Get More Productive Today with These Ultimate Hacks
The line ‘getting more productive,’ is undeniably one of the most talked-about subjects of thought among hardworking workers. Many among us are constantly finding creative ways to get more tasks done in our respective places of work. We’re obsessed with all sorts of list-making to help us reach the maximum productivity levels attainable. For the most part, we’ve been wired to believe that productivity is getting more tasks done – and in the shortest time frame possible. Little wonder many have gone caffeine-whacking to stay on task and get a handful of work done.
But being productive is a lot more than completing a couple of tasks in an hour or less. Productivity isn’t about marking off that to-do list on your desk, neither is it same as working harder. Productivity, however, is rather concerned with doing fewer things, starting with the most important tasks – ‘the vital little.’ After all, according to the Pareto principle, only 20% of activities produce 80% of the results. Apparently, a bulk of your tasks only has a marginal effect on overall productivity. So what’s the best way to cut short these ‘trivial many’ and be more focused on your path to optimum productivity?
Make a habit of the following set of tips.
PLAN YOUR TOMORROW, TODAY.
Why do people set target goals for the New Year in the latter stages of the previous year? Simple! To hit the ground running since they’ve already outlined what to do. That’s exactly what happens too when you take some time to plan your work activities for the day, a night before. This simple experience helps settle your mind during sleep and gets you psychologically ready for the next day’s job.
BOOST YOUR FITNESS LEVEL.
The effects of a good workout are usually understated. No amount of efforts committed to keeping fit is too many, as the benefits far exceed the investment. A good morning fitness exercise helps release the hormone endorphins, which aids the smooth flow of blood to the brain. Consistently working out before you set out for work is a sure way to get energized and take the day by storm.
TAKE BABY STEPS
When you look at the tasks to be completed as a whole, it’s likely that you’ll get discouraged to begin them. However, a disassembling of the what-looks-like a magnificent task makes it easier to undertake. Begin work by taking each component of the task and get it done in bits. That is what I call ‘taking baby steps.’ Take for instance; you have to turn in a 50 pages proposal to your boss. Outline the components of the proposal and begin to write them one at a time. This is a sure way not to get burned out easily and reach optimum productivity.
HAVE A DO NOT DISTURB TIME
Firstly, break your phone. Secondly, make yourself unavailable to your coworkers. Then, don’t go for lunch. Yes. That could be some ways to get more things done. But that’s not what you’re out to achieve. Your goal is to get the most important tasks done. So, if you want to get productive, you have to make a Do-Not-Disturb arrangement to cut yourself away from unnecessary distractions. Take away your phone while you’re about to work unless it’s important that you have it with you. Have a set time to go through your emails, reply your DMs and comment on that picture story. More importantly, be disciplined to stay committed to this Do-Not-Disturb system.
REWARD YOURSELF!
Oh! You succeeded in ignoring those popping notifications. You accomplished the goal to finish writing that proposal. Great! Now is the time to reward yourself for your commitment and discipline. You may decide to reward yourself with lunch or watch the latest episode of Scandal. This will help you stay motivated for the next task and increase your productivity.
