What is productivity?
Formally saying, “The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input” is known as productivity.
To excel more in life we have to increase our productivity too. Nowadays people don’t have enough time to read hundreds of books to get nuggets of wisdom. They want a simple, actionable, and quick solution. So, we are discussing the top ten quick and easy ways to increase your productivity
Take control of your day - Conquer Procrastination
It is the major roadblock to productivity. People who procrastinate don’t feel productive. They always feel overwhelmed and unsuccessful. So, here is a simple process that will help you get things done.
- Make a list of the most important you have to get done on the whole day.
- Start from the first task.
- While doing a task don’t think about the other ones. You will not feel overwhelmed.
- After getting it done, just scratch it out. It will give you a sense of accomplishment.
In this way, it will be much easy for you to get things done at the right time.
Create a step by step plan
In the first point, we mentioned that you should make a to-do list for the whole day. Well, it is not enough. Now, you should make a detailed step by step plan for your important tasks.
Example
Suppose that someone has to go to a gym but he finds it difficult too. In this case, he should break this task into smaller ones. Be specific right down the place that time the items that you need. Just like…
- I had to go to a gym at a certain time.
- I had to be there at a certain location.
- I needed certain items maybe like workout clothes or tennis etc.
In short, be specific right down the steps that you’re going to take to accomplish the specific goal.
Example
Suppose that someone has to go to a gym but he finds it difficult too. In this case, he should break this task into smaller ones. Be specific right down the place that time the items that you need. Just like…
Stop Multi-tasking
Most people believe that multi-tasking is essential for productivity. It is not true! Yes, we can do different things at the same time as walk and talk. But, we will not be able to effectively focus on anything in this way.
- We cannot effectively focus on two things at a time.
- Switching from one task to another takes a serious mental toll.
- High productivity can be achieved if we focus on one thing at a time.
- Studies have shown that multitasking can reduce productivity by up to 40%. Switching between multiple tasks takes a few tenths of seconds, but this can start to add up when people begin switching back and forth repeatedly.
Example
If you have to talk to a friend then don’t do it while working on an important document. In this way, you will not be able to focus effectively on both of them. Ultimately, it will take much time!
Take breaks
It increases our productivity instead of decreasing it. Hectic work drains our energy just like hectic application drains the power of our gadgets!
- The break helps to recharge and keep us from getting bored.
- It helps us to stay focused on our work.
- Not taking regular breaks increases our health risks.
- Work in chunks of time with regular breaks.
- Make sure to take at least two fifteen minute breaks during the workday.
Get proper sleep
Generally, it is believed that “Less sleep= More time to work”. Yes, you will have more time to work but, your energy will be low. It is the same as cutting a tree with a poor quality ax in 2-3 hours. Instead of sharpening the ax and completing the same work in much less time. So the choice is yours!
- Sleep deprivation drains our energy.
- We are more productive at high energy levels.
- Our body needs a proper renewal of energy every day.
- Studies show bingeing sleep over the weekend and not sleeping during the week negatively affects our productivity. It upsets our circadian rhythms and makes it harder to get refreshing sleep.
Long Term Goals
As we discussed earlier that you should write down step by step plans/goals daily. In addition to this, your long-term goal should be defined clearly. Someone’s long-term goal could be like.
“I have to earn $20,000 in 1 year.”
These long-term goals/vision keeps us inspired.
Tell Your Goals To Others
Keep check and balance on yourself. But, tell your goals to your friends too. In this way, there will be a mild pressure on you that you have to prove yourself now.
In meetups, they will ask you about your goals and improvement. It will help you to stay focused.
Exercise/Meditation
Has it happened to you that you want to do the work of your choice but the body is not supporting your brain? Or, maybe, your body is active but the mind is distracted?
“Peaceful Mind + Active Body = Good Health”
Have you observed that people who do exercise daily even just for 15-20 minutes stay more active than others? Yes, exercise keeps our bodies active. Additionally, just 5 minutes of meditation/day, keeps our mind much aware. It increases our concentration power exponentially.
If you want to keep your car in good condition then you have to take care of it as well. Our body is like machinery. To take benefit from it, you have to take care of it too. So, spare at least 30 minutes for yourself per day.
Social Circle
It is said that “you are average of five people whom you are closed too!”
So, do you want to be productive?
Are your friends productive?
Do you have the company of successful people?
Our social circle affects us in many ways. Never deny its importance. Keep yourself surrounded by the people who positively impact you.
Practice
Now you have read all these points. Do not just plan to take action. Take the first step towards improvement right now. Maybe just a baby step. Something is better than nothing!
There is no need to get overwhelmed. Take steps towards improvement gradually.
Write down the one main and important task that you have to complete. Start following the above-mentioned points just for this task. We know that you will be able to complete it in a good way. After that, you will feel increased self-confidence. At that point, repeat this process for your other tasks too.
Soon, you will feel many positive changes in your behavior. Cheers
