“Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due.”

Lately I’m noticing a trend where I’m asked to speak not just on leadership, but leadership and life balance. Everyone is looking for ways to overcome procrastination, increase energy, and improve productivity. Her e are some quick and easy tips for leaders at all levels:

1. Burning desire, passion, and personal motivation. Whether you want to achieve greater career success, personal success or both, make sure you’re passionate about what you want to accomplish. So many people in my workshops really don’t enjoy what they do for a living. And they confide in me privately they’ve got too much vested to leave. And yet, many managers tell me they’d “prefer the employee not be there if they don’t enjoy what they’re doing. “ If you can’t leave a bad situation, consider changing jobs down the road. Because there will be many roadblocks and detours along your path. And unless you’re highly motivated, you’ll become overwhelmed, lose focus, and not perform as well.

2. How can you make things you “should do” more enjoyable? For example, I frequently write articles sitting inside Starbucks. And it makes my “work” more enjoyable, even though I dearly love writing articles already! Writing is my favorite way of sharing information, motivating and inspiring others. Matter of fact, today they announced closing 600 Starbucks in the coming months. Hopefully it won’t be anywhere near me here in north Phoenix. I love my Starbucks! Especially the one in Sedona with gorgeous red rock views. So…what can you do to make your work more enjoyable?

3. Write down important tasks and specific time frames for when you will work on them. Write them in a place where you will constantly see them to be reminded. For example, consider writing them down on a white dry erase board in your office. This way you’re constantly reminded of what you are to do and when. You will get around to completing these tasks sooner rather than later because by “seeing” them all the time, you’ll want to cross them off your list.

4. Plan a reward ahead of time. Make sure you give yourself some type of reward when finished. It can be as small as penciling in time to do something you enjoy such as meeting a friend after work, taking your child to the park, or spending time with your spouse or significant other. I used to live in Aiken, South Carolina, and would often take my Director of Goodwill, “dog” Joy, to a dog park high on a hill with gorgeous views of the Cascade Range. It was a nice reward. Especially after a day spent completing tasks like filing, that frankly, I didn’t want to do.

Effective Leadership Means Being a Good Role Model…

5. Be a role model others want to follow. Effective leadership means setting a good example. If you’re in a management or leadership position, others will often do what they see you do.

6. What can you delegate? This is difficult for those of you who like control! If you’re like me, it’s easy to think, “Well, if I want it done right I might as well do it myself.” Or, “In the time it takes me to train someone I might as well do it myself.” Not to mention, many of us are evaluated on how well a job gets done. It’s hard to give up the control. But if you’re a manager, supervisor, or in any type of leadership position, you can’t do it all. And most likely, part of your job is to help grow, mature, and develop other people. Whether they are your subordinates or… your children.

Remember, everything you procrastinate today only compounds tomorrow’s pressure. Get a lot accomplished so you’re able to enjoy your July 4th weekend!

“Be like a postage stamp. Stick to one thing until you get there.”
– Josh Billings

For Colleen Seward Ryan’s articles on effective leadership, life balance, managing people, difficult people, presentation skills, success, and more, visit: www.ColleenSpeaks.com/freearticles.htm

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