Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

On Distribution Talk, we dive into the stories, struggles and solutions from interesting characters who have chosen to make a career in the distribution industry. My goal is to entertain, educate and inspire you through these brief conversations.  Thank you for visiting.  If you like what you hear, come visit us often. -Jason

Mar 17, 2021

“One of my clients put it in a really great way. He said, ‘Get your arms around the day before it gets its arms around you.’” -Jason Bader

Want to sleep better tonight? Sure, it’s an odd opener  - until you think about all the nagging issues that keep managers (especially new ones) up at night. In this episode, Jason flies solo, sharing his favorite tips for building a solid day-end routine regardless of industry.

Think of this episode as a coaching session with tangible action items. Anyone can finish their day implementing Jason’s foundational steps. He advises setting aside a solid 30 minutes and promises that no special tools are required except pen and paper, which, admittedly, might feel special if you’re someone who’s a committed notes app user. “There’s something phenomenally magical about putting pen to paper,” Jason says of the old-school approach.

So what to put on that blank slate? Lists, of course - in a decidedly different format. Jason advises listeners to shift focus from a general brain dump in favor of detailed reflection. The questions that prompt this part of the day-end routine provide answers to spark the next. 

The second exercise borrows from Stephen Covey’s advice: sharpen that saw. In other words, take time for self-development. Jason recommends reading a trade article, watching a YouTube video, or listening to a podcast (*ahem*) that informs or teaches. From five-minute reads to quick episodes, you can learn and retain a lot of information at the end of the day. 

The final step is the one we’re all most familiar with - creating a list. Here again, Jason refers to one of his favorite authors for guidance. Brian Tracy advocates for eating that frog! It’s a phrase that refers to prioritizing the biggest thing first. Jason agrees, recommending that listeners create a task list with built-in punch. 

Not sure where or how to begin? “I want you to go back and actually find a way to prioritize it,” Jason says, revealing that the best lists follow a simple ABC plan.

The goal here isn’t perfection. Even Jason admits to missing the mark on his day-end routine and reaping the results. “When I wing it, man, things are all over the place!” When he takes that time-out at the end of his day to reflect, invest in his personal development, and plan? “I think I earned my keep today.”

CONNECT WITH JASON BADER:

LinkedIn

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

7 Habits Of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey

Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time - Brian Tracy

***

Distribution Talk is produced by The Distribution Team, a consulting services firm dedicated to helping wholesale distribution clients remove barriers to profitability, generate wealth and achieve personal goals.   

This episode was edited & mixed by The Creative Impostor Studios. 

http://www.distributionteam.com