7 rituals for a successful work week

What if we told you that you could achieve a tremendous week in terms of work productivity and creativity, if you just adopted a couple of habits? Realise your full potential by sharpening your daily routine; in other words, follow a set of prolific rituals. As compiled from Reader’s Digest and Forbes magazines, implement these practices in your life today.

1. Follow through with promises

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It’s the beginning of the week, so start afresh by sticking to your word — whether you promised something to yourself or to someone else. Be consistent with what you say and do, and never guarantee something unless you know for sure you can make good on your pledge. Highly successful people feel comfortable saying no when they have to, because they comprehend that no one person can do everything that people ask of them. Only promise what you know you can deliver, and write down what you promise if you have trouble remembering. You will build trust and therefore craft a loyal audience.

2. Make plans for the upcoming weekend



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So what if it’s Monday; it’s perfectly ok to already sketch out the weekend earlier in the week. Dampen your work day blues by giving yourself something to look forward to. “This extends the weekend and keeps you focused on the fun to come, rather than on Monday morning,” according to time management expert Laura Vanderkam. You could make a tradition of a big dinner with your extended family, take an early-evening zumba class, or find a fun opportunity to mingle, such as arranging a potluck with friends.

3. Create traditions

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Happy people often have special activities they do most weekends or specific days of the week that don’t require special planning, such as Thursday night pizza, a walk in the park with a buddy on Fridays, Sunday morning parathas or cooking dinners yourself on Wednesdays. “These habits are what become memories,” suggests Vanderkam. “And comforting rituals boost happiness and ensure a productive week.”

4. Compress chores

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At the beginning of the week, thoughts racing through our heads include, when am I supposed to get this list of errands done? Rather then letting them take over your whole day, Vanderkam suggests that you assign a chore time, maybe on Saturday while you’re off of work or a Tuesday if you get done with work earlier. “Giving yourself a small window makes you more motivated to get chores done quickly so you can move on to the fun and more creative things that will fuel your motivation at work,” she says.

5. Cut down on tech

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Observing a ‘technology sabbath’ is actually good for your brain. “A stretch of time apart from the computer, phone, and work stresses creates space for other things in life,” says Vanderkam. Encouraging your whole family to put away their smartphones for a day, or even a few hours, forces you to have a different relationship with your spouse, friends, and kids. If you need to work on the weekends, consider a specific window to finish a project or sort through your inbox, rather than periodically checking and writing back to emails all day long — this habit will help you de-clutter your mind.

6. Focus energy on a few key things

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Don’t spread yourself too thin. Practically, you have a limited supply of energy, and you need to use it on what you perceive as important. Polish your energy on what absolutely matters more than anything else: your family, maintaining your work ethics, and keeping yourself fit. Simplify your life to give you clarity; you can get rid of things in your house that clutter your space, distance yourself from negative thoughts, or eat simpler foods that will make you feel lighter. Make your life work for you, and learn to confine your energy and allocate it to the things that will make you the best person you can be.

7. Spend quality time with quality people

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Lets face it, some people drain you and others uplift you. Be sure to get in the company of those who feed your courage and strength, and avoid those who do not appreciate your presence. There’s no need to rush into a relationship you are unsure of, or socialise with those who hold you back or bring you down. Spend more time with kind people who are smart, driven and open-minded about personal growth and opportunity. The conclusion is that relationships should help you, not hurt you. Surround yourself with people who reflect the person you want to be. Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the energy and optimism out of you. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27^th,  2015.

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