In2Win Book |
FROM THE BOOK IN2WIN
Time management is about getting at least one important thing done every day, so commit to making this happen. Too often, your day can get cluttered when you lose the discipline of corporate priorities and planning. One can easily get blinded by household distractions or the easy-to-do work that can generate activity, but seldom results. Like you used to do in the office, qualify your activities and push the envelope to ensure it’s the right stuff for you to be focusing on. Always keep an up-to-date list of pending activities sorted by priority so you can make quick and easy decisions of what to do next. Your commitment to doing at least one great thing every day can really boost your productivity and give you laser focus to ensure you complete your tasks brilliantly. Make sure you highlight your day’s accomplishments so you celebrate the progress you are making. Continually assess and revisit activities because certain tasks—like networking at the same event or scanning the same job board—will lose value over time. Remember this is your future you’re betting on so you are on the hook to make every day great! If a planned activity doesn’t deliver results or your lack of discipline lets you down, find forgiveness quickly and then reschedule any missed tasks for the very next day.
Curt's Keeper
Don’t just do any task, always do the most important one!
IN2 WIN AFTERTHOUGHTS |
As a mid to senior business professional actively seeking their next opportunity, ensuring continuous progress and maximizing effectiveness on a daily basis is paramount. Here are some strategies to ensure that you're doing the best things every day to move forward in your job search:
1. Define Core Objectives and OutcomesAsk: What are the primary goals I want to achieve?Exercise: List each main objective and clarify the outcomes that will provide the most value. Filter: Assess whether each objective aligns with your overarching vision, such as advancing your career, creating organizational impact, or supporting personal growth. 2. Analyze the Impact and Effort for Each TaskAsk: What will be the impact and effort level of each task?Exercise: Use a value vs. effort matrix to place tasks into four categories:
| 3. Evaluate Time Sensitivity and DeadlinesAsk: Are there any deadlines or time-sensitive elements?Exercise: Order tasks by due date or urgency. Filter: Address items with immediate deadlines, then balance with long-term priorities. 4. Consider Strategic AlignmentAsk: How does this task align with my or my organization’s strategic direction?Exercise: For each task, ask whether it brings you closer to key objectives (e.g., driving revenue, improving team performance). Filter: Prioritize items that contribute directly to strategic goals, and consider postponing or delegating those that don’t. 5. Seek Input and FeedbackAsk: Who can provide insights on these priorities?Exercise: Reach out to trusted mentors, peers, or leaders for their input on your priorities. Filter: Integrate relevant feedback to refine your focus and ensure alignment with broader perspectives. | 6. Weigh Personal Strengths and Delegation OpportunitiesAsk: Am I the best person to tackle this, or could someone else contribute more effectively?Exercise: Identify tasks that leverage your unique skills versus those that could be delegated. Filter: Prioritize tasks that play to your strengths, allowing for delegation of those that could be completed well by others. 7. Review and Reassess RegularlyAsk: Are my current priorities still aligned with my goals?Exercise: Set aside weekly or monthly time to evaluate your focus areas. Filter: Adjust based on new information, progress made, or changing priorities to ensure you stay on track. By following these steps, senior professionals can continually refine their focus to ensure they’re spending time on high-impact activities that align with their overall objectives. |
RECOMMENDED AI PROMPTS TO TRY
Generate a detailed checkbox list of key actions I can take today to move my job search forward today
I am a mid to senior north american business professional just starting on my job search. Can you plan what my typical day should include
As a mid to senior professional looking for work what weekly habits will help me land a job faster and how much time should a spend on each?
As a mid to senior professional looking for work what daily habits will help me land a job faster and how much time should a spend on each?
How do I respond when a recruiter asks for my current salary?
Give me 5 ways to calm my nerves before an important interview.
QUESTIONS FOR SELF REFLECTION
Here are five reflective and actionable questions you can ask yourself each day to ensure you're making meaningful progress in your job search:
1. What is one proactive action I can take today to expand my network?
How can I make myself more visible to recruiters or decision-makers today?
(Examples: Sharing a thought-provoking post on LinkedIn, updating your profile, or applying to a targeted role.)
What can I do today to strengthen my mindset and resilience for the job search journey?
(Examples: Practicing gratitude, exercising, or setting aside time for self-care.)
Who can I follow up with or thank today to keep relationships alive and growing?
(Examples: Sending a thank-you note to someone who helped you or following up on a recent conversation or application.)
These questions are designed to keep you focused on measurable and impactful steps, ensuring daily progress while staying aligned with your larger goals.
SUGGESTED READING (Click On Title)
These books are recommended because they focus on the importance of having a winning attitude
Mindset: The Pyschology of Success
Mindset by Dr. Carol S. Dweck explores the profound impact of adopting a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset. Through compelling research and real-world examples, Dweck illustrates how believing in the potential for growth and improvement can transform how we approach challenges, relationships, and success. The book empowers readers to embrace resilience, effort, and learning from failures, making it an essential guide for anyone seeking personal or professional growth and a more fulfilling life.
Eat That Frog
Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy is a powerful productivity guide focused on overcoming procrastination and achieving success. The book emphasizes tackling your biggest, most challenging task first—the “frog”—to maximize efficiency and momentum. With 21 practical strategies, Tracy teaches readers how to set clear priorities, eliminate distractions, and make effective use of time. Ideal for professionals and anyone seeking better time management, this book delivers actionable insights to help you accomplish more in less time.
Never Eat Alone
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi is a powerful guide to building authentic, meaningful relationships that foster success. The book emphasizes the importance of generosity, networking, and genuine connections to achieve professional and personal goals. Ferrazzi shares actionable strategies for reaching out to others, maintaining relationships, and creating mutually beneficial collaborations. Packed with real-life anecdotes and practical advice, it’s an essential read for anyone looking to cultivate lasting bonds and excel in a connected world.
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