Tips for Increased Productivity
One Goal in Mind at a Time
Overexerting yourself is a big factor in making you feel demotivated and unproductive. Set yourself a goal, and meet it before starting the next one. That way your mind won’t be split between multiple tasks and stresses. You also need to learn to say no. When you have too much to do piling on more workloads isn’t a good idea.
Block Out Distractions
Put your phone away, go off of social media, and if you’re in a noisy or distancing environment try and minimise this.
Set a Strict Time Limit
If you feel like you have all the time in the world, chances are things won’t get done as quickly. Some cultures thrive off of this and incorporate it into their lifestyles. Unfortunately, in the UK we live in a fairly fast paced working environment, that leaves little time for having any time. Even if your task has no specific time limit try, set yourself one. This way it will get done a lot faster and you can push yourself to do so.
Get Up Earlier
Studies have shown that people are generally more productive in the morning, getting up earlier will allow you to make the most out of your brain power and your day.
Group Your Interruptions
If you need to do things that are off task, make sure these things are one after another so that work time isn’t constantly compromised. For example, eat lunch, phone your mum, and check your Facebook or anything else you need to do one after another, this way you aren’t constantly stopping and starting. Just make sure these things don’t take too long and waste time.
Drink More Water
Drinking water will help you not get dehydrated – your brain doesn’t work as well and you can’t concentrate properly.
Write It Down
If you have a list of tasks to do or a list of steps to completing a specific task – write it down. This will give you something to refer back to so if you get flustered or if you need to take a break from working, allowing you to pick up where you left off. This will also help ensure that your work is completed to a high standard.
Do Your Most Dreaded Task First
Even if you love your job, everyone has tasks that they hate to do. Doing your most dreaded task first will get it out of the way and give you motivation whilst doing so. If you miraculously don’t dread any of your tasks, start with the hardest. This will aid you as later on in the day as tasks may not require as much focus if they’re easier.
Take Breaks
It’s important to not work yourself to the bone. Taking regular breaks will help your brain get back in gear if you’re starting to fade.
