Staying productive is a challenge many people can’t cope with daily. Some wrestle with low effectiveness by watching how-to videos and reading best sellers. In contrast, others tank themselves up with gallons of coffee, hoping to get the necessary kick of energy to get through the day and deal with every task efficiently. And while both approaches can come in handy (it’s better not to go overboard with coffee, though), they may not solve productivity issues fully. What can then? You’d be surprised, but dealing with low productivity doesn’t require delving into complicated and so-called secret techniques. What you really need is serious intentions, a complex approach, and the following list of tips to keep you moving forward.
Use tools whenever possible
Being productive doesn’t mean going full-in and working for 20 hours a day. Today’s opportunities allow us to automate many tasks and benefit from modern technology, so why not use it? Applying digital tools will help you optimize your workload and secure tasks’ quality. Not only that, but you can also free your workflow of mundane tasks, thus moving to other things faster and boosting your efficacy in the long run.
The great thing about this tip is it is universal and applies to nearly any niche. For instance, this colorful facebook post maker online will be a game-changer for those operating in the marketing and SMM field, while Grammarly will be advantageous to copywriters and journalists. The list of such examples can be limitless, but the key point is: don’t shy away from turning to such tools whenever you can.
Live on schedule
Kick-starting to work on tasks on schedule may not sound appealing, especially if you don’t have such an experience. However, this can be the most natural and straightforward way to elevate your daily productivity. Our body is incredibly versatile and can adhere to any flow. While living on schedule may seem to restrict your life, it can make your off-work life more vibrant, let alone boost your workflow. By working day-by-day during the same time, you reprogram your brain and enable it to function at a high level and focus on work-related stuff. Once you’re adjusted to the rhythm, your work will be smooth flowing. That may take weeks, but it’s worth the effort.
Outline tasks in advance
Creating a step-by-step list for any task beforehand is an excellent way to bolster your performance and make it highly effective. For instance, it’s not uncommon for writers to compose outlines to project critical elements of the task on paper. Many jot down ideas they plan to elaborate on in advance, which helps them approach the job with a fresh mind the next day. You are highly encouraged to utilize and twist this method however you want. Importantly, ensure the concepts you write down are clear to you.
Tackle the most challenging tasks first thing in the morning
An eat-that-frog technique is popular among many people, as it lets them handle the least pleasant tasks first and have a significant part of the day ahead. Besides, your energy and tone will likely spike, allowing you to deal with other, much less demanding tasks faster. You may even be able to clock off earlier and enjoy the day if your boss allows you to do so.
Pro tip: To double down on this approach, determine when your workflow usually seems the most effective and try to pair it with working on the most difficult assignment.
Design a pre-, mid-, and post-work ritual
Waking up, taking a shower, and drinking coffee on the go are common ways of beginning a business day. But let’s be honest, it doesn’t affect your productivity. Building a ritual will help you savor the moment and set yourself up for work, increasing your motivation significantly. Analyze what you like and can do before, between, and after work. Listening to podcasts, scrolling the newsfeed, taking short walks, doing sit-ups, or having a healthy snack will let you forget about the job for a while, restore your productivity, and enhance concentration.
Ditch distractions
On the other side of the coin, technological advancement has negatively influenced our focus and effectiveness. We are prone to multitasking, checking our inboxes, replying to friends, and using social media platforms while working. Suffice it to say, combining multiple activities is debilitating to our productivity. And the best solution to the problem is simply to stop being involved in things unrelated to your work duties. Luckily, you can control your craving to use irrelevant tools with apps like Cold Turkey.
Design a plan
Arranging your work equals high effectiveness, and if you strive to invest in making your work high-quality, implementing this tip with outlining your task will work wonders. Start building a plan for the following day the night before and move to a weekly planning strategy. This way, you will know your daily priorities and even learn to move around your tasks without losing efficiency. It will also help you plan an excellent off-duty schedule.
Final words on maintaining productivity
Keeping productivity high doesn’t require taking sophisticated actions. Instead, you need a positive attitude, provided tips, and passion, as the results won’t happen overnight. Remember that high productivity likes consistency, so ensure to adopt these recommendations and exercise them daily. Finally, don’t forget to experiment; unusual strategies might be effective and increase your effectiveness.
