How to be more productive? Here’s a simple guide for you.
We start the day with the best intentions and motivation for our to-do lists. We often feel frustrated at the end of the day when we see how many tasks remain uncompleted. Work projects, household chores, emails, and texts are a few examples.
We’re constantly distracted and pulled in different directions. Want some tips on how to maximise your time? These genius productivity hacks will help you maximise your time, get stuff done, and feel accomplished every day.
How to be more productive? Method 1:
Track your time
It’s difficult to improve your time management unless you know where your time is going. Monitor your daily tasks and time spent on them for a week (or at least a few days). You may be surprised at how much time you waste on trivial matters. Knowing which tasks are getting too much attention allows you to reallocate time to more important tasks.
Use a Tangent Log
It happens all the time: you’re working and suddenly realise you need to text your sister. Oh, and see a doctor. You also have a brilliant idea for another project. Instead of acting on these thoughts immediately, keep a notebook nearby and write down any tasks or ideas that come to mind, advises Marshall. “Writing it down tells your brain it’s safe to go ahead and do that other task now. “I can do it later,” she says.
Disable phone notifications
In many ways, devices simplify our lives, but they also distract us. When you need to focus, disable notifications for incoming emails, social media activity, and anything else that might cause you to check your phone. “Once you get over the initial fear of missing out, you’ll find that you produce higher quality work faster,” says Marshall. You’ll find that the world has gone on without you and that everything is fine.
How to be more productive? Method 2:
Restriction of tasks
According to Vanderkam, it’s better to pick 3–5 important tasks to do every day than to aim for 20 and cross them off at random. “The problem with universal task lists is that you might not need or want to do everything on them. “Make a running list of everything, but when it comes to tasks for the day or week, be much more selective,” she advises.
Recall the rewards of completion
Sometimes all it takes to get you out of bed and into the gym is a reminder of how good you’ll feel afterwards. The same goes for productivity and finishing big tasks. “Consider the benefits of the work you dread,” Marshall advises.
If preparing a big work presentation seems daunting, consider the benefits. Is it a chance to impress the bosses with your creativity? Is this presentation a stepping stone to more impactful company projects? It’ll be easier to start once you know the outcome.
Add fun in small ways
Play upbeat music while doing chores. Go for a walk to generate ideas. “I know someone who hated working with spreadsheets but needed to for her creative business financial reports. Change the colours on the spreadsheet to make it more interesting,” says Marshall. Small changes can help you enjoy tedious tasks.
De-stress tasks
If the importance of a task overwhelms you, tell yourself it isn’t that important. For example, you’re just jotting down ideas, not writing a book. The goal is to share ideas with colleagues, not to prepare a big presentation in front of important people. This mental trick makes your task seem less daunting and more doable.
Self-rewarding
A little extra motivation never hurt anyone…and who doesn’t love a treat? The reward doesn’t have to be an indulgence or a splurge. “Take the afternoon off, go for a walk, or read a book,” Marshall advises. Giving yourself permission to do something you enjoy is a reward.
Rest
Too few or too many breaks can lead to exhaustion. The trick is to find your own balance. “Treat it like a test. Try getting up every hour or so for a day and seeing how much work you get done. and how do I feel? If you’re still tense and your work is poor, you may need more frequent breaks. The key is to assess and adjust.
The guide on How to be more productive ends here.
Also Read, How To Increase Stamina By Food?
