10 Ways to Boost Productivity at Work
There are only so many hours in the day, so making the most of your time is critical; Even more so for an entrepreneur. There are two ways increase your output-- either put in more hours or work smarter. personally, but I prefer the latter.
Being more productive at work isn't rocket science, but it does require being more intentional about how you manage your time. This post will walk you through 10 simple but effective strategies for increasing your productivity at work.
1. Make to-do list – Every morning make a to do list. Separate these tasks into 3 categories: Red, Yellow, and Blue. Your blue tasks are any tasks that can be completed in under 2 minutes do these first. The red tasks are highly time sensitive and need to be done by a certain deadline. The yellow tasks are important but can be done after the red tasks.
2. Work in 90-minute Uninterrupted Intervals - Set a timer for 90 minutes and focus on a task or a project. Remember, no distractions. Place the first interval during the first 90 minutes of your workday to set the tone for a productive day.
3. Eliminate Distractions - Try to isolate yourself in a distraction free environment. The corner stone of this suggestion is to turn off all notifications or Do Not Disturb mode. You can take it a step further and leave your phone in another room or at least out of arms reach.
4. Clean/Organize your Workspace - Your space reflects your inner thoughts. If your space is cluttered and unorganized, so is your mind. Make sure your space is clear, your tools and supplies are organized. Make sure you have proper lighting and that your chair setting is relaxing but upright.
5. Quit Multitasking - While we tend to think of the ability to multitask as an important skill for increasing efficiency, the opposite may in fact be true. Psychologists have found attempting to do several tasks at once can result in lost time and productivity. Instead, make a habit of committing to a single task before moving on to your next project.
6. Take Regular Breaks- Some research has shown that taking short breaks during long tasks helps you to maintain a constant level of performance, while working at a task without breaks leads to a steady decline in performance.
7. Never Chase Perfection - Rather than wasting time chasing after this illusion, bang out your task to the best of your ability and move on. It's better to complete the task and move it off your plate; if need be, you can always come back and adjust or improve it later.
8. Exercise, Diet, and Bedtimes – Your body must be in the physical condition to perform at its best. If you’re habits don’t promote a well-rested, properly nourished, active lifestyle, you will see the effects in your production. Fatigue and sickness are the biggest production killers.
9. Improve the aesthetics of your workspace - It may sound unlikely, but some research shows outfitting an office with aesthetically pleasing elements--like plants--can increase productivity by up to 15 percent. Jazz up your office space with pictures, candles, flowers, or anything else that puts a smile on your face.
10. Reward/Discipline Yourself – After a day of work take time to reflect on how productive you were. If you were productive reward yourself. If you weren’t productive, hold yourself accountable. Make sure your self-set punishments aren’t damaging to your overall goals.
If you feel the need to increase your productivity at work, resist the temptation put in longer hours or pack more into your already-full calendar. Instead, take a step back, and think about ways you can work smarter, not harder.
- Johnny Wolfe
