What is one change people can make to their daily routine today that will help increase their productivity in the long run? Why is it effective?
These answers are provided by the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invitation-only organization made up of the world’s most successful young entrepreneurs. YEC members represent nearly every industry, generate billions of dollars in revenue annually and have created tens of thousands of jobs. More information at yec.co.
1. Remove digital distractions while working
One way to increase your productivity is to block out all digital distractions (like your cell phone) during your work hours. Try to limit your phone use to checking your emails and attending important calls. Never open a social media profile while you are at work. Removing these distractions is a great way to increase focus and increase efficiency.
– Josh Kohlbach, Wholesale Suite
2. Take advantage of every little opportunity
Making even one small change to your daily routine can dramatically increase your productivity. One change I would suggest is taking advantage of small opportunities throughout the day. For example, if you have a 10-minute break between meetings, respond to an email or clear your desk. Most people would be scrolling on their phone, but those breaks add up quickly.
– John Hall, Calendar
3. Establish a reading routine
One of the best ways you can increase productivity in the long term is to establish a daily reading routine. People like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett regularly include reading as part of their daily routine because it really works. Reading improves your memory and focus, puts new ideas and perspectives in front of you, and gives you a productive break from the rest of your work.
– Jordan Conrad, Writing Explained
4. Set your intentions first
When people allow the day to happen to them instead of having a plan and intentions for the day, that’s when productivity is at its lowest. Wake up and write down the three most important things you need to accomplish that day, and know that everything else is a bonus! This ensures you’re working on the right things, rather than just checking off a long to-do list.
– Diego Orjuela, Cables and sensors
5. Create your to-do list
A to-do list is essential. Do your most important things first. Get those things out of the way and off your plate so you can focus on the rest of the list. Only include items on the list that you know you can complete that day. An overly cluttered to-do list filled with things that you ultimately know will be put off until tomorrow does you little good and actually increases your stress levels.
– Andrew Schrage, Money Crashers Personal Finance
6. Start training
If you’re having trouble staying productive, you may be missing exercise from your routine. Exercising gets your blood pumping, which improves energy levels and can make you more productive. I recommend taking a short walk in the morning to get your energy levels up and ready for the day.
– John Turner, SeedProd LLC
7. Turn on your workspace
A simple change you can make to your daily routine to increase your productivity is to change your workspace. If you work from home, which most people do these days, working in the same room of your home can reduce your creativity and productivity. But working from a different space can boost your creativity and encourage you to complete your tasks.
– Jared Atchison, WPForms
8. Go to bed at the same time
A simple but powerful thing everyone can do is go to bed at the same time every night. When you have a regular sleep routine, your body and mind begin to associate a specific rest time. You’ll fall asleep easier and wake up feeling fresh and productive every day. You’ll get more done than if you stay up late and try to work when you’ve already had a long day.
–Blair Williams, MemberPress
9. Wake up very early
I have a habit of waking up very early in the morning. This gives me extra time in which I can get some important work out of the way before the demands of daily life become reality. If you get your most important work done early in the morning, you will feel good all day long. You will feel proud and motivated to continue doing good work.
– Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner
10. Take an afternoon nap
Believe it or not, an afternoon nap can boost your productivity. Right now, most of us are still working from home and we will continue to do so for years to come. This change has made our schedules more fluid than they were just a few years ago. Take this opportunity to take an occasional afternoon nap so you can come back and crush the rest of the day!
– John Brackett, Smash Balloon LLC
11. Have an hour-long lunch
I believe that an hour-long lunch can dramatically change productivity. Most people take a 30 minute break, or worse, eat while they are still working. I think an hour to step away and regain focus could be exactly what you need to get more value out of the second half of your shift.
– Chris Christoff, MonsterInsights
12. Limit meetings to 30 minutes
Some meetings can last well over an hour if there are many things to discuss. However, it’s harder for us to create more activities when we fill our calendars with meetings. Limiting your daily meetings to 30 minutes can help you be more productive in the long run.
– Maria Thimothy, OneIMS
13. At the end of the day, plan for tomorrow
Any work that remains open should be put on a list at the end of the day so that tomorrow’s to-do list won’t haunt you after you leave work. Most people make a to-do list at the beginning of the day, but that leaves you feeling anxious about all the things that weren’t completed the day before. If you write down all the unfinished work, you won’t have to think about it anymore.
– Jacob Tanur, click Play Movies