Tag Productivity

How to Be More Valuable to Your Employer

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I’m a little surprised by how often I’m asked by people how to ask for a raise. I don’t normally answer a question with a question, but in this circumstance, I do it anyway. The question I ask is, “Do you deserve a raise?”

I get a variety of answers to that question. Many people say, “well, I need one.” This is where the frustration begins to set in for them. Because my reply is that if I’m your employer, I could care less that you think you need a raise.

I then ask them to explain to me, with a pretty good level of specificity, why they deserve a raise. I want them to tell me what they have done to make themselves more valuable to their employer.

It is my belief that no one is entitled to a raise they didn’t earn just because they have been with a company for a certain period of time.

Consistently increasing the value you bring to your employer is the fastest way to earn a raise. Increasing your value helps you stand out from your colleagues and coworkers. Standing out as a valuable employee not only helps you earn a raise, it can open doors to career growth, job security, and personal fulfillment. Becoming indispensable to your employer isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter, aligning your efforts with the company’s goals, and consistently demonstrating your worth.

Here’s a practical guide to increasing your value at work, with actionable steps you can start implementing today.

Understand Your Company’s Goals and Priorities

To be truly valuable, you need to align your work with what matters most to your employer. Take time to understand your company’s mission, vision, and current objectives. Are they focused on increasing revenue, improving customer satisfaction, or streamlining operations? Knowing this helps you prioritize tasks that directly contribute to those goals.

Actionable Steps:

Ask questions: In team meetings or one-on-ones, inquire about the company’s short- and long-term priorities.

Read up: Review company reports, strategic plans, or public communications (e.g., investor updates or press releases) to grasp the bigger picture.

Align your work: Frame your contributions in terms of how they support key objectives. For example, if customer retention is a priority, focus on delivering exceptional service or suggesting process improvements.

Example: If your company is pushing for digital transformation, volunteer to learn a new tool or platform that supports that initiative, like mastering a CRM system or analyzing data to improve decision-making.

Develop In-Demand Skills

Employers value employees who bring expertise that is relevant to the company’s needs. Stay ahead by continuously developing skills that are in demand, both within your role and in the broader industry. This could mean technical skills (e.g., data analysis, coding) or soft skills (e.g., communication, leadership).

Actionable Steps:

Identify skill gaps: Look at job descriptions for roles similar to yours or ask your manager which skills would make you more effective.

Invest in learning: Take online courses (platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy are great), attend workshops, or earn certifications relevant to your field.

Apply your skills: Find opportunities to use your new skills on the job, whether through a special project or by improving an existing process.

Example: If your company uses data to drive decisions, learning basic Excel functions or a tool like Tableau can make you a go-to person for insights, increasing your value.

Take Initiative and Solve Problems

Valuable employees don’t wait for instructions—they proactively identify challenges and propose solutions. Being a problem-solver shows you are invested in the company’s success and can be trusted to handle responsibilities.

Actionable Steps:

Spot inefficiencies: Look for processes, tools, or workflows that could be improved and suggest actionable fixes.

Volunteer for challenges: Offer to lead a project, tackle a tough client issue, or streamline a task that others avoid.

Think ahead: Anticipate potential roadblocks in your team’s work and propose ways to address them before they become problems.

Example: If your team struggles with meeting deadlines due to poor task tracking, propose adopting a project management tool like Trello, or Asana and offer to set it up.

Build Strong Relationships

Your value isn’t just about what you do but how you work with others. Building strong relationships with colleagues, managers, and stakeholders fosters collaboration and makes you a trusted team member.

Actionable Steps:

Communicate effectively: Be clear, concise, and respectful in emails, meetings, and conversations.

Support your team: Offer help to colleagues, share credit for successes, and foster a positive work environment.

Network internally: Get to know people in other departments to understand their roles and how you can support cross-functional goals.

Example: If a coworker is overwhelmed, offer to take on a small task or share a resource that could help them, building goodwill and strengthening team dynamics.

