Spring is almost here!! (or very much so if you aren’t in the great white north like myself.
Here are three high leverage shifts to put in place that will have huge impacts, both on your farm outcomes and your personal life!
1) Clearly defining work hours!
It really doesn’t matter what hours you choose, just pick something and stick with it. Having clear hours allow us to play full out/pedal to the metal knowing that when X o’clock rolls around you can shift to something else. It really is amazing how much more efficient we can be when we set clear hours.
Obviously, there are limits to this; you can’t say that you’ll complete a full days work in 10 minutes… but the difference between ‘I’ll work till I’m done’ and ‘I have until 5 pm to get this all done’ is HUGE!!! Take note of that time of the day when you are most productive and you are in your top performing shape and schedule the most challenging tasks needing attention and focus during these times.
2) Taking at least one day off per week and start the week fresh.
OMG!!! What would it be like for you to start off your week feeling fresh and rested after
Yes; certain things still need to get done on Sundays, but the key is to limit this to the bare minimum. The rest can either be delegated, automated, or eliminated. Can you have a rotating employee schedule non-negotiable tasks such as watering seedlings? Can you automate greenhouse climate control? Do you really need to harvest cucumbers and zucchinis? (Seriously, just harvest them extra small on
3) Ending each day by planning the next day.
Set an alarm and reserve 20 minutes at the end of each day to answer the 3 following questions:
- What are three things that went well today? What am I grateful for?
- What is everything I’d like to get done tomorrow? Get clear on which employee will be doing what tomorrow and prep your lists for them (if that’s your style).
- What are tomorrow’s MIA’s (Most Important Actions)? These are 3 actions that if they were the only things you got done, you’d be happy with the day.
Then, relax and enjoy the evening! The great thing about this practice is that you are able to empty your mind of all the to-dos for tomorrow and be FULLY PRESENT for your family and yourself in the evening!
I know some of these might seem like a huge leap for you, but if you’re reading this blog, I know you can do it!
The key is to implement these practices today so that they become a solid habit by the time summer arrives, and you have a full crew at the farm.
Rock On!