Yearning to be more productive, so you can squeeze more into each day? If you are like many people, you are trying to find ways to reduce time wasted on meaningless things by focusing on getting tasks accomplished as efficiently as possible. It is with this goal in mind that this article will provide 10 easy tips for making you more productive each and every day.
Start each day with a list. If you want to get things accomplished in a short period of time, then a quick list can help you to stay on track. Write a list of 5 or less things you must get done today, and place this list near your work area so it is a visual reminder of what you need to get done.
Prioritize your tasks. This can be a productivity buster, especially if you have a lot to do. To master your tasks, you must learn to prioritize things in the order in which you will get them done. Number your list from one to five, with the number one being the most important thing and five being the least important thing.
Break tasks down. If you have a project that seems overwhelming and you are finding it hard to get started, take the time to break it down into smaller steps. Then start working on each step in focused spans of time and in the order that makes most logical sense.
Delegate and ask for help. A productive person knows when to ask others to pitch in and help with specific tasks. It is up to you to be more productive by delegating certain aspects of a project out to others who have the time and resources to get it done.
Use a clock timer. Many experts agree that it is possible to be more productive simply by setting a timer for getting tasks done. Take a moment to look at your list and then decide how much time is reasonable for getting each thing done. Set a stopwatch or clock timer for 10 to 15 minutes and focus solely on working non-stop during that time period.
Eliminate distractions. We live in a world where being distracted constantly by the television, radio, cell phones, and more seem like normal things. However, these are just ways that our minds get distracted. Set aside time that is completely free of distractions for work and you will be amazed at how productive you can become.
Take time to care for yourself. A body that is tired or hungry is not at its most efficient; therefore, it is up to you to take care of your physical needs first. That means not skipping meals or staying up too late every night trying to get work done.
Reward your accomplishments. When you have completed a task on your list, it is time to celebrate! That’s right; taking time out to reward yourself for a job well done is a positive way to increase your productivity. Treat yourself to little rewards whenever you can.
Give yourself a break. The mind and body are not machines. At some point, from working too much, you are apt to burn out. It is important to take time out for a “mental health” day once in a while. After completing each task, step away from your work area and get some fresh air or a short walk to get energized again.
Avoid procrastination. The killer of productivity is procrastination. Avoidance of necessary tasks or pushing things off continually eat away at your ability to be efficient and productive. Make it a rule to get small tasks out of the way immediately, or delegate them to others who have more time, so that things do not pile up on you.
While these are just a list of some of the things you can do to become more productive in your life, they do take time and commitment to master. Try adding one of these steps each week to increase the likelihood that you can be more efficient and get things done in a more productive way. Remember, by taking baby steps, you are becoming a more accomplished person.
About the author: Emily Joseph has written for the vision industry for years and years. When she’s not busy writing, you can find Emily reviewing Lasik providers and spending time with her husband kayaking.