Deliver Consistent, High-Quality Work

Reliability is a cornerstone of value. Employers prize employees who consistently meet or exceed expectations, deliver on time, and maintain high standards.

Actionable Steps:

Set clear goals: Break down large tasks into manageable steps and track your progress to stay on target.

Pay attention to detail: Double-check your work to avoid errors that could cost time or resources.

Seek feedback: Regularly ask for constructive feedback from your manager or peers to improve your performance.

Example: If you’re tasked with preparing a report, ensure it’s error-free, visually clear, and submitted early, demonstrating reliability and professionalism.

Be Adaptable and Embrace Change

Workplaces evolve—new technologies, strategies, or market conditions can shift priorities overnight. Employees who adapt quickly and embrace change are invaluable because they help the company stay agile.

Actionable Steps:

Stay open-minded: Approach new processes or tools with curiosity rather than resistance.

Learn quickly: Take the lead in mastering new systems or workflows, and share your knowledge with others.

Show resilience: Handle setbacks or unexpected changes with a positive attitude and focus on solutions.

Example: If your company adopts a new software platform, take the initiative to learn it early and help train your team, positioning yourself as a resource.

Communicate Your Value

It’s not enough to do great work—you need to make sure your contributions are visible (without being boastful). Employers often notice employees who can articulate their impact.

Actionable Steps:

Track your achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments, such as projects completed, savings generated, or positive feedback received.

Share updates: In performance reviews or check-ins, highlight specific ways you have contributed to team or company goals.

Be proactive in meetings: Share ideas, insights, or progress updates to demonstrate your engagement.

Example: During a performance review, say, “I streamlined our reporting process, which saved the team 5 hours a week and improved data accuracy by 20%,” to quantify your impact.

Stay Positive and Professional

A positive attitude and professional demeanor make you a pleasure to work with, which enhances your value. Employers appreciate employees who inspire others and maintain composure under pressure.

Actionable Steps:

Stay solution-focused: Even when challenges arise, focus on what can be done rather than dwell on problems.

Show gratitude: Acknowledge others’ contributions and express appreciation for opportunities.

Handle conflict gracefully: Address disagreements calmly and constructively to maintain a positive work environment.

Example: If a project hits a snag, instead of complaining, say, “Let’s brainstorm a few ways to get this back on track,” showing leadership and optimism.

Mentor and Support Others

Helping your colleagues grow not only strengthens the team but also positions you as a leader, even if you’re not in a formal leadership role. Employers value employees who elevate those around them.

Actionable Steps:

Share knowledge: Offer to train a new hire or share tips with a struggling colleague.

Be a team player: Celebrate others’ successes and contribute to a collaborative culture.

Lead by example: Model the behaviors and work ethic you want to see in others.

Example: If a new team member is struggling with a task, spend 15 minutes walking them through it or sharing a helpful resource, showing you’re invested in the team’s success.

Stay Committed to Growth

Valuable employees never stop growing. Commit to continuous self-improvement, both in your role and as a professional, to stay relevant and impactful.

Actionable Steps:

Set personal goals: Identify one or two areas for growth each quarter, such as improving public speaking or mastering a new tool.

Seek mentorship: Connect with a mentor or manager who can guide your career development.

Stay curious: Read industry blogs, attend webinars, or follow thought leaders on platforms like X to stay informed about trends.

Example: Follow industry leaders on X to learn about emerging trends in your field, then share a relevant insight with your team to spark discussion.

Final Thoughts

Being more valuable to your employer is about aligning your efforts with their goals, continuously improving yourself, and making a positive impact on your team and organization. By taking initiative, building skills, and developing strong relationships, you’ll not only increase your worth but also create a more rewarding work experience for yourself.

Start small—pick one or two of these steps to focus on this week. Over time, these efforts will compound, making you an indispensable asset to your employer and setting you up for long-term career success.

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Understanding the Consequences of Procrastination

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Sooner or later, (pun intended) we all procrastinate. We put off that important task for tomorrow, convincing ourselves there’s still plenty of time. A little delay never hurt anyone, right? Unfortunately, procrastination is more than just a bad habit. Over time, it can quietly erode our productivity, damage our reputation, and rob us of peace of mind.

