We’ve all had those days where we feel like we weren’t able to accomplish everything on out to-do list. It starts with a list, plan, or goal but by the end of the day, there are more to-dos than you started with.
Being productive can be difficult. But managing your time in ways that are conducive to productivity is key. The problem that often arises is; where do I start?
1. Stop Multitasking
There’s often this misconception that if you attempt to do more things at once, you will get more things done. But this simply is not true, according to neuroscience expert Earl K. Miller, “multitasking is not humanly possible.” We are only fooling ourselves when we think we can simply juggle meetings, presentations, phone calls and eating lunch. If you actually want to complete tasks faster, focus on one task at a time.
2. Take Breaks
It seems logical that the more hours you work, the more you get done. But this is not necessarily true as we never work as productively when we are burnt out. Studies have shown that taking regular breaks helps with concentration as well as boosting your mood. So instead of wearing yourself out, get up and stretch your legs for 5 minutes or walk for 15 minutes to go and get that afternoon coffee
3. Set Small Goals for Yourself
The goals we set for ourselves can often be overwhelming. Seeing your calendar lined up with huge projects can be extremely stressful, this is why you should break up those projects into smaller tasks. Doing this, you’ll feel more in control and will be much more productive. So instead of writing “Finish Project…,” split it up into all the task that will take to finish it. This will help you stay on top of your day-to-day activities, whilst not feeling too overwhelmed and thus more productive. Personally, I do this through the Trello Project Management Application and love the endorphin rush when the confetti drops on a completed task, making the entire project seem more manageable!
4. Take care of the most important tasks when you’re most productive
We often tend to push more daunting tasks as far down the line as possible, but by the time we get to them we are burnt out and too tired to give it the attention it needs. This is how big tasks seem to drag over additional days making it seem like productivity has dipped. The key to overcoming this is understanding how and when you work best. Use the time you work best to take on the bigger tasks. It’s also important to understand that there is no “one-size-fits-all” schedule that works for everyone, not everyone is a morning person; but if you are, make sure to take on the big tasks first thing in the morning.
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