We all want to be productive, but many of us mistake multitasking for productivity and end up slowing ourselves down more than anything else. You’re going to need to slow down, take a step back, and make a couple of changes if you want to become truly productive.
Stop Multitasking
You’re not good at it. No one is. No one really does it, to be honest. When we alternate between multiple tasks we aren’t really putting focus on any of them, slowing down the process. You’ll actually get more done if you ignore all other tasks until you’ve spent the time you need on the one in front of you. This means not checking emails, answering the phone, or doing anything else that isn’t a dire emergency. Multiple tasks are simply distractions. You’ll end up with more free time at the end of your day if you simply work down your list one item at a time.
Sleep Well and Structure Your Morning
Sleeping well is critical to a productive day; no one works well when exhausted. Having a set morning routine is helpful as well. Get up a little early and work down your morning to-do list. Many successful people include their showers, breakfast, coffee, meditation, self-improvement reading, and even exercise before they begin their work day. A lot of people find that early mornings are great because there are less distractions. Start getting up a little earlier – just 15 minutes or so at a time – and see how it alters your productivity levels.
Remember to Take Breaks
Mental fatigue kills productivity. The Pomodoro Technique is simple and can help you to stay focused. You work for 25 minutes and then take a short break. After four 25-minute work sessions you take a longer break. The time-frames for the breaks can vary depending on your needs. Just make sure you aren’t using your breaks to focus on other work tasks and make sure you come back to the same task each time until you’re finished with it.
The more productive you are, the more you’ll be able to grow – whether you’re looking to grow your business or your personal life. You’ll enjoy feeling a sense of accomplishment each day.
3 Tips for a Legitimately Productive Day