If you don’t think that’s true, then it’s likely you’re in denial about what your delays are costing you. Understanding the real consequences of procrastination is the first step toward breaking free from its grip.

Missed Opportunities

Procrastination often causes us to miss out on valuable opportunities. Whether it’s applying for a job, submitting a proposal, or starting a business idea, delays can close doors that might never open again. Time-sensitive opportunities don’t wait, and when we postpone action, we often lose out by default.

Increased Stress and Anxiety

Putting things off rarely makes them go away. In fact, the longer a task is delayed, the more it weighs on our minds. What starts as a small to-do item can quickly grow into a source of overwhelming stress. Deadlines loom larger, responsibilities pile up, and the mental burden becomes harder to bear. Chronic procrastination leads to a constant state of anxiety that affects both work and personal life.

Lower Quality of Work

When tasks are rushed at the last minute, quality suffers. We don’t give ourselves enough time to plan, think critically, or make necessary revisions. The result is often subpar work that doesn’t reflect our true potential. Over time, this can damage our credibility and limit growth opportunities. Now, some of you will say that you work better under pressure—there is no research to support that assertion. You might just be kidding yourself.

Damaged Relationships

Procrastination doesn’t just affect us—it affects the people around us. When we delay tasks that others are depending on, we let them down. Missed commitments and broken promises can strain relationships with colleagues, friends, and family. Trust is easy to lose and hard to rebuild.

Reduced Self-Confidence

Every time we procrastinate, we reinforce a cycle of avoidance and regret. This can lead to a negative self-image, where we begin to see ourselves as unreliable or incapable. Over time, this undermines our self-confidence and motivation, making it even harder to take action in the future.

Stunted Personal and Professional Growth

Progress requires consistent effort. When we procrastinate, we stall our development. Goals take longer to reach—if they’re reached at all. Skills go unrefined, and potential remains untapped. Procrastination is a silent thief of time and growth.

Breaking the Cycle

The good news is that procrastination isn’t a permanent trait—it’s a habit that can be changed. Start with small steps:

Break large tasks into manageable parts.

Set clear deadlines—even self-imposed ones.

Remove distractions from your environment.

Reward yourself for progress.

Practice self-compassion and don’t let past procrastination define you.

The sooner you act, the more control you regain over your time, energy, and future.

Procrastination might feel harmless in the moment, but over time, its consequences compound. Recognizing the cost is the first step toward reclaiming your momentum—and your life.

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The Power of Perseverance: Turning Dreams into Reality

Steve Keating 1 Comment

Research shows that people frequently give up just moments before they would have achieved the success they had been working for. I remember a restaurant in Minneapolis that went out of business in 2014. They had been a business for a while, 99 years and 9 months to be exact. Just three months more and they would have been in business for 100 years. It would have been an amazing accomplishment.

I was so surprised by this news that I went to talk with the owners to find out why they couldn’t persevere for just a few more months. They actually had very sound and well-grounded business reasons for their decision. So many food trucks had popped up in their neighborhood that they just couldn’t make money anymore. They felt like they were throwing good money after bad.

While it was a logical decision, a part of me still felt like, screw the money, go for 100 years.

But they were smart people; they had persevered for over 99 years. Instead of making the emotional decision that I would have made, they made a good business decision. Lots of people are like me; we make emotional decisions, and often, those decisions prevent us from succeeding when success is literally right around the corner.

We, almost all of us at times, lack perseverance.

Perseverance is the quiet force that turns dreams into reality. It’s the grit that keeps us moving forward when obstacles loom large, the resolve that pushes us to rise after every fall, and the unwavering commitment to our goals despite setbacks. In a world that often celebrates instant success, perseverance reminds us that true achievement is a marathon, not a sprint. This blog post explores why perseverance matters, how it shapes success, and practical ways to cultivate it in our lives.

