Maximising productivity is a priority fo every team (specially with remote work on). If you feel like you don’t have enough time to do everything you want to do, maybe it’s time to check-in with you time management skills.
No one is born to be very good at this, so that’s ok if you think you’re bad in it. But, don’t worry, you can learn to boost your productivity and add hours to your day.
So, let’s see some tips:
1. Write out a to-do-list each day
You should have your three most important tasks (your priorities) at the top of your to-do list. Resolve to complete your priorities as early in the day as possible and not to move on to any other tasks before you have done so. This discipline can be life changing. Think about how effective you would become if you completed your most important tasks every day.
2. Find out your productive hours
Everyone has a certain time of the day in which they are more productive than others. Find out when your prime time is for productivity and optimize your work schedule accordingly.
3. Keep a notebook and pen on hand at all times
This way, you can write down your thoughts, to-dos and ideas at any time. The key is to get everything out of your head and onto paper. Your subconscious mind won’t be reminding you about it every other second. Another consideration is getting the app “notes”. Not only does this save you on ink and paper, ”notes” is a convenient place for you to jot down notes and thoughts and then share them with the team. In certain circumstances, this can prove useful if you’re the type of person that has a lot of ideas that you want to share.
4. Don’t multitask
Research has shown that multitasking is not productive. If you think you can multitask, think again.
For optimum productivity, focus on one thing at a time.
5. Batch similar tasks into a single batch
Tasks like blog writing, phone calls, email and errands can be grouped into a single batch. You will save time by completing similar tasks in one session. One way to help you with organising all of those things is through the app Todoist. It’s an easy and simple way for you to plan out your day, set reminders, and group all of your most important tasks in a convenient spot.
6. Tell other people about your goals
When you tell others about your goals, you will instantly be held accountable.
7. Learn to say “no”
We can’t do everything and therefore we must learn when to say no in order to save our sanity.
8. Take a break
You can’t always be working at optimum productivity. Instead, you should shoot for working in short bursts at your most productive times.
9. Go on an information diet
Most of the world lives on information overload. We must eliminate mindless Internet surfing.
Stop reading three different newspapers a day and checking your RSS feeds multiple times a day. Otherwise, you’ll never get anything done.
The key is to limit yourself only to information that you can immediately take action on.
10. Listen to music that boosts productivity
Distractions should be avoided, but sometimes a bit of music in the background can help you focus.
11. Exercises
Take a short walk at lunch or do some simple stretches during your break to maximize your productivity.
12. Learn keyboard shoercuts
With technology’s help, you can double your work efficiency. Even better, you learn all the shortcuts when using technology, for example keyboard shortcuts.
13. Set a timer
Estimate the time you need to tackle different tasks and set a timer for each of your tasks. How you go about this is up to you as there are many different ways. There is the Pomodoro technique, where you focus on a task for 25 minutes followed by a five minute break afterwards.
In the event that you have a task that will take much longer than that, you can consider one of the many timer-based apps. One that comes to mind is Clockify. It’s used for freelancers and entrepreneurs alike, however it’s a good way to be setting yourself a timer. It provides reports and you can serve as a project manager of sorts too. Best of all, it’s free.
