Being productive entails completing activities and finishing as many items on your to-do list as possible, from writing a company proposal to establishing an internet presence. However, in the real world, there are several small distractions throughout the day that might cause you to feel disoriented and unable to complete the task at hand – regardless of how diligently you strive to do it.
Although there are numerous tactics for overcoming obstacles, we’ve compiled a list of 19 of our favourite ways to boost productivity and make the most of your workday. Below, you’ll find a selection of tactics that are adaptable to your unique working style and enable you to stay refreshed, focused, and on track.
How can our production be increased?
- Establish a reminder
To see where you’re squandering more time (than you’d want) on various projects, you can set a timer and begin tracking the time required to complete each job on your to-do list. If you’re a freelance writer, for example, and time is money, it’s critical to decide whether creating a complete piece is more time-consuming than simply writing the post. Diverse tasks necessitate varying durations.
When estimating the time required to finish each activity, it’s also critical to keep an eye out for other distractions, which frequently arrive and multiply in the form of email, social media, phone calls, and online browsing. This manner, you may create a schedule that prioritises the most critical chores, avoiding the overabundance of activities that can be completed on a timer.
- You are only capable of committing to a single endeavour at a time.
Put an end to your juggling. While we feel that managing multiple objectives is a sign of efficiency, research indicates that the contrary is true. One of the most significant discoveries from productivity research is that “we overestimate our perceived ability to multitask,” which means that multitasking is nearly always a misnomer. Rather than that, you should concentrate on completing one activity before moving on to the next.
- Boost your physical activity
Each time, study demonstrates that the “sit less, walk more” technique increases rather than decreases workplace productivity, owing to the stimulating effect of exercise. A consistent fitness regimen can improve your mood, assist in stress reduction, and enhance your mood.
There are numerous methods to add exercise into your routine to help keep your motivation high. These include walking for a brief period of time between jobs, practising simple stretch exercises when time is limited, and even conducting minor workouts at work.
- Always adhere to the two-minute rule
There is a technique that can assist procrastinators in breaking down large undertakings into manageable chores and staying on schedule. This is referred to as the “two-minute rule,” and it states that if you believe you can do a task in two seconds or less, you should.
Almost any activity can be reduced to a condensed version utilising this strategy. For example, “Create a business presentation” has been renamed “Opening my computer,” and “Running a 5-mile race” has been renamed “Setting out my gym gear for the next morning.” You’ll notice that huge chores become more manageable and less challenging, which will assist you in getting back on track.
- Ensure proper self-care.
Take a minute, around halfway through this list, to remind yourself to be kind to yourself. Making yourself a priority and adopting an exercise programme that supports your physical, mental, and emotional well-being will not only make you feel better regardless of your current situation, but will also drive you to improve your work-life balance.
We’ve included several strategies for self-care, like getting adequate sleep, avoiding distractions, and exercising regularly. There is no reason to squeeze in additional self-care time into your already hectic agenda. Begin by opting to sit for five minutes at work or to take a small walk during lunch, or to listen to a podcast you enjoy or to email a friend on your commute. Simply engage in an activity that revitalises you.
- Identify your day’s most productive hours.
Are you an early bird, an afternoon person, or even a night owl? Identifying your most productive times allows you to create an optimal schedule for accomplishing tasks.
Once you’ve addressed the question, you may begin optimising your internal clock and reallocating critical duties to the appropriate times of day. The process of identifying the optimal work hours is critical for competent workers, who often work less than three hours per day. As a result, ensure that the time you do have is productive.
07 Read fluently
Reading wisely is critical for anyone who must read big amounts of text on a regular basis for work. It’s also about understanding how to maximise comprehension while maintaining a laser-like focus on the essentials.
Speed reading is the act of developing the ability to scan the page for relevant keywords or words and keep concentrate on the written material in order to acquire new concepts. This can help you save time, improve your memory capacity, and problem-solving abilities, as well as boost your confidence at work.
- Take a breather and replenish your supplies
Simply by stepping away from your computer or desk for a few minutes, you may freshen your calendar and increase your productivity.
Ones, even 15-minute breaks, aid in both increasing concentration and maintaining a steady focus on the activity at hand. Performing a task without taking a break, on the other hand, can result in a continuous loss in productivity and efficiency.