Finish your work week by creating a list of next week’s milestones

This list should highlight high-level tasks that you need to complete the following week.

It’s not a granular task list. If you’re already using Karbon, that’s what My Week, or your tasks within work items, are for. And if you're not yet using Karbon, your granular task list is your to-do list.

For example, one of your staff member’s weekly milestones might include processing end-of-month accounts for five clients, and payroll for four others.

But her to-do list would include all the smaller tasks that need to be carried out to complete each larger project.

Tip: If you’re using Karbon, you can create a weekly recurring work item to keep track of your weekly ad-hoc milestones that don't necessarily belong to pieces of work or jobs.

Habit #3: Reward yourself

Generally, when you know that a reward is coming, you will be more motivated to start knocking out your to-do list.

And one of the best rewards is taking a break.

One strategy is to complete larger tasks by breaking them into smaller tasks that are separated by short breaks.

The idea behind this technique is that you'll be motivated to work in short bursts toward frequent rewards.

You can also implement The Pomodoro Technique®, which structures your day into 25-minute focus blocks. You set a timer, and when it goes off, you reward yourself with a 5-minute break.

By focusing your attention solidly for a period of time, and then resting for a few minutes, you’re actually operating more efficiently—all while giving yourself some time between focus sessions.

Habit #4: Invest time in automating manual tasks

Spending hours on menial tasks is not a useful way to spend your time. By automating manual processes, you’re taking a huge step in improving your day-to-day well being and productivity.

Systems like Karbon are enabling accountants to automate their processes and significantly reduce time spent completing these manual tasks.

You can also look at tools such as Zapier to build connections and automation rules between many of the apps that you already use.

The benefits of automation are three-fold. Your productivity benefits, your clients are provided with more value, and your firm grows.

Recommended reading: 10 time-saving accounting automation ideas

Habit #5: Rethink meetings

Meetings don’t have to be long, drawn-out, ineffective uses of your time. A great way to take your time back and improve your day-to-day is by completely rethinking your approach to meetings.

Consider these tips:

• Always prepare an agenda—it will keep meetings on track and ensure you don’t skip anything (which may result in yet another meeting).

• Set expectations for deliverables before wrapping up meetings—this avoids the need to have additional meetings for clarification around due dates, etc.

• When setting meetings, make sure everyone knows their role—this will reduce time spent on clarifying responsibilities during the meeting.

• Set yourself the challenge of shaving off 5, 10 or more minutes from your meetings—you’ll be surprised how efficient you can be with less time.

Habit #6: Delegate

Take the time to consider the tasks you complete daily, weekly and monthly. Do you need to be doing each of them, or does it make sense to delegate some to other team members?

When delegating, it’s important to:

1. Set clear expectations with whoever you’re delegating tasks to.

2. Consider the specific skills of your team members to ensure you’re delegating suitably.

And remember that a healthy process for communicating and managing those expectations is just as important.

Habit #7: Set up your ideal workspace—and keep it that way

If you need another screen, get another screen. If you feel your space is missing a desk plant, get a desk plant.

Your working space is your sanctuary for eight plus hours per working day. So it’s important you’re comfortable with it.

Does everything have its own place? Remember: less is more.

Tip: Allocate the last five minutes of each day tidying your desk—put your pens back, neaten up your stack of papers, straighten your keyboard and mouse, etc.

Habit #8: If you're in the zone, don't leave the zone

Getting in the right headspace for certain tasks is important for your productivity. But getting in the zone can be challenging.

That’s why it's important to recognize when you’re in the zone, and if possible, stay there.

If you can, quickly try to reschedule any low-priority meetings that clash, so you can make the most of the roll you’re on.

Finding the balance

These eight habit improvements might not all be relevant or helpful to you. But even if you take the first step towards improving one, you’re already on your way to turning your day-to-day around—for the better.