Do you feel like you are a productive person in your day to day? Are you able to get your work completed in the time frame necessary or do you constantly find yourself late for deadlines? Do you notice if you have a list of 5 things to do in a day you get through 1, 2 and 3 – but can never quite make it to the end of the list? If you’re feeling like your productivity could use a boost – don’t worry – many of us are in the same boat. Being productive isn’t about how smart you are, but instead developing certain routines to work smarter. Here’s a look at 5 habits of highly productive people – with a little practice, you can make these habits your own.
- Weigh out the tasks at hand in order of priority. Taking the time each day to map out a plan for how you’ll get everything done should be your first order of business, every day. There’s important tasks – these take priority and attention and there’s additional tasks – nice to haves. Right now, it’s time to focus on the tasks that are most important, give them your full attention – and get them done. If you have time leftover, you can then focus on the additional items.
- Get some exercise and relax in your off time. You’re probably wondering what exercise has to do with your productivity, right? Some of the world’s most successful people put just as much focus on their body as they do on work. It’s true! Getting the endorphins flowing, working your muscles and getting the heart pumping is invigorating and calming all at once. It helps to clear the clutter of your mind, giving you the opportunity to focus when necessary. Same goes for relaxing – work hard, play hard but also give your body and mind time to simply be. All of this is about finding balance.
- Take Breaks. Sounds crazy when you have so much to do, right? Wrong. Breaks are the reward you give yourself for accomplishing a task –and they provide the rejuvenation you need to focus on your next order of business. Go for a walk around the block, visit with a friend at the office, grab a coffee – whatever kind of break you enjoy, fully walk away from your work for a good ten minutes. Then, come back refreshed ready to tackle the next item on your to do list.
- Ditch the distractions. Can’t stop looking at your email, Facebook or Twitter? Is fiddling with your music selection taking over your time? Whatever it is, shut it down to get the job done. Focusing on one thing at a time is genius when it comes to cranking out the productivity.
- Give yourself a timeline. This is a really important step to following through with something and taking it all the way to completion. Many projects are multifaceted and have loads of steps involved – setting a timeline will help you strategize how to complete all the necessary steps. Add it to your calendar – and hold yourself to those deadlines.
Are these routines you can work into your daily life?
