A taste of Friday
Have you ever had one of those weeks from hell? I know – it’s a dumb question. Everyone’s had a week when Tuesday felt like you’d already worked a week and Friday was only a glimmer on the horizon. I’ve got good news. Grab a party horn, its Friday.
I think you need a taste of Friday every day. Here’s how to get it.
Let’s be real, deadlines and time pressure are normal. Many projects aren’t completed until the eleventh hour or later. However, occasionally projects are completed sooner than expected. Don’t you love it when that happens?
Here’s your problem.
After completing a project early, without thinking, you simply grab the next job and go at it. After all, there are always more projects than time. Let me offer an alternative to “grab and go.”
Here’s a suggestion.
When you finish a job an hour sooner than you expected, shave off 15 minutes for yourself. Stretch your legs, find a private spot and breathe easy, read a chapter in a book, or get a latte.
You don’t have to feel guilty. You work hard every day.
Give yourself a taste of Friday.
For all the pragmatists in the room, there’s benefit to rewarding yourself. You’ll get more done. The author of, “Happy hour is 9 to 5” says, “The single most efficient way to increase your productivity is to be happy at work.”
Finally, a note to the type “A” folks in the room, do this before you blow a heart valve!
Leadership Freak
Dan Rockwell
hey, just found your site, love this post. Are you on twitter?
Thanks for the good word Jensen. I am on twitter. leadershipfreak Regards
Hey Dan, that is great advice! I am one who barrels through from one thing to the next, then takes a big reward (sometimes) in the middle of the day with a workout. THe other thing is that I will generally leave the office at a specific time every day to get home, whether or not everything is “done.” Unless there is a specific, urgent deadline, I figure I can finish it up first thing the next day.
Hey “Shrink”
Great idea on the big pay off… thanks for adding it.
All the best,
DAn