For years, go-getters have tried to crack the productivity code! The idea of getting more done in lesser time is an enticing one. With scores of tasks competing for our attention, how can we not love the idea of getting a handle on the endless to-do list? But keeping it all together” is myth, and most of the stress we feel about our schedules can be traced to some key practices.
Productivity and organizational growth are in a steady relationship, directly proportional to each other. A workplace has to be driven by efficiency and attainment that manifests itself in the form of tangible results for the organization. However, when your to-do list begins to grow, your efficiency often starts to dip. You start having trouble focusing and working to your optimum level. So how do you address this individual concern and overcome this challenge? And how to keep the distractions at bay and increase your productivity level?
Read on for some tips on how to increase your productivity and get your job done faster!
Realisation:
An important factor that determines your efficiency is having the realisation that you are slacking off. If you think that taking a 30 minute break after your lunch is your right, then something is definitely wrong! The consciousness that you’re wasting your and your employer’s time is the biggest motivation you can ask for. Knowing your level of efficiency will help you perform better simply because you know how and where you’re wasting time.
Prioritise, Prioritise, Prioritise
Prioritising your work can take you far when it comes to enhancing your productivity. Make a mental note of all the tasks you need to complete in the day and follow them meticulously till you’re done with them. Employ strategies to manage your time, work pressure and energy. You should know what your goals are and should calculatedly work towards them. This will help you craft a timeframe for finishing your chores. You will also spend the right amount of time in the right areas and not major in the minors.
Avoid Multi-tasking:
That may sound strange in a world where we taught that multitasking is the answer to improved productivity. But the truth is far from it! You not only lose concentration and interest when you multi-task but often tend to forget things. Try focusing exclusively on one important task at a time and see your productivity skyrocket!
Delegate and Clump up the smaller tasks:
All working individuals have a list of regular tasks to be performed on an everyday basis which can be broken into smaller tasks. It is advisable to pick out and “clump” the related items together. This prevents us from having to jump back and forth to the similar duties which hinder productivity. This is where a solid support system can also come in handy! Are there people around you who can help you and on whom you can easily rely on? They are your resources, so whenever suitable, utilize their time and talents judiciously to execute things more quickly.
Choose the right time:
Almost everybody has that time of the day when they are most efficient and time when they tend to drag. Your prime time is when you are your most productive. For most it’s either the mornings or the evenings. Use this time to take on your most challenging and valuable tasks. You can also create chunks of nonstop, focused time where you can work steadily for 60 to 90 minutes. Aim for this during your prime time and get rid of all distractions. You will be surprised at how stress-free and productive you can get at the same time.
Revitalize yourself:
We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most essential meal of the day but most of us often skip it. Start your morning with something wholesome and healthy as an empty stomach can leave you feeling exhausted and less productive. Also with increasing work pressures, most people overlook breaks completely. But taking a suitable lunch break has its positive psychological advantages. It’s the best way to get an instant power boost for the left over day. Employees who take proper lunch breaks regularly end up spending an astonishingly efficient and resourceful second half of their workday.
Know how to balance stress:
People with high productivity levels have exceptional emotional and social wellbeing. They can perceive the bigger picture! They are conscious of their pressure points and can identify moments of stress and respond accordingly. They are resilient and can confidently bounce back from demanding situations. They know where they are headed to and realise the significance of stopping to ensure that they are on the correct path. They know how to recharge!
None of these strategies are impossible! We can all make subtle alterations to the way we think, work and balance stress. So start thinking about what can you do differently, go ahead and do it!
