TSP • @myTSPnet
We recently shared our top suggestions to making the most of a Monday, but there is another day of the week where productivity generally drops: Friday.
Friday – that one special day we look forward to all week long. You’ve been working hard and its almost time for the weekend, but it’s not quite here yet. So, how do you make the most of your day when your mind is most likely someplace else?
THINK AHEAD
Sometimes thinking ahead may be the best thing to do for your daily schedule – other times it invokes panic. However, don’t let this lead you astray. Friday is the perfect opportunity to accomplish workplace tasks that will ultimately make Monday a little easier, so grab your cup of coffee and get to work!
Think about your upcoming deadlines and who you need to meet with to make your day more streamlined. Schedule meetings and phone calls when you get to work in the morning so you don’t have to worry about it later in the day. Also, make sure you are fully utilizing your calendar because nothing is worse than heading home for the weekend and realizing you forgot to get something done.
MAKE A LIST
After you've considered all things on your plate, make a to-do list. Think: what project is the most urgent or what would I like to get out of the way before I start my next task? Save a few your “fun” projects for the afternoon, that way you have something to look forward to come 2 o’clock. Doing so will help prioritize your workload and ensure everything gets done.
Don’t make this list lazily. Write each task down in the order in which you’d like to complete them. While making a to-do list may seem overwhelming, the satisfaction you will receive when crossing each task off your list is definitely worth it. Try writing with your favorite pen or on a colorful notepad to promote creativity and give your brain a break – you’ll thank yourself later.
SET A PERSONAL GOAL
Once you have prioritized tasks and made your to-do list, set a personal goal. This could be checking off five of the items on your to-do list, or finally setting that meeting you’ve been putting off all week. Successfully completing your goals will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment that is sure to boost your mood for the weekend.
Once you’ve met your goal, reward yourself! This is a personal congratulation to yourself for making next week a little easier. Happy hour with friends, spending time with family, or traveling are all great ways to unwind. Plus, wouldn’t you feel better over the weekend if you didn’t have the weight of uncompleted tasks on your shoulders?
Setting yourself up for success, making a list, and thinking ahead are some easy tips that are sure to make your weekend fun! No matter what, don’t forget all the good you did throughout the week. If you end your Friday feeling like the week was wasted away, that may be a sign you need a bigger work-week adjustment the next.
