5 Productivity Hacks
There are many tools to help us with our productivity, but instead, why don’t we focus on learning techniques, and habitual changes to help us? Let’s call these productivity hacks.
A problem with today’s work culture is that there is an emphasis on being busy and we don’t stop. When we have completed our to-do list we don’t think we have done enough. This is not a good mentality to have. It will wear us out. And sometimes that is a reflection of company culture.
Let’s go over some techniques.
#1. Block Distracting apps/websites
We all do it. Check our social media accounts or text. But do you know how often? The average worker can’t go more than six (6) minutes without looking at their phone. Naturally, our social life and work life revolves around digital media and the constant checking of notifications is a distraction that hinders our ability to focus on the project at hand.
Turn off your phone, put it far enough away from you that you have to get up to get it, and/or block websites. One or all of these things will keep you free from digital distractions and keep you focused on what needs to get done.
#2. Say “no”
Saying “no” to a client, peer, etc. can be hard, because you know, we don’t want to stop. But we must consider what the constant “yes” can do for the quality of the work we will provide. If you are taking on too much, say “no”. Be able to recognize when you should not take on more.
Don’t forget, you have every right to refuse to work on the weekends and evenings. Assure your client, peer, etc. are aware that you only work during certain hours and I am sure they will understand.
#3. Create a Schedule
Organization plays a big part in productivity. But simply scheduling things won’t cut it. You must make sure you are abiding by the schedule. That means being on time to the first meeting of the day. Why? Because running late for the first meeting (or any meeting) will ultimately throw off the rest of your schedule. This can impact your productivity on any given day.
Within the schedule of meetings, phone calls, email, etc. don’t forget to add breaks. Add them between meetings to give your mind and body a rest. Make sure to take your lunch and even a snack break if you need it. The small breaks to recoup will have a huge, positive impact on your day.
#4. Stop Multitasking
Multitasking is NOT efficient. We know this. But being able to change this habit is difficult. Try composing a list of what needs to get done on a given day, prioritize them and tackle them individually. Even if that means that you work in short bursts of time on each of them throughout the day, as long as you are working on only one of them at a time.
#5. Turn it off at the end of the work day
Clock out and stop doing work. Going home and trying to do housework and office work sounds like multitasking, and we all know that isn’t efficient. Whatever “turn it off” looks like to you, do that. Consider this an extended break that is necessary for not only your productivity but for your mental and physical health, too. Remember that a healthy work-life balance is important in productivity as well.
If you want to be more productive you need to have an open mind to try new ways of thinking about completing tasks and becoming organized. These 5 productivity hacks can really help!
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