10 Simple Ways to Be More Productive
Sometimes we get in slumps and aren’t as productive as we’d like to be. Or maybe our workload just doubled and we need to get more work done in the same amount of time. There are days we feel like we aren’t getting anything done at all. Other times we get distracted or interrupted so much that our whole day seems wasted. Whatever the case, here are 10 simple ways to be more productive.
1. Do the Most Work at Peak Timing
Everyone has a natural body clock. Some people have more energy in the morning, while others feel at their best late at night. Take advantage of the times you feel most energized and set a goal to do the most work during those productive times. Leave the smaller and less important tasks for when you are more tired.
2. Stop Trying to Multitask
It can be stressful when a lot of tasks pile up and subsequently you try to work on multiple tasks at a time. But the key to getting more done is to try and focus on one task at a time. When you start a task, try to work through completion, so you can give it dedicated time and attention. Working on a singular task also gives you the satisfaction of having completed tasks instead of a bunch of half-done ones.
3. Create and Narrow Down a To-Do List
Make a to-do list of all the things that you need to complete. Then, prioritize by importance and put the most important task at the top. This way as you are working down the list you are getting the most important tasks done first. You can move the remaining tasks to the following day or scratch them from the list if no longer relevant.
4. Delegate
If you are working on a team but are already overwhelmed with work, you should utilize the people around you and delegate tasks. Splitting up tasks minimizes stress and allows for projects to be done faster because a single person is not doing all the work. Plus, you don’t want to become the project’s bottleneck.
5. Get Enough Sleep
When you get a good night of rest, you feel more energized and rejuvenated. When you feel energized, you have the ability to do more work. The brain gets exhausted after not getting enough sleep. This makes it more difficult to focus, which results in us making more mistakes, and work takes longer.
6. Eat Healthy Meals
It can be easy to get caught up in a task and forget to take care of ourselves. But eating is how we fuel our bodies and brains. Taking time to have full and healthy meals can give us the energy to get a substantive amount of work done.
7. Follow the 2-Minute Rule
The 2-minute rule means that if you have anything that can be done in 2 minutes or less, do it right away. These are small tasks that can be done quickly but can easily pile up. It’s better to get small tasks done first, so that you no longer have to be concerned about them.
8. Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Set yourself up for success. If you have upcoming work that can be planned for, try to make time to plan ahead. Or if you know you are about to start a new demanding project, make sure to complete all incomplete tasks before the project’s start date, so you won’t get overwhelmed.
9. Minimize Interruptions and Distractions
Find a quiet space that’s free of distractions and anything that can interfere with your productivity. If you find yourself always going on social media or your phone, download applications that can lock your phone, so you can focus on work. Or simply have self-control and block out your surroundings and get down to business. Closing out tabs and applications, especially the ones constantly popping up notifications, is another great way to eliminate distractions. Dedicate focused time to more involved tasks and make sure to communicate that with your team, manager, family, or roommates. A ‘Do not Disturb’ sign/mode usually helps.
10. Reward Yourself
Work can be stressful. And the need to always be on can get the most of you. But it is important to reward yourself, so you don’t burn out and continue to be productive in the future. A reward can be taking a break after completing a task, stretching out or exercising for a while, having a snack, or chatting with a friend. Any reward is a good one, as long as it makes you happy.
There may be times when you feel you have not achieved much. Hopefully, following these tips, you will be more productive. Eventually they will become commonplace and work will never stress you out again.
If you want to find out more productivity tips, check out this article.
Also, you can find some helpful time management tips here.