Looking for ways to be more productive?
Managing time and getting things done effectively and efficiently is a dream of many. However, it isn’t something that everyone can achieve overnight. To become productive, you need to change your habits and the way you do things persistently. Yes, persistence is the key.
And if you are not able to give your best and be productive enough, then you are not alone. Don’t give up and keep on trying. However, with the right mindset and management, you can achieve them easily. So, how?
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17 ways to be more productive
Get into a routine
You need a pattern, a process to do things in a flow. If you are doing your tasks haphazardly, then you are bound to fail. You won’t be able to achieve anything. But, if you keep repeating and practicing the same thing every day, then it will automatically become your habit.
It is essential to wake up early, plan for the day, and stick to the schedule. Try following a similar routine like this. When you have a pattern, it will be easier for you to execute tasks on time and accomplish more in a short period.
Moreover, you will have more time to learn new skills and improve yourself every day. Most importantly, you will be more productive.
Make a to-do list
Before starting your daily activities, always make a to-do list. When you know the tasks you have on your hand, you can effectively manage time for each job. You will have an idea of how to do them and when.
It is best to plan your day and make a to-do list a night before or early in the morning. This way, you will be able to carry out and complete the tasks and be in action early. You won’t be wasting any time. Actually, you will have more time to do extra activities or learn new skills.
Prioritize task
Not every task is important and requires immediate attention. Successful and productive people always focus on high-priority activities. They know what urgency means. So, they prioritize what’s important for the day and whatnot.
As quickly you focus on high-priority tasks, the faster you can accomplish and deliver on time. Moreover, you will be more focused and improve the quality of the work you do.
Set a timer
After prioritizing your tasks, set a timer for each of them. Estimate how long it will take to finish. You can’t be stuck in a single activity forever. If it takes three hours, then focus on it the entire time. Then execute the other higher priority ones.
This way, you will be able to give time to every task. It will be easier for you to manage your time.
Stop multitasking
Always focus and give your entire attention to one task at a time. That is why prioritization is done. If you multitask, then you won’t be able to keep up with the deadline. Quality of work will decrease. And instead of finishing and delivering on time, you might have to redo it.
Moreover, your brain won’t be able to keep up. It will only stress you mentally and physically.
Break tasks into smaller ones
If it is possible, try to break tasks into smaller ones. This way, you will be able to complete every activity on time.
If the task seems too challenging and not specific, then breaking it into smaller chunks will give you an insight into how to start and get it done faster, effectively, and efficiently. So, always set small goals.
Set up your workplace
The environment always plays an essential part in boosting your productivity. If the workplace is according to your liking, then you will be more focused on your work. Nothing will distract you. You will feel relaxed and carry out your responsibilities without any trouble.
What type of working environment suits you best and motivates you to keep going? Consider this and set up your workplace accordingly.
Find your productive hours
Not everyone prefers the same time. Some are productive in the morning while some in the afternoon. So, the first thing you should do is find your high-yielding time.
Experiment and find your productive hours. Once you do that, plan your day accordingly.
Eliminate distractions
“Let’s see some videos on Youtube. Just five minutes won’t do anything.” Do you ever feel like it? If yes, then don’t do it. Otherwise, your five minutes won’t take long to become 10, 15, 30, 60 minutes. Keep your smartphone away from you when working. This way, you will be more focused on your work.
If you don’t do anything about things that may cause distractions, it will be harder for you to complete even a single task. It will be challenging for you to maintain efficiency. You will only lose your time and decrease productivity.
Take short breaks
The key to increasing productivity is taking short breaks and refreshing yourself. Continuous work can stress you mentally and physically. You will burn yourself out quickly. Due to this, the quality of work decreases. So, always take time out when working. Not for long, but 10-15 minutes is good.
Another thing, you can’t work continuously for eight hours straight. And when you take breaks, you will feel refreshed and be able to focus on your tasks. This way, you will be more productive and active throughout the day.
Learn to say no
It’s okay to say no sometimes. You have your own responsibility and tasks to do. So, when you feel like you can’t take any extra duty, then simply decline politely. Give genuine reasons. This way, you will be able to manage time and stay productive.
Don’t be afraid to say no. Accept that you can’t do everything yourself.
Get adequate sleep
If you want to keep yourself at your peak and in the best form, then get adequate sleep. Your body needs time to recharge energy and function properly. And for that, your body needs rest.
When you continuously work straight for hours and hours, you will feel tired and won’t be able to focus on your work. When this happens, you need to understand that your body is giving you a signal that it is at its limit. It needs quality sleep and rest to function at its best.
Moreover, quality sleep improves your performance and increases your focus and productivity.
Hydrate yourself
The more you are dehydrated, the more it becomes challenging to concentrate on your work. Our body constitutes 60% water. So, when our body doesn’t get enough water, it won’t be able to function correctly. You will feel dizzy and won’t be able to keep up. The heart rate and temperature increase, making it tough to work consistently.
Constantly fuel yourself with water. Drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
Focus on a healthy diet
Like water, you need a healthy diet for your body to function correctly. If you don’t take care of your health, then you won’t last enough to work at your best. You will feel tired within a moment. The more you focus on your well-being by eating a balanced diet, the more productive you will be. You will be full of energy. You will accomplish more.
Go on a vacation
Working is essential, but it is not always good for your health. Your body won’t be able to handle it. So, you need breaks from your work. Having fun is also a part of life. It reduces your fatigue and stress, refreshes your body, and restores your energy.
When you are full of energy, you will be more productive than ever. So, spend time with your friends and family. Besides, there are numerous ways to have fun, like camping, hiking, traveling, rafting, bungee jumping, etc. Just go on a trip without worrying about the work.
Exercise
Make exercise and other physical activities a part of your everyday routine. It keeps you fresh and active throughout the day. Exercise reduces your fatigue and stress, if you have any. When you are tension-free, you will be able to concentrate on your work better.
Moreover, exercise triggers endorphins in your body, which improves your body function and reduces stress levels. Also, you can practice yoga and meditation to refresh your mind.
Reward yourself
Reward yourself to boost your motivation and productivity. When people are appraised for their performance and accomplishments, they tend to give their best.
Besides, the reward doesn’t have to be only bonuses, gifts, etc. Simple saying, “Thank You. You did great.” also boosts motivation and productivity.
Likewise, reward yourself when you accomplish something. You can watch a movie, travel, go on a trip, eat new and tasty cuisine, etc. This way, you will develop a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.
In Conclusion
To be more productive, you need to act immediately. You need a solid plan and follow it strictly. Until and unless you adopt these good habits, you won’t be able to focus on your work and boost productivity.
Furthermore, being productive depends on how you do your work and how focused you are. Also, it comes down to how smart you are to manage your time and maintain a work-life balance.
That being said, practice above mentioned ways to be more productive and accomplish more.
Image Credits: Ivan Samkov from Pexels