There is a common belief that productivity means getting as much done as possible. However, many leaders and productivity gurus disagree with this idea because it implies that any work, including busy work and pointless tasks, can make a person feel productive. Unfortunately, the opposite is true: doing busy work without making progress can leave you feeling burned out. The alternative idea, therefore, is that productivity means completing the most important tasks in the most efficient way possible.
For those of us who struggle to feel productive throughout the workday, here are some methods to help you improve work productivity.
1. Task boards
One of the easiest ways to increase your productivity and efficiency is to visualize all the tasks and important assignments that need to be completed. Tools like Trello are great for this. Trello is a project management tool that simplifies task management by letting users organize lists and tasks that can be modified and archived. For mobile app users, Todoist is another task manager that can help users track and prioritize things that need to be done.
By visualizing a complete list of your tasks and goals, you can efficiently prioritize your time so you get the most important things done during the day.
2. The Pomodoro Technique
Productivity gurus who strive for work efficiency swear by a method called the Pomodoro Technique. The method was first developed by Francesco Cirillo, an efficiency consultant who worked in the software industry.
The Pomodoro Technique divides your workflow into 25-minute increments where you can focus on one task without any distractions. After each 25-minute step, you can take a short break and then start a new 25-minute set.
The steps will help you get into a stable workflow that allows you to stay focused for longer periods of time. The increases help combat distractions in the workday such as checking your phone, checking your email, and other minor disruptions.
Mobile apps like FocusBooster can help users time their steps and track their Pomodoro sets with notification alerts.
3. Use music to focus
Another way you can increase your productivity is by listening to music to help you concentrate. Although not for everyone, for those who enjoy listening to music while they work, listening to instrumental pieces can help those who need to tune out excessive noise or chatter in their work environment.
Ambient music, classical music, white noise, and even nature sounds like rain showers can help listeners maintain focus while they work. Apps like Will To Focus create specialized playlists and soundscapes for listeners who need to focus on their projects.
If you’re considering trying this method, consider choosing music with a slow and steady tempo if you like a relaxed atmosphere, or an upbeat tempo if you like to work at an energetic pace. Also consider setting the music volume to a level that allows maximum concentration on your work.
4. Morning routines
Establishing a morning routine is one of the best ways to start your day productively. Entrepreneurs like Tony Robbins and Tim Ferriss share with their followers the importance of a morning routine.
Robbins himself has a list of rituals he performs every day to start his morning in the right mood. His routine includes meditating, practicing gratitude and positive visualization, imagining himself achieving his goals. Ferriss, on the other hand, has interviewed more than a hundred different leaders about their morning routines in his book Tools of Titans. Ferriss’ morning rituals include making his bed, doing push-ups, drinking a cup of pu-erh tea and journaling.
Start your day with an energetic morning routine as you head into your workday.
5. Check your messages at regular times
Finally, another productivity method is to set a time to check your emails and messages. Many productivity gurus advise against checking your messages first thing in the morning, which can leave you feeling scattered and overwhelmed. Instead, they recommend setting a time block to check all your messages at once, rather than responding to messages throughout the workday. This avoids unnecessary interruptions to your focus and workflow, which can be difficult to recover once you check your phone and take the time to respond. Unless it’s an urgent matter, most emails and messages can wait.
When it’s time to check your email and messages, you’ll have more time to focus on crafting an appropriate and optimal response.
6. Use the available web services
Nowadays there are numerous web services available that can help you save time and thus increase productivity.
For example, if you have a business whose functions can be outsourced, you can use websites like Fiverr to quickly find freelancers, instead of posting on job boards, which can be very time-consuming.
Here’s another example; When you’re looking for financing, it’s time-consuming to go from bank to bank – both online and offline – to fill out loan applications. Instead, using websites like Opportunity Business Loans, you only have to fill out one application and you’re instantly connected to over a hundred different lenders, saving you enormous amounts of time and money.
Now over to you
What is the best way that works for you when it comes to increasing productivity? Please share it with us!