Hello API Job Corps Centers,
Today’s message includes tips on staying focused while responding to the ever-increasing demands on your time and energy, such as:
Ensuring Virtual Enrollment goes well,
Doing all we can to retain the students we have,
Trying to get all of our staff and students vaccinated,
Writing proper case notes,
Keeping the center CLEAN,
Attending (yet another) WebEx, and
The list goes on!!
How do you stay focused when so many things require your attention? Here are a few tips:
Create habits: You tend to do your best work when you do something regularly. Doing something every day makes it easier and makes you better at it. I am a big list maker and I believe lists help one stay focused. In Job Corps, there are always new demands that can supersede your list, but having one to go back to is important.
Do not rely on multi-tasking: Multitasking doesn’t always work according to research from the American Psychological Association, which shows that people actually get less done when they multitask. In several studies, multitaskers took longer to complete the same set of tasks than those who focused on one thing at a time, accomplishing each in order.
Avoid procrastination: The impact of procrastination on stress as well as mental health is real. Research shows that procrastination can cause insomnia, hypertension and decreased heart health.
Celebrate the small wins: Take time each day to think about what you have accomplished and plan for tomorrow. At the end of the week, look back and give yourself a pat on the back for everything you have done. Do the same at the end of each month. If you are on a team, make it a team exercise.
Maintain a positive outlook: According to freelance HR writer, Annabelle Smyth, positivity leads to productivity. Understanding this relationship could help you avoid failure and increase success. Making changes to yourself and your workplace can be daunting and messy but establishing a positive attitude and constructive work environment will only help increase your satisfaction with your job and your productivity.
Please continue to stay focused. I am proud that you have kept yourself and our students safe. Persist in doing your best because you are the best!!!
Dr. Wild