Tag: productivity

How to Give Your Office a Professional Makeover

Scott AsaiLeave a comment

When it comes to the workplace, aesthetics and professionalism are both two important elements. Whether you’re working from home or working in an office, it’s the way that your workspace looks that can make a big difference in how much you get done. There are studies to show that productivity increases in a tidy and clean office space versus a cluttered one. It’s all about the psychology of a cluttered office equalling a cluttered mind. 

Practicality might be the first thing that comes to your mind when you’re discussing office designs, but there are plenty of ways that you can give your office a professional makeover. In this post, we’re going to give you some ideas to help you to make your office look professional, elegant and fantastic no matter what time of year it is.

  1. Work to improve the natural light. It’s important that you have some commercial window cleaning services booked here. If you want to improve your natural light, you start by cleaning the exterior and the interior of the windows. You can also take down any heavy curtains or blinds that you might have around your windows and just put up some light shades to get rid of any immediate sunlight. Adding skylights to your roof if you have enough room is a great idea to improve natural light, but if your windows have no sunlight, bring in those lights as much as possible. Eliminating the clutter and adding more light are a simple way to add more brightness to your office. Opening up the shelves, taking down tall shelving units, and cleaning out all paper bags or books you don’t use can also help you to improve the flow of light.
  2. Have a focal point. When you walk into your office, what’s the first thing that catches your eye? If it is a large vase full of flowers or a large painting, this is the item that is your office’s focal point, and it significantly impacts the aesthetic. If you don’t know where to start, take a look at combining both function and style and go shopping for something decorative and architectural. You want people to come into your office and feel immediately impressed, so look at what would impress you and go from there.
  3. Work to maximize your space. A good part of giving your office a professional makeover is to make sure that it’s clean. You can hire an expert team to come in and do this for you. Maximizing your space can have the impact on your productivity that you’re looking for, but it can also help you to increase more storage space and be the practical solution you didn’t realise you needed.Your office deserves this makeover, especially if it’s been a while. You may have daily cleaners come in and do the basics, but you need someone to come in and deep clean it for you. You can get in a company that can organise your office too so that it flows a lot better.
  4. Don’t skip on quality. If you’re looking to makeover your office by shopping for new furniture, then make sure that you’re looking for quality and not just quantity. You want chairs and desks that last a long time, so think about the things that you use daily with a high level of wear and tear and then replace those things first. It’s the same thing for decor, bookshelves and other items in your office. You want it to be of high quality and it starts with this for making over at the space.
  5. Think about the layout. The layout of the office can impact how you feel about your work day, and it can impact your employees too. The traffic flow in your office and moving from place to place should be tight and it should be efficient. You don’t want people having to go all around the houses to be able to move from one area to the other, so check out the layout and think about whether it’s flowing as well as it should. There should also be a collaboration area in your layout where employees can work together, not just people being stuck in cubicles away from everybody else.

A professional makeover for your office really depends on what you’re looking to achieve. You can hire companies to come in and do these makeovers for you rather than trying to manage it yourself. If you are going to manage it yourself, start with these points and go forward from there.

Master Your Mornings: Simple Strategies for a Stress-Free Commute

Scott AsaiLeave a comment

Morning routine tips for a stress-free commute and a productive morning

We all know the struggle of rushing through the morning, trying to get everything done before heading out the door. But what if your mornings could be calm, organized, and even enjoyable? With a little planning and the right strategies, you can turn your mornings into a time of peace and productivity. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you start your day right, ensuring a smooth commute and a successful morning.

Start Your Routine at Night

The secret to a stress-free morning begins with a little bit of evening preparation. Take care of a few essentials the night before, and you will wake up feeling relaxed and ready to take on the day. Here’s how you can make that happen:

Plan Your Outfit

Take a few minutes the night before to decide what you’ll wear the next day. This is the simplest step you can take to eliminate the morning “what-to-wear” dilemma, saving you time while ensuring you step out looking your best. 

Think about the weather and your plans for the day to make the right choice. Don’t forget to plan your accessories and shoes, too!

Pack Your Bag

A well-packed bag is a lifesaver in the morning. If you have to lug a laptop to and from work, consider getting a backpack with a laptop compartment to make commuting a breeze. Take a moment to pack your bag, making sure your tech is safe and your belongings are organized. This way, you can grab your bag and head out the door without any second thoughts.

Include everything you might need: your laptop, charger, important documents, and any other essentials.

Get a Good Night’s Rest

Quality sleep is key for a productive day. 

Aim for 7-9 hours to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go. Adding some relaxing nighttime rituals to your bedtime routine, like reading a book or taking a warm bath, helps to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Avoid screens and stick to a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

Wake Up Earlier

Rushing through your morning routine sets a stressful tone for the rest of the day. By waking up earlier, you give yourself the luxury of time.

