By Cindy Stephens
In today’s fast-paced environment, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when there is so much demand placed on Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) professionals.
Productivity expectations are high, and it is easy to accept the daily demands as part of a daily routine. Occasionally, though, a person begins to feel the stress of being pulled in so many directions. The emotional drain and tension of a chaotic environment can lead to disorganization and a sense of a lack of control over your life. Productivity eventually begins to decline and impacts overall performance expectations.
It is easy to become trapped, working in a continuous cycle of chaos while attempting to accomplish the myriad of daily responsibilities and tasks. To increase productivity, it is important to first determine how the chaotic environment impacts you. Then, decide to step out of the fixed, overwhelming daily routine and create a more positive approach to managing the chaos.
Consider what contributes to the chaotic environment that impacts accomplishing your responsibilities. What influencers dictate your daily routine, such as unnecessary interruptions and other factors that interfere with your focus.
If you have allowed yourself to become overwhelmed with unrealistic tasks, think seriously about what is important to accomplish and put the unimportant tasks aside until the most important tasks have been accomplished.
Next create a detailed list of your responsibilities and the tasks necessary to accomplish each one. Create a list of timelines and deadlines. Understand that there may be critical problems that interrupt your daily responsibilities and remain flexible in moving your planned activities to accommodate the urgent issues. Know your personal limitations and focus on your strengths and outline solutions to problems.
Utilize your organizational skills to identify efficient methods to accomplish tasks and focus on priorities. Handle email, voicemail and text messages based on importance. Act on them appropriately and put personal messages on hold until outside of work hours (lunch, break or end of the day). Remember to focus on what is important.
Whether it is professional or personal, it is not always easy to make a change. However, the good news is that it is never too late to start improving yourself. Make the choice of either continuing with the “old” habits that do not allow focusing on what is important or working toward a new, improved self and routine.
The most successful people are those who made a choice to be successful, established goals and set out to accomplish them. Ultimately, achieving success in anything requires having a plan – setting goals and actions to carry them out.
The key to achieving success is to motivate yourself to making a positive difference by focusing on what is important. Therefore, if you want your life to change, you must set your goals into a plan and take the necessary steps to be successful. Manage the chaos and increase productivity with organizational skills and by focusing on priorities.
It sounds easy enough, but studies show a majority of the people don’t take the time to identify their goals and make a plan for reaching them. Goals give you a starting place and a destination. Knowing where you are going will help you get there.
You may just want to simplify your life, manage your time better or find the time to do the things that are more important in your life. Maintain a good work and personal life balance with your family and friends.
Stay motivated even in the face of obstacles or setbacks. Remain flexible and willing to adjust your plan when necessary. Sometimes you may need to take a detour along the way, but don’t get discouraged and let this throw you completely off course. Stay committed and keep going.
Reduce stress, manage chaos and increase productivity by taking control of your daily routines and responsibilities.