Increasing your productivity is actually a lot easier than you may think. Avoid the mid-afternoon sluggish feeling and overcome the lack of motivation and discipline with these handy tips. Keep reading to find out how you can manage your time more efficiently and increase your productivity in every facet of your life.
How to Be Productive.
A lot of people struggle with being productive. Sometimes this is the result of dissatisfaction with your job, inability to manage your time, being overwhelmed, or not having the necessary tools to complete your tasks well. All of these factors can affect your level of productivity.
3 Ways to improve work performance.
Here is the rundown on the three most important factors for improving your work performance: efficiency, motivation, environment.
1) Become More Time Efficient.
Feeling like you’re either overwhelmed or unable to complete the task at hand in the amount of time you have can make it impossible for you to produce. In fact, it may even make it harder for you to succeed. Managing your time properly will make you much more efficient and increase your output, as well.
Here are some tips to help you manage your time better and more efficiently:
- Make a schedule – and stick to it!
- Prioritize your tasks so that nothing is left to the last minute.
- Include more time than you think you’ll need – buffer time – in your schedule.
- Include the necessary break time in your schedule.
- Delegate tasks whenever possible.
- Do not over-commit yourself.
2) Motivate yourself.
A lack of motivation can make it challenging for anyone to work at their fullest potential. Motivation is the key to pushing yourself into action so that you can increase your output. Here are some tips for staying motivated both at work and outside of work.
- Work on something you are passionate about.
- Set short-term and long-term goals (attaining micro-goals boosts your motivation!).
- Create a reward system for yourself.
- Take breaks so you can work leisurely.
- Give yourself a mini motivational pep talk before starting a difficult task.
- Get the work you dislike most out of the way first.
- Schedule most of your productivity time around the time of day you are most efficient.
- Surround yourself with fellow, motivated individuals.
3) Create the perfect working environment.
You can only be productive if you’re working in an area that is conducive to success. For example, you need a space that is quiet, clean, and neat and is fully equipped with all of the tools you need to complete your tasks efficiently. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Work in a space that is quiet and free from distraction.
- Make sure you have all of the tools and equipment you need to complete your tasks before you get started.
- Put your phone away if you do not need it for work.
- Declutter your workspace so you can focus.
- Communicate with fellow employees to help build a friendly atmosphere.
- Take a five-minute break, and focus on deep breathing once or twice a day.
How to work faster and be more productive.
Being more productive and working faster doesn’t mean speeding through your tasks without being mindful of the quality of your work. It means eliminating the distractions that slow you down. Here are some examples that illustrate this concept:
- Remove your phone from your desk.
- Avoid using social media on your work devices.
- Avoid snacking at your desk – take a break away from your desk instead and return ready to focus.
- Socialize with your co-workers but don’t engage in hour-long conversations.
- Ask questions when you are uncertain rather than trying to figure everything out on your own, as this can waste precious time.
Working better.
The key to increasing your output isn’t working harder, but working better and more efficiently. The above-mentioned tips will help you improve your productivity at work and stay focused on the tasks at hand.
Think about your health.
Of course, there are also plenty of non-work related ways you can boost your productivity at work. Yes, you can improve your working self outside of work! How? Well, staying active and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can help.
Eating a well-balanced diet.
It’s no secret that sugary snacks contribute to the mid-afternoon slump. Instead, snack on high protein foods like nuts, yogurt, or cheese. These will satisfy your hunger, give you more energy, and keep you motivated for the remainder of the day. It is also essential to stay hydrated.
Be active.
Maintaining an active lifestyle will help you both inside and outside of the office. Regular exercise gives you more energy, even if you aren’t working out every single day. In general, you should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. Activities like walking, jogging, running, swimming, and biking are great for boosting your energy levels.
Plus, these activities help contribute to improved cardiovascular health, too!
Get enough sleep.
That sluggish feeling that is preventing you from reaching your full potential may be due to a lack of sleep. It is essential to take the time for a full eight-hour a night. Even if it means saying no more often and cutting out certain activities, getting enough sleep is non-negotiable.
Put your happiness first.
If you are working at a job that you do not like, it may be time to consider changing jobs. If you are really unhappy at work every single day, it will be challenging for you to stay motivated and work well.
If changing jobs is not an option for you, consider adding in some activity that you do enjoy. Whether it’s going to the movie theater every week or playing a sport, make sure you get in some time for yourself. This is so important when it comes to your level of happiness and motivation.
The bottom line.
The tricks to being more productive are being more efficient with your time management, boosting your own motivation regularly, and creating a workspace that is conducive to productivity. Leading a healthy life by exercising, eating right, and getting plenty of sleep will also help you reach your maximum potential.
