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We live in a world full of distractions be it social media notifications, that new Netflix series that your friend recommended, or even just sitting down to worry about all the things you need to do and not knowing how you will get them done. These distractions can often get in the way of the important tasks you really want to accomplish, such as studying for a big test, working on your small business tasks, or just something important to finish. Here are the top 10 ways to be your most productive self (take it from a master procrastinator who needs shortcuts to get things done).
1. Time Blocking
Ok, you are probably tired of hearing this advice because everyone talks about it but there is a reason why people swear by it and it is because it works.
Time management is all about prioritizing and knowing how to use your time efficiently. One way to do this is by time blocking. Time blocking is when you schedule out specific blocks of time for specific tasks.
For example, let’s say you have a project due in two weeks. You can time block by setting aside two hours every day to work on the project. This ensures that you are making progress on the project and not letting it fall by the wayside. This is an effective way to be productive because it allows you to focus on one task at a time. When you have a specific block of time set aside for a task, you are less likely to get distracted by other things.
My favorite way to time block is by using Google Calendar but you can use any digital calendar, or even a physical planner (preferably an hourly planner) to block out those chunks of times that you need to do this. You can get as specific or as general as you like. Find a time-blocking system that works for you!
If you are more of a paper and pen type of person, an hourly planner will work just as well.
Another great way to time block is using the pomodoro technique where you work in specific chunks of time to try to avoid distractions. Essentially you can work in 25-minute or 40-minute blocks to ensure you are getting your work done.
2. Plan Your Week
When it comes to being productive, one of the best things you can do is to plan out your week. This means setting aside time each week to sit down and map out what tasks need to be completed. This simple step can save you a ton of time and energy down the road. Not only will you have a better idea of what needs to be done, but you’ll also be able to better prioritize your time.
If you’re not sure where to start, try setting aside an hour each Sunday to plan out your week. Grab a cup of coffee and your favorite notebook or planner, and sit down to map out what needs to be done.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your time management. The point is to find a system that works for you and helps you get things done. If you’re not a fan of paper and pen, there are plenty of great apps and online tools that can help you keep track of your tasks. No matter what method you use, the key is to be consistent and give yourself a realistic overview of what needs to be done.
You can read more about the Benefits of Using a Planner. A simple way to plan your week is by simply using a Weekly Dashboard Notepad.
3. View Your Time as a Valuable Resource
We always often view money as valuable but we may forget the value of our time. I don’t mean this in an arrogant way, but to be conscientious of how you spend your time and if what you are doing is generating value to your life.
In order to be productive, you must first prioritize and make decisions on how you want to spend your time. This means that you have to be aware of what is important to you and what is not. For example, if you want to achieve a goal, you have to be willing to put in the time and effort to make it happen.
Time is a precious resource and it is important to use it wisely. This means that you should not waste your time on things that are not important to you.
4. Use Digital Tools To Optimize Your Life (Spreadsheets or Project Management Tools)
I am a pen-and-paper gal as much as the next person, but at the same time, I also harness the power of digital tools that can help you optimize different areas of your life, from work to personal finance. By being efficient, you can get more done in less time and have more free time for the things you enjoy.
Spreadsheets, project management tools, digital planners, and digital calendars can help us keep track of our lives and make sure we’re on track.
These can help you stay organized and on track with your projects. By using digital tools, you can ensure that tasks are completed on time and that you are meeting deadlines and they can even help you track your progress.
My favorite spreadsheet tool to use is Airtable. This is where I track my budget, my content calendar, home projects and I use it at work as well.
5. Find a Reminder System That Works For You
A reminder system can be a great way to help you be more productive. By setting reminders for yourself, you can ensure that you don’t forget important tasks or deadlines (or to cancel that free subscription you signed up for but want to remember to cancel). There are a variety of reminder systems available, so find one that works best for you. A calendar reminder can be a great way to stay on track but there are other ways. A great hack is to set a Slack Reminder for yourself by just typing /remind. If you are a person that is best reminded through post-its on your vanity mirror, that is a good way to go about setting reminders. Whatever system you choose, make sure it is one that you will actually use so that you can be as productive as possible.
6. Create Visual Cues for Tasks To Be Completed
One of the simplest ways to stay on top of your tasks is to create visual cues for tasks you need to complete. This can include setting down your vitamins in a place where they are easily visible so you can remember to take them or setting down your gym clothes in a spot where you will remember to put them on to go to the gym. By creating these visual cues, you’ll be reminded of the tasks you need to complete and be more likely to do them.
We all know the phrase, “out of sight, out of mind”. Well, this is exactly what happens with our brain when we don’t have something visible. I don’t know about you but if I don’t have my vitamins in a place where I see them, I will not take them for months on end until I remember to open up my medicine cabinet. This productivity hack works like magic!
7. Schedule Fun or Relaxation Within Your Weekly Plans
One of the best productivity tips I’ve ever heard is to schedule some time for fun or relaxation within your weekly plans.
At first, this may seem like a counterproductive thing to do but trust me, it works. By setting some time aside to just relax, you’ll be able to look forward to that day or block of time. And when we have a long to-do list, we may become overwhelmed with everything we have to do and not actually do anything at all. So by knowing that there is some time in your week to just relax, you will feel more motivated to do the other not-so-fun tasks.
Remember that rest is productive too!
8. Establish Keystone Habits
In today’s world, it’s easy to get bogged down by all of the things that we have to do. It can be hard to stay focused and be productive. But, if we can establish keystone habits, it can help us boost our productivity and reach our goals.
A keystone habit is a habit that helps you focus on one thing at a time. When you focus on that one thing, other goals that you may have will start falling into place. For example, if you want to lose weight, a keystone habit could be to exercise for 30 minutes every day. When you make exercise a habit, you are more likely to make healthy choices in other areas of your life as well.
If you are having trouble being productive, try establishing a keystone habit. Once you get into the habit of focus, you will find that your productivity will increase and you will be able to reach your goals. You can read more about Incorporating Keystone Habits Within Your Daily Routine.
9. Be Mindful of Your Health
If you want to be more productive, you need to take care of your health. That means eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. When you’re healthy, you’re able to think more clearly and work more efficiently. So don’t sacrifice your health in the name of productivity. Make taking care of yourself a priority and you’ll see your productivity improve in the long run.
I used to not get sleep in order to try to accomplish more during the day. I found that not getting sleep was dragging me down and I was actually getting less done than if I had just slept at a decent hour. Don’t make that mistake, don’t push yourself to the point of exhaustion.
10. Celebrate Your Successes
No matter how small your successes may be, it’s important to celebrate them! This will help you stay motivated and boost your productivity.
One way to do this is to reward yourself. Treat yourself to something special after reaching a goal. This could be something like a new book, a movie ticket, or a nice dinner. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that will make you feel good about yourself.
Remember, you are amazing and you deserve to give credit where it is due.
There are many ways to be productive and organized, but these are some of the most effective techniques that have personally worked for me. Do you have a great productivity hack that you would like to share? Let me know in the comments!
