1. They update their to-do
lists.
Successful
professionals always keep an eye on their ever-changing to-do lists, Taylor
explains. "But the last 10 minutes is when they also check their final
progress against that day's objectives," she says. "They revise their
final list accordingly while in the moment, rather than abruptly leave and
hoping they'll remember all the nuances of that day in the morning."
2. They organize their desk
and desktop.
Your
projects take much longer to complete when you're not organized. "Having
an orderly desktop and desk will help you think more clearly and prioritize
more effectively. It'll also help you quickly find important documents when you
need them," says Taylor. "File digital and hard copy documents for
easier access and greater efficiency when you need them next."
3. They review what they
achieved.
Taylor
says in addition to focusing on what you still need to do, it's important to
look back on what you've done.
Kerr
agrees. "Taking even one minute to review what you achieved can give you a
sense of accomplishment, and on a particularly trying and busy day it can
remind you that you got more done than you realized," he says.
"Happiness research tells us that doing a simple routine like this, and
taking the time to reflect on what you accomplished, is a key way to boost your
overall level of happiness."
4. They take a moment to
reflect on the day.
Successful
people not only think about the projects they've handled that day; they try to
analyze when and why things went right and wrong. "Savvy professionals
know that if they're not learning, they're not growing," says Taylor.
5. They vet 'urgent'
communications.
You're
down to the wire on your day, but the communications keep flowing; some urgent
and some not — but all at the last minute. "This is when your time
management skills are put to the test," says Taylor. "Successful
people are able to decide what requires a response and what can wait."
You
want to defer long conversations that are sensitive until you and your
colleague are at your best: in the morning. "Consider a response that
suggests the discussion be held at a specific time the next day," she
says. "Otherwise, the matter could last well into the evening when your
mutual energy is low and you feel rushed. This deferral also gives you
overnight to step back and think through your immediate reaction."
6. They stay focused.
"This
is a classic time when your mind can drift," Taylor explains.
"Typically, you're not as sharp at the end of the day." Try not to
allow yourself to get distracted or caught up in non-work related activities at
the very end of the day.
7. They determine their
primary goals for tomorrow.
Successful
people have a list of items ready for the morning, and they identify their primary objectives for the
following day. "You may have two or three of them that are top of mind,
but commit them to writing so you have a core foundation to work from the next
morning," says Taylor.
"The
more you can get everything down on paper that is swirling through your mind,
the more likely it is you'll be able to focus on the rest of your life with a
clear head and be prepared and ready to go the following day," adds Kerr.
8. They let colleagues know
how accessible they'll be between now and the morning.
The
most successful people take a minute to determine how accessible they can and
need to be between now and the following day, and then they communicate that to
whoever needs to know. "Are you going 'completely dark' with absolutely no
contact with your office via text, email, or phone? Or are certain exceptions
being made?" Kerr asks. "This will change day to day, and there's not
necessarily one right answer. The most important question to ask yourself is, 'What
mix of contact/accessibility will allow me the greatest peace of mind during my
off hours?'"
9. They review their schedule
for the next morning.
There's
no worse way to start your day than arriving at the office and learning you
have a big meeting in five minutes. "Successful people know to review
their schedule and plan for the following day — and most importantly, visualize
how the day will unfold," Kerr says. This will allow you to go into the
next workday feeling better prepared, more confident, and less stressed.
10. They say thank you to
someone.
Great
workplaces are built on a foundation of gratitude and recognition.
"Creating a habit around thanking someone at the end of your workday is an
incredibly effective way to boost your own happiness level and allow yourself
and others to leave on a high note," says Kerr.
11. They say their goodbyes.
A
friendly "goodnight" is highly underestimated and requires very
little effort. "It reminds your boss and team that you are a human being,
not just a colleague," Taylor says. It also gives your coworkers a heads
up that you're leaving for the day.
12. They leave on a positive
note.
Before
you head out, give yourself a psychological boost by smiling, Taylor
recommends. "It will prepare you to exude a more upbeat vibe as you check
out with your coworkers." Successful leaders leave a good impression at
the day's end, as that's the demeanor that sticks until the next morning.
13. They actually leave.
Successful
people avoid the temptation to linger. They know how important work-life
balance is, so they try to leave the office at a decent hour.
"Staying
around for no good reason will limit your level of energy and success when you
need it tomorrow," Taylor explains.
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