Habits of a Productive Person
It doesn't matter what you do or where you work - everyone is looking for ways to be more productive on the job. But excessive amounts of caffeine and list-making won't get you any closer to reaching peak productivity levels today. So why are we all so obsessed with productivity? It's probably because because in this digital age, staying on task and avoiding distraction is harder to accomplish than your actual work. Not to mention the feeling of a productive workday is somewhat euphoric.
Ensure you make room for increased productivity by putting these habits into play:
#1. Track how you spend your time
It's hard to figure out how you spend your time better if you don't know where it's going now. For ideally a week (but at least a few days), monitor what tasks you're working on each day and how much time you devote to each one. You may be surprised to see just how much time you're wasting on things you care less about. Once you recognize which tasks are getting too much attention, you can reallocate that time for to-dos that are more important.
#2. Keep a tangent log
You're in the middle of working and you suddenly remember you forgot to text your sister back. Oh, and you need to make a doctor's appointment. Plus you've got a genius idea for a different project you're working on. Instead of acting on these thoughts right away potentially hindering your progress, keep a notebook beside you and whenever a task or idea pops into your head, write it down.
#3. Cut your to-do list in half
Getting things done during your workday shouldn't mean fitting in doing as much as possible in the sanctioned eight hours . Do you really need those 30 tasks on your to-do list? Take a less-is more approach to your to-do list by only focusing on accomplishing things that matter.
#4. Take more breaks
The ache in your brain after several long hours of work should be your signal to take a break. Since your brain has used up its glucose, give yourself a moment to refresh by going for a walk, grabbing lunch or snack, or just meditating. You'll come back recharged and ready to achieve greater efficiency.
#5. Turn off phone notifications
Devices make our lives easier in so many ways, but they're also a incredibly distracting. When you really need to concentrate, tailor your notifications so you only get the essential pings and temporarily mute notifications for incoming emails, social media activity, and anything else that may cause you to check your phone. Once you get over that period of wondering what am I going to miss out on?, you'll get into a deep dive working mode and find that you produce higher quality work at a quicker rate. Then when you're back online you'll find out that the world has carried on without and everything is fine!
#6. Make tasks less intimidating
When the importance of a particular to-do feels overwhelming, tell yourself, it's really not a big deal. You're not working on a massive presentation in front of important people, you're just sharing ideas with some colleagues. This little mental trick helps dial down the scariness of your task, making it seem painless and doable.
#7. Follow the 80/20 rule
Only 20% of what you do each day produces 80% of your results. Eliminate the things that don't matter during your workday, they have a minimal effect on your overall productivity. For example, break your next project down into steps and systematically remove tasks until you end up with the 20% that gets the 80% of results.
#8. Tackle your challenging tasks before lunch
Knock out your most challenging work when your brain is fresh. If you have any busy work or meetings, save them for the afternoon. By scheduling your day this way, you'll be able to create a new and more productive way to manage your time.
#9. Stop multi-tasking
Stop trying to do 10 things at once! Changing tasks more than 10 times a day drops your IQ an average of 10 points. Get things done more effectively and efficiently by focusing on one task at a time.
Less is more when it comes to being productive during the workday. Stick to the basics for reaching productivity.
#10. Reward yourself
Sometimes you just need a little extra motivation and who doesn't love the promise of a treat? If that treat happens to be a delicious cupcake then go for it, but keep in mind that a reward doesn't have to be an indulgence or splurge. Take the afternoon off or have a coffee with a friend or a read a good book. A reward can be simple as giving yourself permission to do something you enjoy.
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Written by: Antony Moturi
DJ | Social Media Specialist | Online Marketer | Content Creator | Sound Engineer
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