Why Perseverance Matters

At its core, perseverance is about staying the course when things get tough. Life is rarely a straight path to success—whether you’re chasing a career goal, building a business, or working on personal growth, challenges are inevitable. Perseverance is what separates those who succeed from those who give up. It’s the difference between a half-finished novel and a published book, or a failed startup and a thriving company.

Consider the story of Thomas Edison, who famously conducted thousands of experiments before perfecting the light bulb. Each failure was a lesson, not a defeat. Or think of J.K. Rowling, who faced countless rejections before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon. These icons didn’t possess superhuman talent or luck—they had perseverance. They kept going, refining their craft, learning from mistakes, and refusing to let setbacks define them.

Perseverance isn’t just about grand achievements. It’s also the daily grind: the student who studies through exhaustion, the athlete who trains despite injury, or the parent who balances work and family through sheer determination. It’s the ability to keep showing up, day after day, even when the results aren’t immediate.

The Science Behind Perseverance

Research backs up the power of perseverance. Psychologist Angela Duckworth, in her book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, argues that grit—a combination of passion and perseverance—is a stronger predictor of success than talent or IQ. Her studies show that individuals who persist through challenges, maintain long-term goals, and stay committed despite adversity are more likely to achieve their ambitions.

Neuroscience also sheds light on why perseverance works. When we push through difficulties, our brains adapt, strengthening neural pathways associated with resilience and problem-solving. This process, known as neuroplasticity, means that perseverance not only helps us achieve specific goals but also makes us better equipped to handle future challenges. Each time we choose to keep going, we’re training our brains to thrive under pressure.

How Perseverance Shapes Success

1. It Builds Resilience: Perseverance teaches us to bounce back from failure. Each setback becomes a stepping stone, helping us develop the emotional strength to face future hurdles.

2. It Fosters Growth: Challenges force us to learn, adapt, and improve. Perseverance ensures we don’t shy away from the discomfort of growth, whether it’s mastering a new skill or overcoming personal limitations.

3. It Cultivates Confidence: Every small victory earned through persistence boosts self-belief. Over time, these wins compound, creating a sense of capability that fuels further effort.

4. It Inspires Others: Perseverance is contagious. When we push through adversity, we show others what’s possible, motivating them to pursue their own goals with tenacity.

Cultivating Perseverance in Your Life

While some people may seem naturally gritty, perseverance is a skill that can be developed. Here are practical ways to harness its power:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you’re working toward and why it matters. A strong sense of purpose fuels perseverance. Break big goals into smaller, manageable steps to maintain momentum.

2. Embrace Failure as Feedback: Reframe setbacks as opportunities to learn. Ask yourself, “What can I do differently next time?” instead of dwelling on what went wrong.

3. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you. A mentor, friend, or community can provide perspective and motivation when the going gets tough.

4. Practice Self-Discipline: Perseverance often requires doing what is necessary, even when you do not feel like it. Create routines, eliminate distractions, and focus on consistent effort over time.

5. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress, no matter how small. Recognizing milestones keeps you motivated and reminds you that every step forward counts.

6. Stay Flexible: Perseverance doesn’t mean stubbornly sticking to one path. Be willing to pivot, adapt, and find new ways to approach your goals when circumstances change.

7. Take Care of Yourself: Physical and mental well-being are crucial for sustained effort. Prioritize sleep, exercise, and stress management to maintain the energy needed to persevere.

Real-Life Examples of Perseverance

To illustrate the power of perseverance, let’s look at a well-known modern example:

Elon Musk: Before SpaceX and Tesla became household names, Musk faced near bankruptcy, technical failures, and intense criticism. His relentless pursuit of his vision—despite multiple rocket explosions and financial struggles—led to groundbreaking innovations in space travel and electric vehicles.

Everyday Heroes: Think of the single parent working two jobs to provide for their family, or the small business owner navigating economic uncertainty. These unsung stories of perseverance remind us that grit exists in all walks of life.

Overcoming the Temptation to Quit

There will be moments when giving up feels like the easier option. Doubt, fatigue, and frustration can erode even the strongest resolve. When this happens, remind yourself why you started. Revisit your goals, reflect on how far you’ve come, and focus on the next small step. Sometimes, perseverance means simply refusing to quit today.

