Artificial intelligence is becoming common place in the workplace. Everyday we are seeing more jobs become automated as AI gains traction and revolutionises the way we work. So, what’s the catch?
It’s not news that as a lawyer your time is increasingly valuable. It doesn’t make sense for you to be wasting time on tasks that anyone, or anything, can do. But as technology continues to focus on delivering efficiencies and AI becomes widespread, will the mundane and repetitive tasks become extinct? And if so, what does this mean for maintaining sanity during the work day?
Whilst the future of AI is out of our individual hands, you can control how you incorporate productive mini-breaks into your day.
Here at FilePro, we were recently joined by Executive Coach and time management guru, Linda Murray.
During her sessions, Linda encouraged us to deliberately structure our days; to build balance, to work in manageable blocks, and to take regular breaks in order to maximise efficiency.
Here are my three favourite tips from her sessions:
- Be realistic with your daily to-do lists and schedules. Work out how long each task will take, and allow a buffer for over-time and unforeseen issues. Don’t create a to-do list which you know you can not complete in a day. Start a second list for the next day if necessary.
- Focus on the task at hand. Multitasking does not save time! Focus on completing one task before you move on to the next.
- Divide your day into deliberate blocks of focused attention (maximum 90 minutes). In between these sprints of effort, try to switch your mind off, be present and recharge your mind ready for the next sprint.
Once your time management is under control, start to incorporate some breathing techniques into your day. Dr. Herbert Benson believes that controlling our breath can counteract the fight or flight response and replace it with a relaxation response. Breathwork can be used to physically change the structure of your brain so that it performs at a higher level, even when you’re under pressure.
Mindfulness expert, Jodie Gien, recently equipped FilePro readers with three quick breathwork strategies she uses to manage stress and anxiety in the moment. Anchoring, 7/11 breathing, and breath counting are all ways in which we can force our brains to remain present.
Next time you’re feeling nostalgic for some quiet time at the scanner, have a go at practicing the above strategies. We can’t control the future of AI, but you can control how it works for you.
Todd Keeler is a Director of FilePro. Having worked with law firms since 1999, Todd now leads a team of professional staff who are passionate about upholding FilePro’s key value; building strong, enduring relationships with each and every client.
