By Daisy Wong
There’s no better time to learn how to keep track of the growth and progress that you experience throughout the year than now. Keeping track of your work progress will help you reach your goals and identify and overcome obstacles.
One of the easiest ways to track progress is through a work planner. First, you need to decide between a paper planner or a digital planner. There are so many variations to choose from, but be sure to find one that fits you and helps you to be productive. Some people might track their progress better when looking at it daily, whereas others might track their progress better when looking at it monthly.
In your planner, a crucial key to keeping track of your progress is setting goals. When you set goals, make sure to keep them SMART. This means that your goals should be specific, manageable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Ask yourself:
- What steps do I need to accomplish?
- How is your goal quantifiable?
- Is your goal something that you believe you can achieve?
- Why are you setting this goal?
- When will you finish this goal?
- Remember to write down important dates and deadlines such as checkpoints and when your goal will end.
With your planner, you need to be consistent. It may take months to develop healthy habits. One method to utilize is time blocking. Time blocking is the practice of setting time blocks for specific tasks and responsibilities. This method allows you to plan out your day in advance and set aside time for free time or productivity in working towards your goals.
Lastly, take advantage of any crucial features that your planner provides. Look for “dates to remember” or goal trackers found in the front or back of your planner. If you’re using a digital planner, consider syncing your calendars or setting notifications on to remind you of important deadlines.
Jumpstart that growth by being organized and using your planner to its maximum. Your planner doesn’t need to be something super complicated or aesthetic as long as it fits you and provides the means to track your work progress.
References
https://www.herzing.edu/blog/how-use-planner-effectively
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/track-goals
https://www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/how-to-write-smart-goals