10 ways to end off your successful work day
- Published on 22 Mar 2013
- Linda Trim
As important as it is to start off your work day with a bang, it is even more important to end it on a good note. Here’s how to do this.
1. Go through your to-do list: Tick off what you’ve accomplished and what you haven’t, and transfer these items over onto your new to-do list. Having a sense of completion will also give you a sense of accomplishment. It is easier to sleep at night knowing you’ve achieved what you set out to do for the day.
2. Compile your new to-do list: While your tasks for the next day are fresh in your mind, draw up your new to-do list.
3. Tidy your desk: File what needs to be filed. Shred what you no longer need. Put dirty coffee cups in the kitchen. It’s like arriving home to a bed that hasn’t been made: It can only be a start to a bad day if you don’t tidy your desk from the day before.
4. Tie up loose ends: Use time at the end of the day to complete the tasks you were busy with so you can start anew the next day. It always helps to start afresh and not try complete stuff that is hanging over your head from the previous day.
5. Finish your e-mails: Take 10 minutes to go through the less-important e-mails you haven’t had a chance to check or go through. Flag those that are important to look at the next morning – this will prevent a backlog from building up.
6. Reflect on your day: Take time out, even if it’s when you’re driving home, to congratulate yourself with a pat on the back with what you have achieved, or consider where you feel you could have done better. Learn from where you have succeeded and where you’ve failed. Where you feel you need guidance, rely on a mentor or colleague to help you in the future.
7. Say goodbye: Say goodbye to colleagues when you leave the office. Besides being good manners, it gives them the opportunity to ask for anything they may urgently need and it sets a good basis for you to better your relationship.
8. Be kind to the environment: Turn off any machines, computers, printers and lights in your area. The environment needs all the help and support it can get!
9. Disconnect: Switch off from your day’s work. Enjoy your evening and time with friends and family. Re-energise and prepare yourself for a new day tomorrow. Don’t be scared to leave work behind and enjoy your time out. Go for a run, hit the gym, shop or do what you enjoy most.
10. Don’t feel bad about going home: There is only a certain amount of productivity within each of us. There is no point in working when you are exhausted. It is better to head home with a good plan in place for the next day, and a clean desk where you can start afresh in the morning.
