“Increase Productivity,” it’s a term we hear often. We’re living in a time where people want to work smarter and that’s code for increasing productivity. The idea is if we work smarter, we can work for less hours all the while getting more done. I’m really into work / life balance. So as much as I love when my productivity increases, I equally love feeling my life has improved.
Here’s a list of 11 ways to increase productivity:
- Plan your day: Start your day with a clear plan of what you need to achieve. Make a list of tasks and prioritize them by their importance. For example, I would make a schedule on the Sunday before the start of a week planning each class, break, and time for work.
2. Eliminate distractions: Identify the things that distract you the most and eliminate them. This could be turning off your phone or email notifications or finding a quiet place to work. During the workday, I would prohibit myself from watching YouTube. I could then focus on my homework or personal matters.
3. Use the Pomodoro technique: This time management technique involves working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break. After four 25-minute work periods, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. Take breaks: It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. This will help you to stay focused and be more productive in the long run.
“Identify the things that distract you the most and eliminate them”
4. Batch similar tasks: Group similar tasks together and complete them in a single batch. This can save time and reduce the number of transitions between different types of work. For example, I would work on my writing tasks, such as essays for school and applications for an internship, consecutively.
5. Use technology: There are many apps and tools available that can help you to manage your time more effectively. Use technology to your advantage and find the tools that work best for you. Simple apps include Notes, Google Calendar, and ClickUp.
6. Prioritize self-care: It’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly can all help to boost your productivity. Take care of yourself so you can perform at your best.
“Group similar tasks together and complete them in a single batch”
7. Set aside time: Set aside time for activities that you enjoy, such as hobbies or spending time with loved ones. This may motivate you to complete more work prior to the break, thus increasing productivity. I would always maximize the amount of work that I do before a holiday break.
8. Use the two-minute rule: If a task can be completed in two minutes or less, do it immediately. This will prevent small tasks from piling up and causing unnecessary stress. Do you have a stretch or a quick exercise in your routine? Do that first and revel in the accomplishment.
9. Get feedback: Ask for feedback from colleagues, managers, or customers. This can help you improve your performance and increase productivity.
“If it can be done in two minutes or less, do it immediately.”
10. Take care of your environment: Make sure your work environment is comfortable, well-lit, and free from distractions. This will help you stay focused and reduce stress. Keep your workspace organized and clutter-free. This will help you to stay focused and be more productive. Alternatively, if possible, move to a clean area. I would often move from my room to the library to work because the library was already a clean and open environment.
11. Use positive affirmations: Use positive affirmations to motivate yourself and build confidence. This can help you stay focused and productive during challenging times. Stick to “I can get this promotion” or “I will get this job” as opposed to “I might not be able to…”, etc…
These productivity tips have helped me immensely and among my favorites are planning my day, taking care of my environment and using positive affirmations. I’ve noticed that when I’ve tried these things a little bit at a time, I’ve felt a big improvement to my productivity and increased happiness in my life.
Have any of these tips helped you to increase your productivity? If so, share it with us. We want to hear from you.
