Productivity is a skill that can always be refined. Whether you’re in a professional atmosphere or doing chores at home, here are a few tips to help you get work done more efficiently.
Create your Own Deadlines
It’s important for you to come up with your own personal schedule. Make a list of everything you need to get done before the end of the day or week. Then, create a plan to get you to your end goal. John Rampton, a writer for inc.com states, “While we usually think of a stress as a bad thing, a manageable level of self-imposed stress can actually be helpful in terms of giving us focus and helping us meet our goals. For open-ended tasks or projects, try giving yourself a deadline, and then stick to it. You may be surprised to discover just how focused and productive you can be when you’re watching the clock.”
Prioritize Tasks
Start your day by making a list of all the things you need to accomplish. Sort through it putting the most important items at the top. As you complete this, you’ll have a prioritized list of the order in which you need to proceed with your day. Add to it throughout the day in order to make sure your list is always up to date. Be flexible as things pop up and rearrange your priorities as needed. Keep plugging along until you’ve completed a number of items. Carry anything leftover to the next day’s list.
Block out your Time
One of the most effective ways to stay productive throughout the day is to block out chunks of time that are dedicated to work. Rampton also states, “Researchers at Florida State University have found elite performers (athletes, chess players, musicians, etc.) who work in intervals of no more than 90 minutes are more productive than those who work 90 minutes-plus.” If you really want to be productive, turn off all possible distractions so you can focus. Phone calls, emails, and various other notifications can be a huge distraction. Put everything on hold while you tackle 90 minutes of serious work. When you’re done, you’ll be able to set aside time to respond to any messages you may have missed while you were working.
Limit Multitasking
While multitasking has its benefits, it’s not always the most effective way to work. The above mentioned article also states, “While we tend to think of the ability to multitask as an important skill for increasing efficiency, the opposite may in fact be true. Psychologists have found attempting to do several tasks at once can result in lost time and productivity. Instead, make a habit of committing to a single task before moving on to your next project.” If your productivity is lacking, try this strategy for getting things done.
Being productive is a skill you can always work towards improving. Use these tips to help you make the most of your time.
