Here's how you can stay focused and avoid procrastination in a strategy career.

In the fast-paced world of strategic planning and implementation, staying focused and avoiding procrastination is crucial to success. As a strategist, your ability to keep your eye on the long-term objectives while managing the day-to-day tasks can make or break your career. This means not only being adept at analyzing and forecasting but also being disciplined in your personal work habits. Here's a guide to help you maintain your focus and keep procrastination at bay.

1 Prioritize Tasks

Understanding how to prioritize your tasks is fundamental to maintaining focus. Start by identifying the most critical projects on your plate and assess their urgency and importance. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix, which helps categorize tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance, to decide what needs your immediate attention and what can wait. This way, you can dedicate your best hours to the most significant tasks without getting sidetracked by less important ones.

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Amina ABOU KHALIL

Experte en RSE 📈 | Communication 🎙️, je mets mon expérience au service des institutions, entreprises qui ont à coeur de contribuer aux enjeux du développement durable.
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Je pars du principe que tout ne peut être urgent. Il ya toujours une classification à faire et ne pas le systématiser est un véritable risque. En plus d'évaluer l'urgence/importance des projets, il me parait aussi important savoir déléguer. Un projet requiert la contribution de plusieurs acteurs et donc un travail d'équipe. Apprendre donc à déléguer en traitant les points les plus sensibles & en invitant les équipes à contribuer sur d'autres aspects n'est pas à négliger.. La répartition des taches, le rôle de chacun et la définition des livrables .. les deadlines etc.. sont des prérequis sur lesquels je vous invite à vous accorder en amont avec vos équipes tout en veillant respecter les règles de pilotage comme des réunions de suivi ..

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2 Time Blocking

Time blocking is a technique where you schedule specific blocks of time for different activities or tasks. This method can be particularly effective in a strategy career, where various tasks may compete for your attention. By allocating set periods for deep work, meetings, and even breaks, you create a structured day that can help prevent procrastination. Stick to these blocks as much as possible to create a rhythm that fosters productivity.

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Amina ABOU KHALIL

Experte en RSE 📈 | Communication 🎙️, je mets mon expérience au service des institutions, entreprises qui ont à coeur de contribuer aux enjeux du développement durable.
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J'ai pour habitude de m'isoler pour me consacrer aux sujets qui requièrent une concentration plus soutenue. Cela entend bien sur éviter toute source de distraction éventuelle comme le téléphone :-) J'organise ma journée et/ou semaine en bloquant des plages et ce, en fonction de l'importace & priorité des sujets à traiter. Ce que je peux recommander: - éviter de réserver ces périodes pendant les heures qui sont les plus chargées (sollicitations de tiers - externes et/ou internes ) - privilégier les horaires durant lesquels le niveau de concentration est plus élevé - organiser sa semaine en identifiant les jours & heures propices à certaines tâches (classification) Mais surtout, s'écouter et savoir faire des pauses!

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3 Eliminate Distractions

In any strategy role, distractions can be the archenemy of focus. To combat this, create a work environment that minimizes interruptions. This could mean turning off notifications on your phone and computer, setting boundaries with colleagues regarding your availability, or finding a quiet space where you can work undisturbed. By controlling your environment, you can better control your attention and productivity.

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Amina ABOU KHALIL

Experte en RSE 📈 | Communication 🎙️, je mets mon expérience au service des institutions, entreprises qui ont à coeur de contribuer aux enjeux du développement durable.
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Je propose en complément s'installer dans un environnement dans lequel "on se sent bien": loin du bruit, des distractions .. des possibles interruptions. J'ai pour ma part observé que cela exige parfois que je sois en télétravail. De même, j'ai noté que etre plus productive , je dois travailler tôt! En résumé, apprendre à se connaitre, s'observer , pour identifier les dispositions à prendre quand on veut se concentrer : lieu, heure.. jour ..

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4 Set Clear Goals

Clear goals are the compass that guides strategists. Break down your long-term strategic objectives into smaller, actionable steps with specific deadlines. This approach not only clarifies what needs to be done but also provides a sense of progress as you tick off completed tasks. Regularly review and adjust these goals to stay aligned with your overall strategy, ensuring that you're always working towards the most current objectives.

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5 Accountability Partners

Having someone to hold you accountable can be a powerful motivator to stay on track. Find a colleague or mentor who understands your strategic goals and is willing to check in with you regularly. These accountability sessions can provide an opportunity for feedback, encouragement, and a gentle push when needed. Choose someone who will challenge you to maintain your focus and keep procrastination at bay.

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6 Reflect and Adapt

Finally, take time to regularly reflect on your work habits and outcomes. Are you meeting your strategic goals? What's working well, and what's not? Use these insights to adapt your approach, whether it's tweaking your time management techniques or finding new ways to stay motivated. Continuous self-reflection is a hallmark of successful strategists who know that the best plans are those that can evolve with changing circumstances.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Debbie Larry-Izamoje,fnimn

Chief Executive Officer, Brila Media | Media Executive | Top 25 Women in Nigerian Sports Business | Women in Sports Advocate
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To achieve this, start by setting clear goals and breaking them into manageable tasks with specific deadlines. Prioritize these tasks and adopt effective time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique—working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break—or time blocking to allocate specific periods for different tasks. Seeking accountability from a colleague or mentor can provide motivation and constructive feedback, helping you stay on track with your goals. Continuous learning is also vital in a strategy career. Keeping up with the latest trends and developments in your field can keep your work engaging and relevant.

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Here's how you can stay focused and avoid procrastination in a strategy career.

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Prioritize Tasks

2 Time Blocking

3 Eliminate Distractions

4 Set Clear Goals

5 Accountability Partners

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Strategy

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Here's how you can stay focused and avoid procrastination in a strategy career.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prioritize Tasks

2 Time Blocking

3 Eliminate Distractions

4 Set Clear Goals

5 Accountability Partners

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Strategy

Rate this article

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