It’s also worth noting that perseverance doesn’t mean blindly pushing forward at all costs. Knowing when to rest, reassess, or seek help is just as important as staying the course. Perseverance is about balance—knowing when to grind and when to pivot.

The Ripple Effect of Perseverance

Perseverance doesn’t just transform individual lives; it creates a ripple effect. When you persevere, you inspire others to do the same. Your determination can motivate a colleague to tackle a tough project, encourage a friend to pursue their passion, or show your children the value of hard work. In a world full of challenges, perseverance is a beacon of hope, proving that progress is possible even in the face of adversity.

Final Thoughts

The power of perseverance lies in its ability to transform obstacles into opportunities, failures into lessons, and dreams into reality. It’s not about being the smartest, the strongest, or the luckiest—it’s about showing up, day after day, with the courage to keep going. By setting clear goals, embracing setbacks, and nurturing resilience, we can all harness the strength of perseverance to achieve our greatest aspirations.

So, the next time you face a challenge, remember: perseverance isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting up one more time than you fall. That’s where the magic happens. Keep going. Keep going. Always keep going.

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Is Your Cell Phone Controlling You?

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I am old enough to vaguely remember a time before cell phones. I cannot for the life of me remember how I used all the time I now spend on my phone. I do, however, absolutely remember not being annoyed by people holding up a checkout line while talking to someone about some mind-numbing nonsense.

Research shows that the average person in the United States today checks their phone every 12 minutes, that’s approximately 80 times a day. This number, of course, varies by person but some people check their phones more often, a lot more often.

That means the average American spends 4 hours and 37 minutes looking at their phone every day. That quickly adds up over time to about 1 day every week, 6 days every month, and 70 days every year. The average American will spend 12 years staring at their phone screens over their lifespan.

I don’t know about you, but those numbers give me cause for concern. I’m pretty sure I might be above average on this.

At the very least, my cell phone use is a bad habit. It’s mindless, and it wastes a ton of time. Yes, it can add all kinds of productivity to my life, but if I’m honest, my cell phone use is a net negative productivity-wise. I refuse to say I’m addicted to a phone, but it does seem to have a level of control over my life I’m not comfortable with. So I’m going to take control back… now.

I know it won’t be easy, but I’ve done a bunch of research on this, and I think I’ve found some ideas to help me make my phone work for me instead of perhaps the other way around. Here’s my plan.

1. Identify the “Why”

Recognize what leads to excessive use: boredom, stress, or notifications. Once your’re consciously aware of that, you can take steps to minimize them.

2. Set Clear Goals

Determine why you want to cut back: Improved productivity? Better relationships? Clear goals make it easier to stay motivated.

Limit daily screen time: Set a target for phone usage through apps or your phone’s built-in settings. I’ve already started using this; it’s like magic. Truth be told, it can also be frustrating to have an app shut down on you because you’ve hit your limit. But, if you’re serious about controlling your phone, you’ll deal with it.

Try third-party apps: Use apps like Moment, Freedom, or Forest to block distractions or gamify staying off your phone.

3. Turn Off Non-Essential Notifications

Disable unnecessary notifications: Alerts from social media or other apps create constant distractions. Only keep important ones like texts or calls. So here’s the challenge with this one. You have to be honest with yourself about what’s important. A text from your kids or your spouse is, to me anyway, almost always important. A text from one of your fantasy football pals…not so much. That might sound sacrilegious to some of you, but come on, are you serious about this or not?

4. Create Phone-Free Zones

Establish no-phone zones in areas like the bedroom, dining room, or during social events. This helps build boundaries around when and where you use your phone. It may seem odd, but you DO NOT need your phone at the dinner table. Unless you live alone, there may be another human there who you could actually speak to, face-to-face. Like the olden days.

5. Replace Phone Time with Other Activities

Find alternatives to replace idle phone time: reading, exercising, journaling, or picking up a hobby. Engaging in these activities makes it easier to stay away from your phone. Find things and people to do them with that make you forget to check your phone. That’s like a double win.

