Get More Done: A Veteran-Inspired Guide to Owning Your Daily Schedule
In the military, efficient and packed schedules are the standard. Precision, efficiency, and accountability are all parts of a well-working machine that produces important results. From their time as service members, veterans know the tactile process of ensuring everything gets done, and prioritizing what matters most. If you are someone who is looking to make their schedule efficient and impactful, taking a few cues from how the military gets things done will help you get more done and better.
Your Military-Inspired Guide To Owning Your Daily Schedule
Efficiency, accountability, and prioritizing are all important functions of a daily schedule. See how you can make yours as effective as possible in this veteran-inspired guide.
Make a List
Make a list, make a list, make a list. No task can be completed without knowing exactly where it fits in, and how you should prioritize it. When looking at your daily duties and things you want to accomplish, write them down and prioritize them in order of importance. Reference it throughout the day. This way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything and can focus on accomplishing your goals.
Plan to Achieve the Larger Objective
In order to implement an effective daily schedule, you need to also think about a longer time frame. Where do your daily activities fit in with your weekly goals? Is there any long-term goal you need to carve out time for after immediate duties are complete? Looking at the bigger picture can be your best step to effective time management.
Check it Off
This may seem redundant, but actually crossing off activities as you complete them provides a sense of accomplishment that can further propel you through your goals. Once you finish one item, physically check it off and move on to the next goal. This way, your mind will be able to focus on the next task at hand, and you will have a distinct sense of purpose as well.
Make Downtime, Actual Downtime
Working efficiently also means maximizing downtime. Sometimes, work means putting other activities on the backburner, which makes it even more important to prioritize free time with the things that matter most. Spending time with family and friends is good for both mental and physical health, and being fully present maximizes the most out of these opportunities. Writing down what you need to do and saving it for later ensures your mind won’t wander and you can stay present with loved ones.
Exercise in the Morning
Exercise is crucial for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Even participating in 15 minutes of exercise can make a vast difference than not exercising at all. If you are someone who struggles to fit in time for exercise amidst daily tasks, consider exercising in the morning. Although it may be hard to wake up even earlier, blocking out time to start your day with physical activity can improve performance throughout the rest of the day as well.
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is a key component for how you function throughout the day. Sleep controls energy levels, mood, and memory, all important aspects for maintaining a daily schedule. A big problem that many top performers face is the inability to fall asleep at night. Overactive thinking tends to lead to insomnia, which can make daily tasks increasingly challenging. Writing down what you need to accomplish the next day can be the best way to put racing thoughts to rest. Exercising in the morning can also ensure that your body is ready to rest by bedtime. Finally, utilizing natural supplements such as CBD natural blends can help calm the body and get you ready for sleep.
No matter how you accomplish your daily tasks, making sure to write down goals and prioritize them is the best way to ensure efficiency. Prioritizing physical and mental health in a way that works in your daily routine is another key component of efficiency. No matter what your day holds, giving yourself accountability and celebrating the victories are important ways to structure your daily schedule.