10 Simple Ways To Be More Productive
Finding simple ways that can boost my productivity is one of my favourite things to do. Because there are only so many hours in the day and those to-do lists just seem to be getting longer. So here are 10 super simple ways to make your day just that little bit more productive.
1. HEADPHONES
I'm pretty sensitive to my surroundings and find myself easily getting distracted. It's such a simple thing but by putting in my headphones and blocking out the world it means I'm completely focused on what I'm doing. The only downside to this is that you obviously can't hear what else is going on so keeping things at a low volume is important too.
2. DECLUTTER YOUR DESKTOP
Aside from keeping your real life desk clean making sure the computer you're working on has a tidy desktop is so important. I try to do this at the end of each workday so that each morning I'm looking at a fresh canvas instead of clutter.
3. REPLY TO E-MAILS IN BULK
If we replied to e-mails as soon as they came through when we'd never get anything done. Replying in bulk not only makes it one single task but it means you're not in your inbox all day.
4. SINGLE TASK
Ever since discovering the joy of single tasking I've stopped even trying to do more than one thing at once. Doing one task at a time might sound like it takes longer but it doesn't. It actually takes less time and the results are better because your focus isn't spread over 5 things.
5. HAVE A BREAK
When you've got a lengthy to-do list to tackle it might sound like ploughing through is the best option. And I used to do that and thought breaks were just a waste of time but they're so important. Even if it's just 5 minutes to get away from your desk and look out the window and walk around. When you've been looking at for something for hours on end your brain starts to miss things and you get a distorted view of what you're working on.
6. MAKE MULTIPLE LISTS
I swear by to-do lists anyway but I like to keep multiple lists for different aspects of my day. I find that if I tend to write it all in one than my day becomes scattered and I lose focus on the most important tasks at hand.
7. THE 2 MINUTE RULE
This is a super simple but effective rule to go by. If you think of a task that needs doing and it takes less than 2 minutes to do then do it instantly [within reason of course]. I find it's these little tasks that I put off the most but when you do them instantly then they're out the way and you don't have to write then on your to-do list.
8. DITCH YOUR PHONE
Some people need their phone for their job but a lot of us don't. I wish I had the self-control to not sit and scroll aimlessly through social media but I don't. Putting your phone somewhere where it's not in arms reach or on the other side of the room might seem ridiculous but it can stop so much pointless procrastination.
9. PRIORITISE
Chances are if you've written a task on your to-do list then it's important and needs doing. When writing your to-do list the night before [the best time] pop the most important things at the top and then work your way down.
10. HAVE A CUT OFF POINT
Working all hours of the day & night might be something that is highly glamourised in the online world but the reality is far from pretty. As much as we need to work to pay the bills. We also need to rest and take care of ourselves and allow ourselves to enjoy life. Creating a cut-off point in your day is key to continuing with your productive flow. Burning out is something that happens all too easily and often it can come out of nowhere. One of the biggest ways to avoid the dreaded burnout is by creating a cut off point for yourself.
Do you have any simple tips for boosting productivity?
R x
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