Micro-doing in the Workplace – Small Changes, Big Impact on Your Work Life
Ever heard of “micro-dosing”? Well, forget that (unless it’s your thing!), because we’re talking about micro-doing at work.
It’s all about tiny, almost ridiculously small changes to how we work, changes that, surprisingly, can have a huge impact. Think of it as micro-dosing your work life for maximum positive vibes.
Let’s be real, work these days can be a lot.
We’re constantly bombarded – distractions, demands, information overload… it’s enough to make your head spin. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, scattered, and like you’re just going through the motions.
That’s where micro-doing comes in. It’s about taking back the reins, one tiny, manageable action at a time.
Now, I’m not talking about some radical, life-altering overhaul. Nope. This is about small, sustainable tweaks to your daily grind. The kind of changes you can actually stick to.
1. Taming the Email Beast (aka Your Inbox):
Let’s face it, email can be a monster. Constantly checking, constantly reacting… it’s a productivity killer. Here’s the micro-doing approach:
- Scheduled Check-ins: Instead of being a slave to the ping, pick 2 or 3 times a day to tackle your inbox. Turn off those notifications! Seriously, do it. The world won’t implode, I promise.
- The Two-Minute Rule: If you can deal with an email in two minutes or less, just do it. Get it out of the way. Otherwise, categorise it (to-do, info, delegate – whatever works) and schedule time to deal with it later.
- Batching is Your Friend: Group similar email tasks together. Respond to all those client questions at once, then move on to scheduling meetings, etc. It’s way more efficient.
- Unsubscribe and Conquer: Be ruthless with those newsletters, promotions, and anything else cluttering your inbox. You’ll thank yourself.
2. Reclaiming Your Focus from Your Phone (aka the Black Hole):
Our phones are amazing, but they can also suck us in and steal our focus. Micro-doing phone use means:
- Phone-Free Zones/Times: Create pockets of time or spaces where your phone is off-limits. Think meetings, focused work sessions, or even – gasp! – your lunch break.
- Notification Management: Turn off the non-essentials. Do you really need to know every time someone likes your Instagram post? Probably not.
- Scheduled Phone Checks: Just like email, set specific times to check personal messages and social media. Don’t let it be a constant drip.
- Mindful Usage: Pay attention to how often you reach for your phone. Just being aware of it is the first step.
3. Saying “No” Without the Guilt Trip:
People-pleasing can lead to burnout and resentment. Micro-doing boundaries means:
- The Power of Pause: Before saying yes, take a breath. “Let me check my schedule and get back to you” is a lifesaver.
- Prioritisations Questions: Ask questions to understand what’s really being asked of you. Is it urgent? Is it something you’re actually good at?
- Strategic “No”: Practice saying no gracefully. Offer alternatives, suggest someone else – and explain why you’re saying no, not just a flat “no.”
4. Moving Beyond the Desk (aka Escaping the Chair):
We’re not meant to be glued to our chairs all day. Micro-doing movement means:
- Regular Stand-Ups: Set reminders to get up and move every 20-30 minutes. Even a quick walk to the water tap helps.
- Walking Meetings: Suggest a walking meeting instead of another sit-down. Fresh air and movement are game-changers.
- Desk Exercises: Sneak in some stretches or leg lifts at your desk. No one’s watching (probably).
- Active Commuting: If you can, walk, bike, or take public transport. It’s a great way to incorporate movement into your day.
5. Planning with Flexibility (aka Not Overthinking It):
Planning is good, but overplanning can be stressful. Micro-doing planning looks like:
- Prioritise and Focus: Pick your top 2-3 tasks for the day and tackle those first.
- Time Blocking with Flexibility: Schedule blocks of time, but be prepared to adjust. Life happens.
- Embrace Imperfection: Things won’t always go according to plan. That’s okay. Roll with it.
- Buffer Time: Build in some wiggle room between tasks. You never know what might pop up.
Micro-doing is all about finding what works for you.
Experiment, play around, and see what makes your work life a little bit better, one tiny step at a time.
What micro-dos will you try today?
RESOURCES AND NEXT STEPS
If you’re looking for more support and guidance, here are some valuable resources:
- Book a conversation to see how we can help you with your mindset HERE.
- Have meaningful conversations. Connect with your people deeper by sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Use our Flip The Thinking Tool kit and share it with people around you. See how it helps you enrich the connection and conversation.
- Follow along on LinkedIn HERE
- Find out more about our women’s leadership programme HERE