Reclaiming Monday
Getting back into your work rhythm after a weekend can be a challenge. Here’s a simple framework for planning your workweek so you can dive back into your most important work:
- “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
- “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3).
Here are three steps toward productivity:
1. Review your mission and values.
- Am I still aiming for these long-term goals? Do I need to update?
- Does this work align with my values? Does it move toward my mission and goals?
2. Define your priorities for the week.
- What do I need to do this week? What would I like to do?
- What should I do this week to fulfill each of my roles?
- What should I do this week to move towards my goals?
- What should I do this week for each of my major projects?
- What should I do this week from my action list?
- What is on my calendar this week?
- How could I help people in need, fight injustice, or promote my family’s/church’s/community’s good?
3. Organize your priorities in a way that makes them easy to do.
- Which of these items are small? Which will take more time or investment?
- Is this list doable within one week? If not, what should I eliminate or delay? What is most crucial?
- Which of these items need to be scheduled? When should they be done?
- Which of these small actions can I accomplish right now?
Photo source: istock
 | Matt Perman is the director of career development at The King’s College and co-founder of What’s Best Next, which aims to empower Christians to be more effective in all areas of life. Perman is also author of the best-selling book What’s Best Next: How the Gospel Transforms the Way You Get Things Done and a frequent speaker on leadership, productivity and theology from a gospel-centered perspective. He lives in New York City. |
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