At any one time Administrators are busy doing a million different things in an organization – handling daily tasks in operations & administration, taking calls, letter writing, managing client information, reporting, special projects, and so much more.
Does this sound like you?
Sometimes it seems like there are not enough hours in the day to get it all done! Assisting the direction of an organization is a lot of work. Here are some things you can do to alleviate the pressure of an ever-growing task list.
1. Learn to Prioritize
Knowing where to begin can help make your day less stressful. Coming up with a course of action for the day will help it flow. Here is a good, basic list of how to prioritize work to get it all done.
2. Set Small Goals
Take one thing (one project, one task, one thought) at a time. Sometimes you have to complete something before you can move on to the next thing. Nothing builds momentum like getting a few wins under your belt. Instead of believing the bigger picture goals you have set are unattainable, work on small goals. Here’s how:
- Take a look at all of your big goals (you know, the often-overwhelming list)
- Identify one goal from that list that you'd like to accomplish
- Boil that down to one you can accomplish in less than 3-5 days
- Take action and complete it
Setting a goal and staying focused is a great way to keep yourself motivated. Once you achieve that goal, pick another small goal and tackle it.
3. Gain More Skills
Everyone benefits from learning new skills. One of the most impactful ways to do this is to attend any training your job may offer or take continuing-education classes. Besides feeling more competent in your skills, learning is a motivator that can increase your confidence.
4. Technology is your friend
“A good system shortens the road to the goal”, so says Orison Swett Marden, an American inspirational author who wrote about achieving success. Find ways to help yourself be more efficient so you have more time to do the things you want to do. There’s a world of tech tools you can leverage to make your work life easier. In other words, let software do what it does best, and use your brain for analysis and problem solving.
5. Know When to Stop
Focus on small tasks you can complete right away, but know when to stop and reevaluate.
Now that you've concentrated on these five things, you will be able to move on to the things you didn’t think you had time to do – including the larger tasks at hand.