’s to-do list, and draft next weeks. Writing out your to-do list prevents you from overloading one day or another. It also gives you a clear look at what’s going on and will be ready for you when you come back from the weekend.

After that, HAVE FUN. You set yourself up in a way that frees your professional brain and allows you to shift your focus onto other important things. Don’t forget to reward yourself.