New Year, New Resources
From a word of the year to user manuals: 6 suggestions for success
During the first week of January, there’s an extra hopeful feeling on the first Monday morning “back at work.” For me, it’s when I start a new notebook, take time to set professional objectives and key results (OKRs) and reflect on how I aspire to structure my days. It’s become a sacred time for me to look back on the prior year, in particular, the systems I have used or stopped using and evaluate why they worked well or didn’t work out at all.
It takes most of my work willpower to not immediately check email, Slack and the “to do” list from the end of year wrap up dash. But, that first hour of my first day back from the holidays sets the tone for the week, quarter and year.
Over the years, I have taken the actions outlined below. I’ve paired these new year’s recommendations with articles and resources. Here’s a look at what’s helped start the work year off in a sweet and organized way
Audit your calendar for unnecessary meetings
Deep work without distractions matters now more than ever. Take a look at the meetings you don’t need to attend to make space for thinking, writing and focusing. In this resource from Harvard Business Review, learn about why one day a week without interruptions matters. It helps if you are not the only one on your team or in your organization with this approach to work. Talk to a member of the leadership team to explore how more colleagues, teams could beta-test this practice with the hope of organizational adoption.
Consider a paper planner
With so much of our lives online, it’s nice to take a break with paper. While an ordinary notebook can be adapted into a planner, there are many customized options highlighted in this Fast Company story. A few of the planners feel like adding a piece of artwork to your desk. If you need more of a reason for the paper planner, the article’s author, Lara Sorokanich writes:
“And in the very weird year where all the days, weeks, and months seemed to blend together, the paper record has helped me keep track of life.”
Choose a word of the year
This is an inspiring way to approach how you want to define your year without making resolutions. Inc Magazine highlighted how Melinda Gates chooses a word of the year each year. Now, take it one step further by turning that word into a visual to remind you of it. Attend this FieldTrip with CreativeMornings to embrace your inner artist. There are many other online events to attend, ranging from professional development to personal growth. Since it’s a global organization, it’s time zone friendly too.
Select a business book to read and apply best practices
University of Pennsylvania Professor Adam Grant releases his favorite book recommendations frequently. His winter list for “Leadership Books to Launch 2021” has a great preview of what’s ahead. There’s a biography, memoir, psychology focused book and many other themes. Pick one and perhaps invite a few colleagues to join you for a pop up book club later in the year.
Set up a new template
How information is presented and tracked can make or break the action we take from it. Notion makes it just so much more beautiful with its all-in-one workspace template gallery. Go shopping (most are offered for free) from the makers of the app and the enthusiastic community. There are resources for job roles, company information resources, team tools and personal lists. Plus, they have a visual look that makes it fun to type of project plans and more.
Write your user manual and share it
Have you ever shared with your team members or manager how you like to work, what way you prefer feedback or what are your quirks? Try this template, developed by Air as part of its “Documentation for Dummies” series on their blog. Once you’ve written it, consider sharing it with your manager or team member and invite them to join you. It’s a fun alternative to an ice-breaker and a great way to get to know each other during these remote-times.