How much time do you waste each day? Are you constantly thinking about the next thing you need to get done? Is your job stressful or overwhelming?
We spend 8 hours a day at our jobs. The rest of the time, we’re engaged in activities such as watching TV, playing video games, chatting with friends, etc. How productive are you during these other times?
Here are 7 productivity hacks that will help you maximize your time and energy.
Get rid of distractions.
One of the biggest things that slows down our productivity is the amount of time we spend on non-productive tasks. Whether at work or home, we need to get rid of any distractions if we want to maximize our output. If you’re constantly interrupted by phone calls, emails, social media notifications, etc., then you’ll never make progress toward accomplishing your goals. Instead, focus on what’s important and turn off everything else. 10 ways to Overcome Social Media Distractions & focus on your Business.
Prioritize.
Once you’ve gotten rid of distractions, it’s time to start prioritizing. What do you really need to accomplish today? How much time should you allocate to each task? Once you have a clear idea about how long each task takes, you can figure out how many hours you need to complete them.
Recommended: 10 Computer Business Tools For Better Productivity.
Set boundaries.
Another way to increase your productivity is to set limits. If you know you won’t be able to finish something today, don’t just leave it until tomorrow. Instead, decide whether it’s worth doing right now or not. If it isn’t, put it aside and pick it back up later.
Start small.
If you feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks you need to accomplish, break them down into smaller chunks. You may only be able to handle two or three items at once, but even those can be broken down further. For example, instead of trying to write a full book proposal, try writing a few paragraphs first. Then, after you’ve written some good content, you can add more detail.
Take breaks.
Productivity doesn’t happen over night. Sometimes, we need to take breaks to rest and recharge. When you’re feeling worn out, take a short walk outside or go sit in a quiet area where you can relax and think clearly.
Stay organized.
You know how it feels when you have a ton of papers scattered around your desk or room? That’s exactly how it feels when you don’t stay organized. When you’re working on a project, keep everything related to it together. Use filing systems, binders, or notebooks to organize your materials.
Make lists.
It’s easier to remember something when it’s written down. Write down tasks that you need to accomplish, errands you need to run, and appointments you need to schedule. By using these lists, you’ll always know what you need to do and where you need to be.
Productivity isn’t just about how many things you accomplish. It’s also about how efficiently you complete them. There are many different ways to improve productivity. Pick what works for you.
There are many things that can affect how productive you are, including your environment, mindset, and habits. These 7 tips will help you improve your productivity but these tips aren’t all-inclusive — there are lots of ways to increase your productivity.
