Management Tip of the Day: Create Rituals to Get More Done

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile DECEMBER 19, 2012 Create Rituals to Get More Done Most of us feel pulled in more directions than ever, expected to work longer hours and get more done. To help you battle this overload, create rituals — highly specific behaviors, done at precise times, that become automatic and no longer require conscious will or discipline. For example, go to bed at the same time every night so you consistently get enough sleep, or work out as soon as you wake up to be sure you get exercise even when you don't feel like it. At the end of each work day, write down the most important task to accomplish the following day; when you return in the morning, start on that task before doing anything else. By creating and sticking to these rituals you'll free yourself up to focus on the important things. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done. Buy the book and learn more about prioritizing your workload » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Ebook Now Available Is your workload slowing you – and your career – down? Learn how to get the right work done. Whether you're a new professional or an experienced one, this guide will help you prioritize and stay focused, work less but accomplish more and stop bad habits and develop good ones. Not only will you end each day knowing you made progress—your improved productivity will also set you apart from the pack. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Take More Vacation Two Rules for Keeping Employees Happy and Engaged Focus Your Sales Pitch by Subtraction Focus on a Career Direction, Not a Specific Job Don't Sacrifice Long-Term Growth Just to Hit Your Forecast Before a Big Presentation, Brainstorm Quit Your Job, for Real This Time Don't Be a Bad Boss The One Person Every Network Needs Be Assertive While Being Yourself All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's 10 Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)