Spring INTO Forward

By Cindy Griffith

Spring is always very hectic for me as I try to repair the damage that occurs to a house due to a hard winter.

During the winter, I made a general list of things to do come spring, allowing me to step into action as the weather improves.  Each weekend I select one item on my general list and work on it, but I never seem to get all my “regular” work done.

So, on Friday night I made a detailed list for Saturday, and I prioritized it.

1)    Take recycle items to center

2)    Wash car

3)    Sweep and wash garage floor

4)    Sand rust off of basketball pole

5)    Paint basketball pole

6)    Mow

7)    Go to Home Improvement Store

1. Look at storm doors
2. Match paint
3. Brush cleaner

8)    Go to Grocery

1. Fish
2. Pineapple
3. Grapes
4. Coffee creamer

It took 13 hours, but I got it all done. I felt…not exhausted but a sense of accomplishment, successful.

Then I thought, how can I transfer this approach to my job? And I came up with the following:

1)    Create an action plan the night before your workday so you can tackle your to-do list with fresh enthusiasm.

2)    Include daily tasks as well as special projects

3)    Make sure your action plan is detailed (include what you will do, how much or how you will do it, and by when)

4)    Make sure it is prioritized  – try to tackle the hardest tasks first when you have the most energy

Now, what shall I add to my list for next weekend?

Cynthia Whitmer Griffith currently serves as Performance Results Network Results Consultant for Community Banks and Credit Unions at Cohen Brown Management Group, Inc. Cynthia works with clients to assist them in establishing and growing a culture of World-Standard sales and service.  Cynthia_Griffith@cbmg.com.

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