8 Tips for Improving Your Productivity

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Who can resist reading a post full of tips to help you get more work done? Here are 8 tips that can be useful when trying to get yourself motivated.

1. Clear desk, clear mind:

It’s good to organize things before you start working. If things are messy, it’s easier to get a little preoccupied and procrastinate even more. Clear your desk, sort everything out and get to work!

2. The two-minute rule:

If a task that needs to be done takes less than two minutes, just do it. This is a great way to sort out your priorities. Things, like checking your emails, making to-do lists, and organizing your desk don’t take long but help get in the mood for productivity. As they say “object in motion, stay in motion”.

3. Break your time up:

Schedule your work time and any breaks you need to take. This helps structure your day and acts as a motivation to get things done. Especially if you can reward yourself at the end!

4. Leave your phone alone:

Like for most of us, our phones are a big distraction but when trying to work, it is best to leave it alone. Out of sight, out of mind. Try leaving it on silent and behind you so you aren’t tempted to pick it up after every beep. Use your break times to check it.

5. Find your top five priorities: 

For most people, seeing a long to-do list can be overwhelming. Figure out the top five tasks that need to be done and work on those. If you’re able to complete those main things, you’ll feel like you’ve accomplished the day’s necessities and move on to complete some more.

6. Wear headphones:

 You don’t have to always listen to music but it can help block out any noise that can distract you. Another alternative to music is listening to podcasts or songs with no words. It’s a great tool to block out the world and stay focused.

7. Don’t multitask: 

As much as you think you can do it, trying to multitask usually ends up taking tasks twice as long to do. Stick to one task at a time. If you think of something you need to do, write it down and do it later.

8. Change things up:

Doing the same things in the same place can get very boring. Make the effort now and then to change where you’re working or how you’re working. This can include moving your work from the desk to the coffee shop for a change of scenery or working with friends. This is a fun way to get some work done!