As the cliché goes, productivity is the key to success. You may be a big time dreamer, with big plans for success, but at the end of the day, it all boils down to your productivity. It is important, to note that productivity is not a constant and consistent effort; it can change from day to day, depending on your activity. Having said that, the goal should be, to be as productive as possible. Building a routine helps in maximising your productivity on the daily basis.
The following is a list of 10 habits which are followed by productive people; one can incorporate these habits into their lifestyle to see the change in their patterns of productivity.
- Make a list of all your activities
Often, we forget about many of our meetings, chores, and errands, so writing them down will ensure that we have it all registered. You need not carry a notepad with you; rather install a planner on your mobile phone or laptop for constant reminders. Also, make your list realistic. Do not put in 30 different tasks and activities, instead cut down your to-do list in half. The less-is-more approach will allow you in accomplishing your daily goals with finesse and perfection.
- Sleeping well and taking breaks
Though this tip sounds a little contradictory, it makes a difference. A regular sleep schedule of 6 to 8 hours can work wonders for your productivity. A well-rested mind can work well; plus, sleep reduces stress levels. Also, a short power nap during the day can recharge your body for the rest of the activities. So taking breaks and sleeping well is the key to more productivity.
- Start your morning with new energy
Keep your early mornings solely for yourself. So avoid reading work related emails and checking your to-do list just as you wake up. Instead, get up, exercise, meditate, take a shower, eat breakfast and refuel yourself for the day. You can read the newspaper or watch something interesting on your phone/T.V, but keep your head free of any stress early in the morning. This will ensure that you start the day with a fresh mind and take the day as it comes.
- Tackle challenging tasks in the first half of the day
As mentioned before, your mind is fresh and full of ideas in the morning, so try and finish all your challenging work in the morning itself. This way you won’t have to brainstorm later in the day when the mind is not well rested. Accomplish as many difficult tasks before lunch time; this will enhance your productivity and increase your momentum.
- Stop multi-tasking
As a contrary, as it may sound to this subject, multi-tasking reduce your productivity by manifolds. Instead of doing ten things badly at a time, do one thing perfectly. This way you won’t have to come back to the task and make a mess of everything. Multitasking is nothing but a productivity killer for most people.
- Be selective with your social interaction
This may sound a little tricky, but it is best to avoid people who do not add to your life. The man is a social animal, and socialising keeps us sane. Meeting friends and family members every once in a while helps us rewind and relax. But, try to avoid those who do not add value to your life or people you don’t care for much. Since meetings can take up a lot of your day, it is best to avoid people who don’t matter. Instead, you could use that time to get a job done and add to your overall productivity.
- Limit technological distractions
Believe it or not, the 5” inch device in your pocket/bag called the “Smartphone” is your biggest productivity killer. This world is always stimulated by electronic communication, which can cut down on your productivity. In addition to that, the various app notifications, text messages, social media calling, it just gets piled up. Once you jump into the virtual world, seldom will you come back on time, so limit yourself to checking social media once in a day, preferably later in the day and limit distractions.
- Outworking others
Productive people are more often than not, are very competitive. They have a knack for outperforming others. Outworking need not mean overworking, but they have a habit of organising their day in such a pattern that they get most of their jobs done on time. One need not be brilliant to outwork other. It is the sheer zest which keeps them going. Their day is meticulously planned, and they know exactly what they are doing, and how much effort does each task require. Analysing your day regarding the task at hand and trying to complete all of them with a strong spirit will add to productivity.
- Productive people embrace criticism
While most people cannot handle criticism, people who are productive, try to analyse the criticism which comes their way, they examine those words and use to their advantage. So instead of dismissing criticism and getting all defensive about it, it will be best if they can use it as a helpful tool towards success.
- Successful and productive people learn to embrace change
We all know that change is the only constant. Though people claim that they are not afraid of change, most of them loathe it. Change makes people do newer things and dips toes into newer territories which can be daunting. However, to improve our productivity, you must be open to change. Though it is hard to deal with, it could be the most rewarding period of your life.
So the list above pinpoints how successful and productive people maximise their time. We all have 24 hours in a day, so while some people just waste it, others use this time to their advantage. A few tips and tricks can not only improve your productivity but at the same time can enhance your outlook towards life. Being successful is all about time management and increasing productivity. If you can do that, then success will not be too far from you.
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