Successful people have the same number of hours each day as the rest of us. Still, they seem to get so much more done on a daily basis. How? Why is it that many of us are busy all the time, yet fail to deliver results like them?
The answer lies in productivity. Successful people are very productive. They get more done in less time. If we are to add more hours to our lives, we need to increase our productivity.
As our productivity goes up, we are able to free up more time for ourselves. We don’t have to work round the clock and reach our breaking points in order to be more productive. The key is to optimize everything we do.
In this article, let us look at 7 ways to increase our productivity.
Prioritize –
The golden rule of productivity is to prioritize your tasks. Every day, it helps to have a list of things to get done. Arrange them in the order of importance. Tackle those that have to be done – leave the rest for another day. Also, for some people it is better if they take care of the hardest tasks first. For others, it helps to take care of the easiest tasks in the beginning. Figure out which works for you, and arrange your tasks in that order. Also, identify the everyday time stealers – TV shows that you don’t really care about, idle internet browsing, chatting with people unnecessarily – and cut them down.
Organize –
De-clutter your work space. This saves time and makes you feel better instantly. Group similar tasks in one run – for example, if you have a list of things to buy, you can get them all in a single trip to the mall. Lists can help a lot in various other tasks as well – they keep you organized. Identify ways to organize your home and work space. Simple things like using the laundry basket can save time and space!
Focus –
While you are working on something, focus exclusively on it. It doesn’t help to have constant inner chatter running in the background every time you sit down to do something. Don’t worry about pending tasks on your list while you work on one item.
Delegate –
Productive people aren’t afraid to delegate. Ask for help when you need it. Don’t require perfection in what others do for you; let the things just get done. And finally, when you have too much on your plate, learn to say no to more work.
Time it right –
Some of us are morning people; others are at their best at night. Do the key tasks on your list at such productive times. Often, a break helps you clear your mind and approach a problem from a fresh angle. That can make you more productive. Also make sure you choose a time when you would be least likely to get distracted.
Place it right –
Choose an uncluttered environment to work in. Also, make your work place as less prone to distractions as possible. The presence of TV, internet, friends, pets – sometimes even mirrors – can easily take your mind away from the job at hand. Make sure your workspace has a vibe that encourages you to be productive. Motivational posters, quotes, books etc can help set the vibe.
Make it fun –
The most important rule is to make your task fun! If it overwhelms you, make it into a challenge. Tweak boring tasks to games. Use background music to help. Reward yourself for successfully completing a task.