The tips and tricks of the high-flyers
1. The early bird catches the worm
Important tasks are best accomplished in the morning, as your concentration levels are highest in the morning. As the day progresses, your concentration levels eventually wane. Getting something accomplished in the morning also increases your motivation for the rest of the day. A large proportion of high achievers are actually early risers, for example, Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, who is in the office at 6 a.m. and has even already completed a morning bike ride.
2. Self-control
The most important thing at work is to stay focused and avoid distractions—for example, by the phone, emails, colleagues, Facebook, etc. The trick here is to create space for yourself and not lose focus. For example, you can sit in a quiet room with your laptop or block out the outside world with headphones. Experts recommend checking emails in periods, for example, twice a day.
3. Don't drift
High achievers have just as many tasks on their desks as you do, but they probably handle them differently. High achievers don't let themselves be pushed around and act from their own strengths. They don't let anyone dictate things to them; they are the driving force themselves. This way, they actively work on things without creating stress. So always prioritize your to-dos in the morning—as the first thing of the day, so to speak.
4. Fast switching instead of multitasking
High achievers approach tasks in a structured manner. You don't have to be a multitasker and handle several things at once. It makes sense to tackle tasks one after the other and then quickly switch between them. So, tackle tasks one after the other and focus your full attention on one thing at a time.
5. Work-life balance
A healthy work-life balance is essential for high productivity at work. A healthy family life and good friends give you strength and are the foundation for your success at work. Hobbies are also important for gaining distance from work and pursuing personal fulfillment. Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, also sees the ideal work-life balance as the key to success. By talking to his children about work, for example, he spends a lot of time with them and gains a whole new perspective on things.
6. Take care of your physical and mental health
Just as important as work-life balance is the health of body and mind. Sport and exercise, as well as a healthy diet, are essential for any high-flyer. Even Barrack Obama jogs for about an hour every day before work. Our tip for you: Do something good for your body every day by exercising (even if it's just a short walk) and eating healthily.
