It’s February. We’re well into the New Year, and your resolutions may have already fizzled out like most people. With a new year (or a new month), comes a time for new thinking and new habits. I suggest you start with a "not to do list." You might have one thing on it or a few, but the best way to make a meaningful change this year is to determine what you won't do and to make room for what you will do.
I have resolved that I won't let email dictate my behavior or consume my time. I hear some people say they don't check email or won't check it the first few hours of the day. I am not sure if that works for me, but I am thinking about it. But what I know is that I can't let email distract me from the most important priorities I want to attend to.
So, in 2018, I will not engage in detailed conversations on email. This doesn't mean I won't be responsive, but I won't go back and forth repeatedly on one string--I'll take it offline. And I will resist long emails when shorter will do. I don't want to be dismissive or neglectful, so I'll suggest we not try to resolve something on email.
What about you? What will be on your "not to do" list this year? What will you avoid so you can increase productivity in other areas?
