Productivity is an elusive thing. Everyone who talks about it swears it is the Holy Grail of business success.
When building your business, there are many factors that come into play. One minute you feel like you can’t be stopped, but the next you have to fight to do even basic tasks. Fortunately, there are things that you can do that will improve your productivity. Here are nine great ways to help yourself get more done.
ONE: Cut Out the World for 2 Hours
Every day you should step away from everything in the world for two uninterrupted hours. Turn off your phone, sign out of social media, and ignore anyone who isn’t actively missing a limb. Any interruption can kill your momentum, so take this seriously.
TWO: Start with the Worst Thing
There’s always that thing that you hate to do more than any other, but the longer you put it off, the longer you put everything off. Get it done right away so that you can focus on more pleasant tasks.
THREE: Leave Your Phone Off
Even after the two hours, try to leave your phone off as long as possible. It will distract you every time it beeps or buzzes, so don’t let it get in your way.
FOUR: Try the 25-5 Method
For every 25 minutes of work you do, take a 5-7 minute break to stretch and relax. This allows your brain to refresh itself and will actually make you more productive than trying to power through several hours.
FIVE: Spend Your Lunches Learning
While you don’t have to do serious studying, listen to some podcasts or audiobooks while you eat. It will help keep your brain engaged so that you’ll be ready to jump back into your task rather than have to jumpstart your motivation again.
SIX: Do One Thing at a Time
Computers were built to multi-task, but human beings weren’t. If you try to do more than one thing at once, you’re going to end up spending more time on all of them than you would have if you concentrated on one at once. Moreover, it’s an easy way to start feeling overwhelmed.
SEVEN: Color-Code Your To-Do List
Not only is a traditional checklist boring, but you also end up doing things in order from top to bottom rather than thinking about how important any given task is. Instead, colour-code your lists with one pen for the most important things, one for medium-priority things, and one for things that you can get around to later if necessary.
EIGHT: Always Be Improving Yourself
Not only should you strive to make yourself better, but don’t waste a minute of the day when you could be. Find something that you love to do that also gives you valuable skills and fill in any time that you’re not otherwise engaged doing that. Don’t waste a minute.
NINE: Eat a Light Breakfast
Breakfast is absolutely the most important meal of the day, but if you eat too much you’ll end up feeling sluggish for hours. Have something light and healthy, especially if it includes fruit, to set yourself up for the rest of the day.
