Have you heard of the 4 day week? It’s a trendy topic these days! The theory is that by reducing your workweek to 4 days (32 hours), you will be more effective during those days. Multiple studies and pilot projects have shown that this type of work arrangement increases productivity, effectiveness, and happiness. As a business owner, working just 4 days a week may seem like a lofty goal. And it may not be a sustainable way for you to run your business right now. Logically, we can’t accomplish the same things in less time, unless we change the process. So let’s have a look at how you can maximize your 4 day week!
Get in the zone
Being in the zone is a magical place where time stands still and we produce our best and most valuable work. Research indicates our mind’s capacity to be in the zone taps out at 2-4 hours/day. However, many of us don’t even get that 2 hours of magic due to distractions or difficulty transitioning into the zone. To overcome this, limit distractions such as social media and constantly checking your email. Let your mind wander, staying deep in thought for as long as the journey takes. You will start to notice what times of day are good ‘in the zone’ times for you. And over time, you will be able to train your brain to transition more easily into this state, as well as stay there for longer.
Change your mindset
We live in a culture of hustle. Working long hours is seen as admirable and valuable, and is worn as a badge of honour. But what if the same output is attainable in less hours? Hustle work never ends; it can always be tweaked, improved upon, and the outcome is never enough. However, when you start with a clear picture of your desired outcome, you will know when you have achieved it. You can embrace the idea of good enough and move on to other value-added tasks. This change of mindset will allow you to get more work done in less time, as well as reduce your anxiety.
Be intentional with your to-do list
When you are facing a long to-do list and a shortened week, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Be intentional about your commitments this week and ensure that they align with your goals. Prioritize your tasks, with the most important and most urgent items at the top. Are there items on your list that are not important and not urgent? Consider removing these tasks completely. It is also common for there to be important tasks on your list that you are consistently unmotivated to tackle. This is usually because they are outside your area of passion and don’t ignite your fire. Consider outsourcing these tasks, so that you can focus on your passion and keep your why alive!
Armed with these tips, I challenge you to focus on more thoughtful and important work this week. Whether you adopt a 4-day week or not, following these tips will improve your productivity and create more space for your creative and passionate mind. Don’t hesitate to reach out to see how we can streamline your business to-do list!