Take a shower, get dressed, and eat your breakfast at a relaxed pace. Instead of frantically searching for your keys or throwing together a last-minute lunch, you can move through your morning with ease. 

Consistency will be your best friend when making an earlier wake-up time work for you. Try to wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock and makes it easier to get up early without feeling groggy.

Plan for Traffic

Traffic can be unpredictable, but a little planning goes a long way. As you wake up in the morning, take a minute to map your commute to see if you need to leave earlier to get to work on time. 

Many traffic apps allow you to set up alerts for your regular commute routes. This feature can be incredibly helpful as it gives you a heads-up on any potential issues before you even leave the house. You can set these alerts to notify you of traffic conditions at specific times, ensuring you’re always informed.

Make Your Bed

Though it might seem like a small and inconsequential task, making your bed can have a surprisingly positive impact on your day.

Making your bed is a quick and easy task that you can accomplish first thing in the morning. Completing this task gives you a sense of accomplishment and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. It’s a small win that can boost your confidence and motivation, making it easier to tackle other tasks.

Silence Your Phone

Your morning should be time for yourself, free from work-related stress. Enjoy a peaceful morning by silencing notifications and focusing on your routine. It’s a simple way to give yourself a little bit of time back in the morning. 

Squeeze In Time for a Workout

Working out in the morning is a fantastic way to kickstart your metabolism and energize your body. Physical activity increases blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and brain. This heightened energy can last for hours, making you feel more awake and ready to tackle your tasks.

If you’re pressed for time, even a short workout can be highly effective. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), a quick yoga session, or a 20-minute walk can help get your day started. These shorter workouts can easily fit into your morning routine taking up too much of your time.

Exercise Your Mind

Just as physical exercise is essential for your body, mental exercise is crucial for keeping your brain sharp and healthy. Here are some ways you can effectively exercise your mind each morning:

  • Read the news – Starting your day by reading the news keeps you informed about current events and stimulates your brain.
  • Play brain games – Games like Sudoku, crosswords, and logic puzzles challenge your brain, improving your memory, problem-solving skills, and concentration. The New York Times offers popular games like Wordle, the Mini Crossword, and Connections, which are perfect for a quick mental workout in the morning.
  • Learn something new – Dedicate a few minutes each morning to learning something new. This could be a new word, a fun fact, or even a short article on a subject you’re curious about. 
  • Meditate – While not a traditional “mental exercise,” mindfulness and meditation practices can significantly benefit your brain. Spending a few minutes in quiet meditation can improve your focus, reduce stress, and enhance your overall mental clarity.

Nourish Your Body

Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. After a night of fasting, your body needs fuel to kickstart your metabolism and provide energy for the day ahead. Skipping breakfast can lead to mid-morning energy crashes and increased cravings for unhealthy snacks.

Mornings can be hectic, so preparing your breakfast ahead of time can save you precious minutes and reduce stress. Overnight oats, chia pudding, or pre-made smoothie packs are excellent options. Simply prepare them the night before, and they’ll be ready to grab and go in the morning. Meal prepping ensures you have a nutritious meal waiting for you, even on the busiest days.

Mix Up Your Morning Playlist

Switching up your playlist regularly keeps your morning routine from becoming monotonous. Curate a new set of songs every week or month, adding tracks that resonate with your current mood or goals. 

Get recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues. Everyone has different tastes and favorite artists, so you’re likely to discover new genres or songs that you wouldn’t have found on your own.

If you’re looking for a change from music, try listening to podcasts or audiobooks during your morning routine. Choose something that interests you, whether it’s educational, entertaining, or inspiring.

Ease Into Your Day

When you arrive at your workplace or start your workday at home, take a few minutes to set up your environment. Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite morning beverage and ease into your workday routine.

Begin your day by checking your emails and clearing out any clutter. Respond to urgent messages and flag important emails that require follow-up. List out the tasks you need to complete, prioritizing them based on urgency and importance. Take a few minutes to review your calendar for the day. Note any meetings, deadlines, or appointments and plan your tasks around them. 

Creating a stress-free morning routine doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistency and a bit of planning, it’s entirely achievable. By incorporating these tips into your daily life, you can transform your mornings into a time of calm and productivity. Remember, the way you start your day can significantly impact how the rest of it unfolds. So, take the time to invest in a morning routine that sets you up for success and watch as your days become more enjoyable and efficient.

Why Routines Should Be Mandatory

Scott AsaiLeave a comment

daily routine

People ask me all the time, “What’s the biggest difference between having a boss versus being your own?”