6. Designate Phone-Free Times

Set specific hours when you won’t use your phone, like during meals, before bed, or in the morning. Creating structured breaks reduces mindless scrolling. There is all kinds of research that indicates that playing with your phone before bed messes with your sleep. Ditch the phone early in the evening and have a healthier sleep.

7. Establish Accountability

Involve friends or family: Share your goals and progress with someone who can help keep you accountable. Don’t get defensive when you’re “caught” breaking your own rules. You asked for accountability, so be accountable.

8. Keep Your Phone Out of Reach

Physically distance yourself from your phone: Keep it in another room or on the other side of the room to resist the urge to check it constantly. This is going to work better for you if you have notifications turned off. Or you can use the focus settings on an iPhone to turn them off temporarily or during certain times of the day.

I’m not saying any of these will be easy. I do think it will be easier if you stop and reflect on what your phone usage is causing you to miss. Great conversations with the love of your life. Quality time and real conversations with your kids. The time you miss with your kids is time you’ll wish you had back one day. I’m pretty sure you would tell anyone that your kids are more important than anything you’re doing on your phone. Remind yourself of that from time to time.

I’m looking forward to checking my phone only 40 times a day. That sounds ridiculous, but when you consider the averages, 40 times a day would be awesome.

So… who is going to join me in taking charge of your phone? And in a kind of weird twist, the more you take charge of your phone, the less you’ll have to charge it. 😎

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I put a significant amount of time and effort into writing a couple of blog posts each week. My primary goal is simple, to help other people. That doesn’t mean a little financial support isn’t appreciated. If you’ve benefited from my efforts and think my posts are valuable, I’d certainly appreciate whatever support you might be able to offer.
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How to Get More Done

Steve Keating 2 Comments

I’ll frequently ask someone how their day went. If I had a dollar for every time that they answered “busy,” I’d have a whole lot of dollars. For many people, having a “busy” day is the measure of a good day. Some even consider a busy day to be a successful day.

But I’ve seen many very busy people who are busy getting nothing of substance done. They are merely busy being busy. Sometimes, they are even busy doing things that shouldn’t be done at all. In essence, they are counterproductive.

To make progress toward a goal, or simply get something done, you must understand the difference between being busy and actually being productive. If, at the end of the day, you can’t point to something concrete that you accomplished, then you likely didn’t have a very productive day. Even if you’re exhausted at the end of that day.

The key to being productive is not simply getting more done. It’s getting more of the things that matter done. More of the things that will make a difference, for you or for someone else. That’s going to require a combination of effective time management, prioritization, and personal productivity strategies. Here’s what you need to do to make it happen.

1. Set Clear Goals

• SMART Goals: Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

• Daily Planning: Start each day by outlining your key tasks and objectives.

2. Prioritize Tasks

• Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance.

• ABC Method: Label tasks as A (most important), B (important but not urgent), and C (neither urgent nor important).

3. Use Time Management Techniques

• Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused intervals (usually 25 minutes) followed by short breaks.

• Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different tasks or activities.

4. Minimize Distractions

• Turn Off Notifications: Silence your phone and computer notifications while working.

• Create a Productive Workspace: Ensure your workspace is organized and free from distractions.

5. Leverage Technology

• Productivity Apps: Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Todoist to keep track of tasks and deadlines.

• Automation: Automate repetitive tasks where possible, using tools like Zapier or IFTTT.

6. Delegate and Outsource

• Identify Tasks to Delegate: Delegate tasks that others can do, allowing you to focus on higher-priority items.

• Outsource When Necessary: Consider hiring freelancers or using services for tasks outside your expertise.

7. Continuous Improvement

• Reflect and Adjust: Regularly review your productivity strategies and make adjustments as needed.

• Learn New Skills: Continuously seek to improve your skills and knowledge.

8. Stay Motivated

• Reward Yourself: Set up a reward system for completing tasks.

• Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset and keep motivated through challenging tasks.

9. Effective Communication

• Clear Communication: Ensure clear and effective communication with your team to avoid misunderstandings and delays.

