Before you try something new at work, you need to make sure you can commit to it. Often, you’ll start a new project or process and abandon it a short time later.
The problem was that you never had enough time for the new thing, even though you were sure it could help you.
In this episode of our Employee Productivity series, we talk about this challenge and some simple steps that can help you decide whether it’s time to embrace something new.
What Productivity Questions Does This Video Answer?
- How to find the time to try something new?
- How do I make a new habit at work?
- What can you do to follow through better on projects?
- How to improve your career?
Video Transcript for Before You Try Something New at Work
You’re ready to do something new at work but aren’t sure whether you can commit to it. Maybe it’s some sort of education. Maybe it’s software. There something that you really want to do that will make you better on the job. Sounds good, right?
The last thing you want to have happen is to start something that you can’t finish because that will look bad. But sometimes it happens. So before before you get started, I want you to consider three questions that I hope will improve your success.
The first one is whatever you’re doing, is it repeatable? So if it’s an hour long commitment every week, are you able to do that?
If your schedule is going to be fighting back every week and you’re gonna be running late or having to skip things, then you’re not ready to do it.
Make sure you can repeat the process until you can complete it or get it done to your satisfaction. Maybe you can block out the time but will it be easy for you to perform the task.
By that I mean are you going to be constantly distracted during the time when you really need to focus. This may mean you have to to go to a different location, turn off the phone, not look at your email.
Can you give the attention to this new process that it deserves? If you’re only half there, it’s not a good idea.
Finally, I want to make sure you’ll be engaged in your new activity. It needs to be something you’re going to look forward to, even even if it is perhaps a challenge at first.
Most good thing start out hard, then get better as you move towards mastery. Are you going to feel better after you do it? If s it’s going to drag, week after week, then consider whether you were the person who needs to be doing this or if you got to bite the bullet.
But make sure that you’re gonna be there. You’re going to be present, you’re going to be enthusiastic, and you’re going to be ready to learn and improve.
About This Video Series
Ken Okel’s ongoing Employee Productivity video series will make you more effective on the job. Every week, you’ll learn a new, easy to understand tip that you can use right away, like how automation can help your team.
Got a productivity problem? Let us know and we’ll feature it in an upcoming episode.
About Ken Okel
As a motivational speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit his video page.
