My tips and tools for a good day

For a good start to my day

In the morning, I get up slowly, breathing slowly and welcoming the day before getting out of bed. Then, I drink a large glass of water and eat a fruit that is easy to digest like a kiwi for example. I take about 15 minutes to wake up my body with a few easy movements before doing 30 minutes of light cardiovascular exercise. After my shower, I eat a good breakfast with my spirit calm and relaxed. At work, I start the day by exchanging light conversation with my colleagues so that I feel connected with them before I go over my planning for the day.

My favorite tools to keep me organized

I use my iPhone, an agenda, and a journal. My iPhone allows me to have access to everything quickly and easily, while my agenda allows me to note things in a conscience manner. I believe that hand writing forces my brain to make better connections, particularly when I have important things to remember. The journal is a space where I can write anything that comes to mind. I outline projects and work meetings here in the form of mindmaps.

How I manage emails

In the morning, I open my email and start filtering. I immediately delete emails that don’t directly concern me, then I read the emails that I’ve prioritized from my team and clients. The emails that require my time are placed in a « To Do » folder so that I can go over them as the day progresses. I check my emails once more at lunch and in the evening. Between those three periods, I close my email so that I can work uninterrupted throughout the day.

When stress levels elevate

I use the DIAL method to immediately stop the process. I Detect what is going on, observe, and remain still. Then I Interpret the cause for my stress. I Analyze the cause of the problem and what I must do. Finally, I go Live and take action. If this doesn’t work, I use breathing techniques, and if stress is still too much, I take a break.

My method to stay concentrated

I do everything I can to establish a calm working environment. I prepare useful information, disconnect my phone, and inform my team that I need to concentrate before putting myself in a work bubble. I give myself time to see the pros and cons of all tasks and then do what has to be done. I feel confident and relaxed before affronting my tasks trusting my resources and competencies. I might even consider placing a « Do Not Disturb » sign on my desk visible to others.

Le meilleur conseil que j’aie reçu

“Take the thing you need to do first”. Ce qu’on pourrait traduire par quelque chose comme « Fais ce que tu dois faire, ne laisse pas les éléments externes envahir ton espace quand tu dois être efficace ». C’est mon père qui m’a expliqué l’importance de mettre de la distance pour ne pas être influencé ou dérangé quand il y a quelque chose d’important à réaliser.

The best advice that I’ve received

« Take the thing you need to do first. » My father explained the importance of distancing yourself from external elements when you need to work efficiently.