• Regular Updates: Keep stakeholders updated on your progress to maintain alignment and accountability.

Years ago I was the General Sales Manager for a Soft Drink Company. Our delivery drivers went on strike and I found myself on a delivery truck working harder than I ever had before. The thing is, my day job didn’t stop. So at the end of my delivery day I would head into my office to get as much done as I could. The next day started at 4:00am and by sleeping in my office I could save myself an hour of commuting each day. But it was a losing battle and by the end of the first month I had piles of paperwork everywhere.

One night I went into the warehouse and grabbed one of those big dumpsters on wheels. I pushed it into my office and threw everything on my desk straight into that dumpster. It was a very freeing experience. I had no idea what the heck I was throwing away but at that point I didn’t really care.

Here’s the most interesting part. I barely heard a word from anyone asking about what happened to this paperwork or what happened to that document. It was then that I learned a lesson that has stayed with me to this day.

The lesson is this: Never underestimate the absolute unimportance of almost everything you do.

Most, not some, most of the things I stressed over and worked all hours to complete were not having any impact at all. They just didn’t matter. There’s a lesson in that for many of us.

By using the ideas I’ve listed above, you’ll understand your priorities and why they are priorities. Once you accomplish that, you’ll be well on your way to getting more done. More importantly, the things you get done will have a positive impact on your life and the lives of those around you.

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How to Stop Procrastinating…NOW

Steve Keating Leave a comment

One of the least productive things we can do is to do something tomorrow that we should have done today. Some people call that procrastinating. I call it a waste. Not only did we likely waste time yesterday when we should have been doing what we finally did today, but we’re very possibly not doing what we should have been doing today because of it.

Procrastinating is one of life’s great stress creators. When we put off tasks that we should be doing it gnaws at us. It frequently steals our joy. It buries our confidence under stress and worry. The most successful people seldom procrastinate, no matter how challenging the task at hand. They just do it!

Overcoming procrastination is a common challenge. Eliminating procrastination from your life will often involve a combination of psychological and practical strategies. If you’re interested in greatly improving your productivity by pushing procrastination out of your life then here are a few ideas you may want to consider…immediately.

Understand the Reasons

• Identify why you are procrastinating. Is it due to fear of failure, lack of motivation, or feeling overwhelmed? Understanding the root cause can help you address the issue more effectively.

Set Clear Goals

• Break down your tasks into smaller, more manageable goals. Clear and specific objectives make it easier to focus and take action. The more specific the better because if you allow yourself any “wriggle room” you’re almost certain to use it.

Prioritize Tasks

• Determine the urgency and importance of each task. Focus on high-priority items first to ensure you’re making progress on essential activities. If you’re currently using a “to-do” list burn it now. Destroy it before it destroys any more of your productivity. Turn it into a Prioritized Daily Task List. When you develop the discipline to do the most important tasks first, then procrastination will no longer be a part of your life.

Break Large Tasks into Smaller Steps

• Large projects can be overwhelming. Break them into smaller, more manageable steps, and focus on completing one step at a time.

Create a Schedule

• Develop a daily or weekly schedule to allocate specific time slots for your tasks. Set realistic deadlines and stick to them as closely as possible. Make a decision that YOU will be the person who controls your calendar, not other people, not circumstances or uncontrollable events. YOU and you alone.

Use Time Management Techniques

• Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (working in short, focused bursts with breaks in between) can help maintain your focus and increase productivity.

Remove Distractions

• Identify and eliminate distractions from your workspace. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and create an environment conducive to concentration. It is possible you may need to do the unthinkable and leave your phone in a different room. Or use the nuclear option and actually turn it off.

Visualize Success

• Imagine the positive outcomes and the sense of accomplishment you’ll experience upon completing a task. Visualization can motivate you to get started. Remember, it’s impossible to finish what you’ve haven’t started but once you start, nothing is impossible.

Reward Yourself

• Establish a system of rewards for completing tasks. This can create positive reinforcement and make the process more enjoyable.

