The 5-Step Work Routine

Written By Rachel Gryniewicz, MA, MATL
 
 

Especially during the holiday season, work can feel like a constant battle. Improving time management skills can make the mountain of work much easier to climb while improving your productivity and reducing overwhelm.

Here are some 5 steps to create the perfect work routine:

  1. Check for assignments

    Take a few minutes to review your workplace portal/software (if you have one) and any work tasks you may have jotted down during the day. Write down all assignments that are due within the next week as well as longer term projects that may need to be started.

  2. Create a plan

    1. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and effort. What needs to get done tomorrow? Do I want to start with easier or harder projects? Move those items to the top of the to-do list.

    2. After urgent items, chunk up future tasks. Is there a big deadline coming up? What steps can you start today? If multiple steps are needed, choose which days you will complete those steps and assign those steps to yourself as homework.

  3. Use a timer

    The pomodoro method is a great way to organize your time. Plan time for sustained focus and time for a break. Breaks act as incentives and provide much needed rest. When you have your plan in place for the day, create a time estimation for each assignment. When you complete a task, write down how much time it actually took. Did you over or underestimate? Having a more accurate sense of time will help you budget better in the future. 

  4. Choose your environment wisely

    If your phone pulls your focus, set it on do not disturb. Try body doubling - work at a public library or complete your work with a friend or colleague. The feeling of productivity is contagious! 

  5. Reflect and Revise

    Be flexible. Something you didn’t get to? Was your initial plan too ambitious? Revise your plan for the week and plan accordingly so you do not fall behind. 


Establishing a routine is a great way to streamline your day and foster habits. As you begin to automate these steps you will be more efficient with your time and find it easier to start and plan out tasks. 

Want additional support?

Schedule a discovery call today!

Rachel Gryniewicz, MA, MATL

Rachel brings over a decade of experience in instructional coaching, curriculum development, and the design and implementation of student focused workshops and programs. She specializes in working with students in the areas of organization, time management, study strategies, and other crucial executive function skills. Her interests in developing leadership and advocacy skills in adolescents enrich her coaching sessions empowering her clients to be more assertive and confident. As a former high school teacher and college lecturer, Rachel understands the skills required to be successful at both levels and helps students prepare for their transition to college, including teaching and reinforcing strategies around planning ahead and breaking down large tasks. Rachel has also curated several professional development opportunities for educators centered on Executive Function skills such as resiliency and flexible thinking. 

A member of the Life Solved team since 2017, Rachel has recently entered a full-time position coordinating the client onboarding experience and ensuring a successful coaching engagement for coach and client. She continues to work with students of different ages and backgrounds as well as adult clients. Her positive energy and passion for helping others find success is evident in the work she does with her clients.

Rachel has a Masters in Teacher Leadership from Mount Holyoke College as well as a  Masters in Classics from the University of Maryland, College Park.  She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classics and Art History from Mount Holyoke College.

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