More On Rules: The Work Day Itself

We're going to look at the notion of rules applied to the work day itself. This is different than rules we may have in our specific work, as we discussed last time.

Each of us has his own particular work. And these can be quite different, one from the other. But the work day itself ideally follows some set of rules. Such rules allow us to maximize our time, both as to efficiency, productivity, and quality. 

Efficiency focuses on the time we have, making it as useful as possible. We want our efficient efforts to produce something that accomplishes its end - the goals and objectives of that task. The results should be of the highest quality. So we use our time well, accomplish what we set out to do, with results that meet or exceed our expectations.

Example: Let's say that today's first and most important task is to create and send out invoices to a list of clients. That's about as essential a task a you can get in a business (along with the collection of the money due). If you have an efficient invoicing system ("system" being the key work here), you know the exact steps or actions that need doing, as well as how long all this should take. So you have a process and know how long it takes to complete the process.

Next you need to know exactly when this process should be initiated. That's where rules for the work day come into play. In this example, you would have some "slot" designated - a day and time - for this essential task. You don't want to arbitrarily pick a day/time. You want your invoices to go out in a regular and timely manner. You want them to both be sent and received in a predictable manner. 

The same should be applied to each and every task that fills your work day.

In our business, Invoices go out on first business day of a month or quarter, depending on the client/customer. We have this programmed into a task list function that reliably brings this to our attention month after month, quarter after quarter. 

More specifics: All of our regular/repeated tasks are so programmed to appear at designated dates. We do not designate times. We could, but experience has taught us this would be excessive specificity. So what we do is we print out the next week's tasks and where appropriate schedule them into some time slot on the given day that they are due to be addressed.

This does not preclude the possibility of change and/or rescheduling. So our system is by no means "rigid." Our small business has no employees and basically relies on my personal blood, sweat, and tears. As such, there arise occasions where I may - for business or personal reasons - need to move things around. 

Also, as is true in any business, "stuff happens." When it does, typically in the form of an urgent client matter, or other "emergency," it behooves us to make adjustments. 

However, it's important that such adjustments do not become a habit, or a kind of willy-nilly, spur of the moment thing. In time, it's become pretty clear when we can depart from regular days/times. We do not move things around unless there's a very good reason to do so.

Being strict with yourself in this area helps enforce order, which reinforces a calm, peaceful environment, which promotes stability in the workplace. (These may ring a bell for those who have read our posts in the recent past.)

And since we're always looking to connect our work with our spiritual life, here's the simple connection (which you may already have discerned): An ordered, calm, peaceful environment at work will be facilitated by an ordered, calm, and peaceful soul. Also, an ordered, calm, and peaceful environment at work "makes room" for our minds and hearts to be sufficiently recollected to acknowledge God's Presence in the work place, even to actively engage in prayer and meditation from time to time. Of course, a super-busy day may only allow for brief moments of such recollection during the day (or night, if you work the late shift) 

Before we conclude this thread, there's another aspect of work day rules we'll address next time. Until then, if you have not yet created good workable rules for your work day, consider doing so. If you have, follow them diligently.

Happy Easter!