Accountability Partners

• Share your goals with someone who can help hold you accountable. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or colleague, having someone check in on your progress can be motivating.

Address Perfectionism

• Understand that perfection is not always attainable, and waiting for the perfect conditions can lead to procrastination. Embrace a mindset of progress over perfection.

Develop a Routine

• Establishing a routine can help train your brain to expect certain activities at specific times, making it easier to overcome procrastination. You’ll need to use your routine for 30 days to make it a habit but once you do you’ll discover just how useful some habits can be.

Overcoming procrastination is an ongoing process. It’s normal to face setbacks. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. Sometimes progress will be big, sometimes it will be small, but the most successful people will tell you that all progress is progress. And if you’re making progress everyday then you’re way ahead of most people.

How to Boost the Morale of Your Team

Steve Keating 7 Comments

High morale is often the little recognized secret to success. Organizations and leaders that work to ensure the morale and engagement level of their people remain high, outperform those who don’t. Boosting the morale of your team is essential for maintaining productivity, job satisfaction, and overall team cohesion. High morale can lead to increased motivation, creativity, and a more positive work environment. High morale means lower turnover and far fewer personal issues, even in turbulent times. Here are some strategies to intentionally boost your team’s morale on a regular basis.

• Effective Communication:

• Keep an open line of communication with your team members. Regularly check in with them to see how they are doing both personally and professionally.

• Provide clear and transparent information about company goals, expectations, and changes. It is virtually impossible to over communicate.

• Recognize and Appreciate:

• Acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and contributions of your team members. Publicly praise their achievements, either in team meetings or through company-wide channels.

• Consider implementing a rewards and recognition program to formally acknowledge outstanding performance. People tend to do what’s required of them for pay, they do more than required for the recognition.

• Provide Opportunities for Growth:

• Offer opportunities for skill development and career advancement within the organization.

• Help team members set and achieve professional goals. Provide resources and support for their growth. If your people are not aware of their career path within your organization then they have no career path within your organization.

• Empower and Delegate:

• Trust your team members with responsibility and delegate tasks that align with their skills and interests.

• Empower them to make decisions within their areas of expertise, fostering a sense of ownership and autonomy. There is very little that can boost morale more than being trusted by the people above you in the organization.

• Work-Life Balance:

• Encourage a healthy work-life balance. Avoid overloading your team with excessive work or unrealistic deadlines.

• Promote flexible working arrangements when possible, such as remote work or flexible hours.

• Team Building:

• Organize team-building activities and events to strengthen team bonds.

• Create a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose through team projects and collaborative efforts. Remember, the deepest relationships are typically built “off the clock” so provide opportunities for those relationships to grow.

• Provide Constructive Feedback:

• Offer regular, constructive feedback to help team members improve their skills and performance.

• Focus on specific behaviors and outcomes, and provide guidance on how to make positive changes. Your people NEED to know how they are doing, without direct input from their leaders their imaginations take over and that’s usually not helpful for morale.

• Lead by Example:

• Demonstrate a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and professionalism.

• Be a role model for the behaviors and values you want to see in your team.

• Address Issues Promptly:

• Address conflicts and issues within the team promptly and professionally.

• Show that you are committed to resolving problems and maintaining a positive work environment.

• Celebrate Achievements:

• Celebrate team and individual achievements, whether they are big or small. This can include milestones, project completions, or personal accomplishments.

• Use celebrations as an opportunity to build team spirit and show your appreciation.

• Provide Support During Challenges:

• During difficult times, such as tight deadlines or challenging projects, offer your support and help your team manage stress.

• Show empathy and understanding for their concerns and provide resources if needed.

Leadership is not a part-time job. Authentic Leaders know that like creating a solid culture, boosting morale is an ongoing process. It requires consistent effort, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to the well-being and success of your team members. By implementing these strategies, you can create a positive work environment that fosters high morale and team satisfaction.

That will make your life as a leader much more rewarding and much less stressful. But as always, the amount of effort you put into the morale building process is completely up to you. I hope for your people’s sake, you choose to put in a whole lot of effort.