How To Be More Productive: 8 Habits To Boost Efficiency
Business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone in-between have likely wondered how to be more productive. After all, who wouldn't want to get the most out of their workday?
Luckily, anyone can develop a productive mindset over time, whether it's by eliminating distractions during work hours, making the most of daily commutes, or approaching a task with the right frame of mind.
If you’re wondering how to be more productive, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 8 simple productivity tips to help get rid of distractions, clear the mind, and reach your goals.
How To Be More Productive
1. Start With A To-Do List
When it comes to increasing productivity in the workplace, to-do lists can work wonders.
Writing down your tasks and laying them all out can relieve stress and help to prioritize your work. What needs to be done right now? What can wait? With this roadmap, you’ll be able to bring a little bit of order to the chaos and manage your tasks much more effectively.
Plus, crossing an item off your to-do list can be extremely satisfying. This will encourage you to complete another task…and another…and another. Before you know it, you’ll be powering through your list in no time.
2. Eliminate Distractions
Have you ever been completely focused on a task, and yet somehow found yourself sitting on your phone 5 minutes later, scrolling through your newsfeed - unsure of when you even picked up your phone?
Even the smallest distractions can be crippling to a productive workflow, whether it’s the simple chime of your smart-phone or a dreaded emailing chewing a hole in the back of your mind. Luckily, there are ways you can take control of these distractions instead of letting them control you.
Have you got an uncomfortable task that you’re dreading to complete? Get it out of the way first thing in the morning. Does it feel like your phone is staring at you from across the room? Turn off the notifications and get it out of your sight.
By removing these time-wasting temptations from your brain, you can focus your attention and get back to work.
3. Multi-Tasking Doesn't Boost Productivity
Multi-tasking may seem important to increase productivity in the workplace, though this habit can often do more harm than good.
Jumping between 5 different tasks can decrease your productivity, as the brain can typically only focus on one thing at a time. This means you’re likely going to be skating over the surface of a job when you’re multitasking, rather than doing it properly.
Instead, don’t put so much on your plate. Focus on completing one task at a time.
4. Break Down The Task
Tackling a major task can seem daunting, though by breaking it down into bite-size bits and setting yourself some small goals, you’re encouraged to stop putting it off and get to work.
What does this task actually involve? How long is each step going to take? What can you accomplish today? What’s the first step?
As you break the job into smaller steps, it might not seem as large as you initially anticipated.
5. Build An Effective Routine
Are you a morning person? Or do you hit your work-stride in the afternoon?
Just by figuring out your most productive hours of the day, you can build a schedule to get the most from your work.
Schedule tasks that require more attention and strategy for these productive time-blocks, while leaving non-urgent jobs for other hours in the day.
6. Take A Break
Out of all these productivity tips, this one should be a stand-out. Even with a to-do list and a solid working strategy by your side, it’s important to take regular breaks throughout the day.
Working for hours upon end can make you feel run-down and burnt out - which may leave you feeling less inclined to power on with your work by the early afternoon.
As your day progresses, be sure to take regular, short breaks every 50 to 90 minutes to keep your mind feeling fresh and ready to work. Go for a 15-minute walk, stretch your legs, or get some sunlight. When you get back to it, you’ll be ready to tick more items off your to-do list.
7. Create A Productive Environment
Getting your workspace organised can be great for productivity. After all, how can you expect to get things done if you can’t find your laptop charger?
Put some time aside to declutter your environment, throw-away any rubbish, and organise your belongings. It may sound simple, but it can provide a sense of clarity to your work and help keep your attention on the task at hand.
8. Develop A Productive Commute
Are you spending your early morning commute on a train or bus? Take advantage of this time by replying to emails or creating your itinerary for the day. By knocking these remedial tasks out of the way, you create more space in your mind to focus on important jobs - helping to boost your productivity in the process.