When it comes to managing my time, email and sorting daily tasks can be a real challenge. I regularly receive hundreds of emails each day; this can be a huge time suck. One way I manage tasks is by prioritizing emails into three inboxes as soon as they come in: to do, others, and read. The system helps me focus on responses that require immediate attention, those that can be delegated to employees or colleagues and those that just need to be reviewed and archived. Procrastination isn’t a sign of laziness, it’s avoidance -- and we (I) naturally avoid things we don’t want to do. Many successful entrepreneurs and business leaders tout the MIT mantra (most important task) as part of their priority schedule including Lloyd Blankfein, the CEO of Goldman Sachs, who said that the first thing he does in the office each day is the task he dreads the most. This is easy and it’s common sense, but it’s one that deserves regular practice. Whatever you don’t want to do, do it first, and it eliminates the nagging dread that will sap energy away from other tasks as you postpone the inevitable.
In 2016 I encourage you to join me in prioritizing the people, activities, relationships and business goals that mean the most to you and gracefully saying “no” to those that do not. It doesn’t have to be a huge step-change. Taking time throughout the week to meditate, exercise (did you know The Boardroom offers its members discounted memberships to Uptown Athletic Club?), prioritize “play” (Jenga, anyone?), blog, or take advantage of the talent in these four walls -- outsource to an expert and focus on your business growth instead.
I hope The Boardroom can be a place where this balance is recognized and appreciated. The work that we are all doing inspires me, and I know that by prioritizing ourselves and our personal lives, we can continue improving and inspiring each other along the way.
To a more mindful 2016,
--The Boardroom