Some people seem to have the golden secret to being highly productive. They may be naturally motivated and organized, but in truth, everyone has the power to increase their productivity. It’s all about habits. There are small, very feasible changes that when done repeatedly become habits. Even people who seem inflexible and stuck in their ways can learn to be productive.
We’ve highlighted a few of our favorite productivity tips below:
- Prioritize. It’s fine to write a 5-page to-do list, but make sure to separate the “must happen today” list from the “must happen this week/month/year” list. There’s also the “would be nice if it ever happens” list. You get the picture. There is a saying about the “power of three” which I use for my daily work. Listing only three priorities on my daily “to do” list in order of priority. I start on the first priority on the list, and I don’t go to the second one until the first one is completed.
- Give yourself deadlines. Deadlines are powerful psychological tools. If you are expected to give a presentation on Friday, you would get everything done, even if you cram it in at the last minute, right? For most people, simply having the intention to do something “soon” or “eventually” means there’s a good chance it won’t get done at all. The more time you must do something, the longer it will take you to do it. Set a date and stick to it!
- Make work time work time. Have a specific work area and everything ready to go when it’s work time. Keep distractions at a minimum. Stay focused and avoid podcasts, TV, social media, online shopping, email, and unplanned phone calls. Turn off all unnecessary notifications and alarms. You’ll be amazed at how your production skyrockets. Find the time of the day you feel best suits your energy levels and block off a 3-4-hour chunk of time to do your deep work.
- Keep your free time free. Time is not renewable, so honor yours. It’s quite easy to cram too much into a day and feel guilty when you don’t get everything done. It’s ok to say no to someone if it is not a priority that fits into your day. Resist the temptation to rearrange your schedule to make room for more obligations. As Derek Sivers, founder of CDBaby.com, says about making commitments: “If it is not a heck yeah, it is a no!”
- Take a walk. It’s not new news that physical activity is good for you. Add “increased productivity” to the list of walking benefits. Walks are refreshing and they provide much needed breaks, fresh air, and renewed energy. Don’t think you have time for it? A 5-10 minute walk will do the body (and mind) good.
- Drink water. This is another one that we hear all the time. That’s because your body and your mind need enough water (2.5 liters/day for women and 3.5 liters/day for men) to operate at 100%. Dehydration impacts cognitive and motor functions, skin, mood, and more.
- Take regular breaks. Everyone is different so be mindful of what you need for optimal productivity. Some people do best by working 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break (pomodoro technique), while others do better work for an hour then taking a 10-minute break. These mini breaks are powerful when used correctly and can drastically improve a person’s ability to focus. Feel free to set a timer if it helps you to stay on track!
- Prepare the night before. A day that begins by scrambling to find matching shoes, a coat, lunch, medication, your laptop, workout clothes, etc., is not fun. In fact, it’s stressful. I don’t regret waking up feeling prepared for the day ahead. So go ahead and make that list ahead of time.
While this list of tips might seem simple, implementing these small changes into your daily schedule can lead to big results. You will feel more productive in your work time, and you might even feel as if you have more free time.