Besides a steady paycheck, my response is: a lack of routine.

Parents stress how children need routine and structure to survive (it’s true I have 2 kids under 3 years old). But what works for kids also works for adults.

If you work for a company your routine is taken care of during the day, but if you’re an entrepreneur or even work remotely it’s up to you to set a routine.

I’ve been on my own since 2007 and through much trial and error here’s what works for me:

Morning workouts – I try to exercise 5 times a week in the mornings between 6:30-8:30 AM. I don’t consider myself a morning person, but with 2 kids I don’t have much of a choice. Since I’m up anyway, I force myself to go to the gym regardless of how I feel. It’s become my morning coffee and when I don’t stick to this routine I literally get cranky and feel lethargic.

Task time – I know I do my best work from about 10 AM-2 PM. As much as possible I try to find a quiet place with minimal distractions and accomplish as much as I can. Since I’m a pretty organized person I schedule everything into my phone with alerts so I don’t have to think about what to do next. This uninterrupted time is when I plan my workshops, speeches, marketing, etc. Protect this time, it’s necessary.

People time – Around mid-afternoon I usually hit a wall, so meeting with people, Skype or phone calls are scheduled between 2-5 PM. Conversations energize me, so whatever creative juices I am lacking usually get rejuvenated through interactions. Of course sticking to this schedule isn’t mandatory, but over time you pinpoint what flows best for you and go with it.

Routines promote productivity. Without them distractions will rule your life. I’m a planned person, but don’t consider myself Type A. The nice thing about routines is they can change. Tinker with them to see what works best. What matters most is to have them.

Routines are like boundaries. They determine what is useful and help us decide what to say yes and no to. That’s why they should be mandatory.

The Secret To Unleashing Your Productivity

Scott Asai3 Comments

Distractions

There are plenty of myths surrounding productivity, but most of them are false because they’re centered on being more focused or giving perks. Managers would love to find the magical whip they can use to micromanage workers, but that stuff doesn’t work in the post-industrial days. Productivity is getting in a “flow” similar to when an athlete gets in the “zone.” It’s not as simple as snapping your fingers and you’re there. Instead it’s about controlling your surroundings and tuning out the noise that distracts us in a technologically driven world.

Rationally thinking becoming hyper-focused is the key, but it’s not. It’s like when you’re having a hard time falling asleep, the more you try the worse it gets. Actually when you “turn off your brain” is when you naturally dose off. I found as working as a Millennial Coach, the key lies with removing distractions. This can be as simple as venting to someone else. Imagine entering a room frustrated, then leaving refreshed. Work isn’t even discussed, but you feel ready to conquer the world walking out. Companies such as Zappos and Google are forward-thinking enough to provide the optimal environments to enhance productivity. Back to the analogy of the micromanaging boss, in order to unleash your optimal performance trust must be given freely. It is not without consequences, but a person should be innocent until proven guilty, not the other way around. Leaders empower productivity, they don’t control it.

The next time you’re watching a sporting event, watch how athletes prepare before the game. Most have headphones on and are listening to their favorite music. Why? Besides possibly being sponsored to wear a certain brand, it’s a pre-ritual to help calm their mind and body. The term corporate wellness gets thrown around a lot these days, but essentially its function is to counter the daily stress with an outlet of release or relaxation. Most people wake up, grab coffee and stumble into work wondering why they’re not in the mood to produce at a high level. You may not be able to listen to music by yourself during work, but you can go for a morning workout, eat a healthy breakfast or listen to music that calms or motivates you in the car during your commute.

Lastly, I can’t emphasize how crucial to your success coping is. That means being able to deal with curveballs thrown at you frequently. You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it. Re-framing situations from negative to positive is merely turning that frown upside down. Your mind has the ability to pause in situations that don’t feel right and choose to focus on something else. For example, if you’re given a new assignment that has a hard deadline soon instead of complaining about it, stop, re-prioritize and drop what you’re currently doing to work on what’s more urgent. A split second is all it takes to catch yourself from going down a hole of despair to re-framing to what’s more positive.

So the next time you’re having a problem getting focused, think about your environment. Experiment with what’s conducive to your optimal performance and tinker with it constantly like a game. There are some factors, like meetings or an annoying co-worker, that you can’t control, but you’d be surprised to know a lot of your performance has to do with what you decide to tune out.

Scott Asai is a speaker/coach that has been developing leaders for 20+ years – athletes, companies and individuals. His focus is helping people develop leadership skills to advance in their careers. Scott tends to attract a large audience of Millennials and Introverts to his programs/events. His professional background consists of: B.A. in Psychology, M.A. in Organizational Leadership, Certified Professional Coach and Certified Strengths Coach.