We all have repeated work duties like reading emails, updating spreadsheets, and entering data. Although certain monotonous jobs are unavoidable, spending too much time on them can drain your creativity.
How can you streamline these monotonous duties and make more time for your creative work? Here are some steps:
Break Big Jobs Into Smaller Ones
Set clear time boundaries for everyday chores to avoid overworking. If filing paperwork takes 30 minutes per week, spend no more than 30 minutes on it. Force yourself to stop when the timer goes off, even if the task is incomplete. Reduce routine time gradually.
Break up a large, repetitive assignment you don’t want to spend all day on into smaller parts you can do. To organize 1000 images, spend 30 minutes a day for a month going through 100. Large undertakings can be broken down to avoid monotony and fatigue.
Outsource & Maximize Automation
More time can be saved by outsourcing repetitive chores. Assess your time-consuming tasks and see whether any may be outsourced. Outsourced tasks include data entry, administrative labor, simple graphic design, and content authoring.
While outsourcing does require a budget, it can substantially free up your time for more innovative thinking and strategy.
Automating simple activities with clear instructions is ideal. Use technology to automate monotonous tasks. Consider macros, scripts, workflow automation, and AI bots to automate these tasks.
Optimize Processes
Find inefficiencies in your repeated processes and optimize and streamline them. Can I cut any steps? Can I use checklists or tools to speed things up? Can I improve my data or workplace organization? Small process optimizations might add up to more energy over time.
Set aside time for repetitive work, preferably when the inventiveness is at its lowest. Schedule the administrative tasks in the morning before your creativity flows.
Keep to your time restrictions and avoid routine work during creative time. Dedicated time periods for repetitive jobs help cognitively separate “busy” from interesting work.
Drop Perfectionism & Show Up
Preoccupation with perfection might waste time on regular chores. Remember that these are repeated tasks that don’t demand much attention. Do a “good enough” job and move on instead of obsessing over specifics. Concentrate your perfectionism on better work.
Step away from repetitious duties between work hours. Close spreadsheets, log out of admin panels, and store documentation. Less routine labour outside of allocated time blocks reduces brain clutter.
Prioritize & Develop Productive Habits
Differentiate critical from unimportant tasks. Avoid little activities and focus on the most critical repetitious job. This will free up time and mental resources for important tasks.
Daily or weekly behaviours might reduce routine work stress. For instance, complete related activities at once to clear the path. Start with the worst repetitious task to finish it. Productive habits and routines reduce hectic work time and effort.
The above methods can help you reclaim weekly hours. Why stop there? Avoid accepting routine work as a job requirement. Avoid repetitive jobs that drain your energy and motivation.