Some days I feel like I can’t get anything done at all. And other days I can plow through everything on my to-do list. Perhaps you can relate and feel like this some days?
As I started thinking about what makes me so productive on those days, I contemplated those things and developed a list of what makes me most productive as well as what limits my productivity. While I still have days that aren’t as productive as others, this is a good list to increase your overall level of productivity.
How to Boost Your Productivity
Prioritize your day
First of all, knowing what is most important allows you to take care of the critical tasks first. Then, if time allows, you can do the less important items. This helps to eliminate stress and make the most of your time each day, while keeping you focused on what has to be done.
Create a written action list
Next, an action list based on your priorities details the specific tasks that need to be completed each day and keeps your on track. This list keeps you focused as it is your roadmap to getting things done.
Learn to say no
We each have the same amount of hours in the day to get things done and don’t always have time to take on new duties. Of the things that we are often asked to do, we aren’t always excited to do those things. Remember that no is a perfectly valid answer and does not require an explanation.
Stay fit and active
Getting regular activity will help increase your energy, help you sleep better and can help you increase your productivity. Even a few minutes a day can help clear your head and many people find time exercising helps their creativity.
Limit time wasters and distractions
We all know that distractions can derail progress and as a result, stop or limit productivity. By figuring out where your time is being wasted (social media, television, browsing the internet, etc), you can use those as only a short break after a period of focused productivity. If necessary, set a timer for an hour to work and give yourself a 10 minute break. Be sure to get back to work after break time is over though!
Make yourself unavailable
There is no reason that you need to be available 24/7 to everyone for any reason. With modern technology, this seems to be the expectation but it can really have a negative impact on our productivity. From time to time, it’s perfectly acceptable to shut off your phone and email and go off the grid.
Think positively
Thinking positively can have a huge impact on productivity as well as overall happiness. It can help you avoid getting trapped believing that some things are impossible or are not likely to happen for whatever reason. Negative thoughts are the quickest way to derail productivity or even cause progress paralysis. If you find yourself struggling with negative thoughts, take a brief break and recharge.
Simplify your life
Because overcomplicating life can easily derail productivity, simplifying your life is helpful. Having too much stuff, too much to do, and too many obligations can create chaos and overwhelm. Simplifying your life by removing unnecessary things and tasks can really help. If you don’t need it or it doesn’t add value to your life, get rid of it!
Get up earlier and have quiet time
Because one of the best ways to increase mental clarity and focus is to have a few minutes of quiet, focused time in the morning. Try to avoid plunging into the chaos of the day by starting the day with quiet time. This is an ideal time to read, meditate or even take a brisk walk and get the productive juices flowing!
Do you ever find your productivity suffering throughout the day? When you feel unproductive, how do you get back on track and get things done? Share your tips with us in the comments below!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
July 8, 2016 at 8:46 amIt took me so long to learn this, but you have to be able to say no, and you have to think positively. A good attitude is half the battle. And it’s VERY hard to be productive when you spread yourself too thin.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…5 tips for preventing bedbugs while traveling
Karissa says
July 8, 2016 at 5:22 pmI think these are great tips, I took away a few! Now I just need to implement them!
Two boys and a hubby says
July 8, 2016 at 10:47 pmI took a month off of my personal Facebook and it felt so good. I also started saying no a lot more to things I just don’t have time for.
lisa says
July 8, 2016 at 10:55 pmWhat a great list. I already follow a few of these tips like keeping a list!
Christy Garrett says
July 8, 2016 at 11:43 pmToday was a productivity blooper day. I woke my youngest up to check his temperature (he was running high unexplained fevers) so I made my appearance super early to check on him. So we hung out, had breakfast, and waited for the doctor office to open. Thankfully, he was seen so that he could be treated. I basically ended up taking a few hours off(entrepreneur guilt). I’ll have to do double duty tomorrow.
I try to keep a set schedule but life happens. I love being able to have a flexible position that I can handle things while trying to earn a living.
Christy Garrett recently posted…How To Overcome An Eating Disorder
Kelly Hutchinson says
July 9, 2016 at 5:17 amThanks for the tips. I really need to work on boosting my productiveness. I have been slacking.
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Jeanine says
July 9, 2016 at 9:38 amNow this is a post for me! My productivity has been way down and I can’t for the life of me get it back up there. These are some great tips!
diana says
July 9, 2016 at 3:09 pmYou have lots of great tips. I write down a list of things I need to do each day to keep me organized and productive. It truly helps!
Dogvills says
July 9, 2016 at 10:38 pmThese are very helpful tips. Creating an action list is very important for me. I need to write down everything that needs to be done or I’ll forget them.
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Angela Kanellopoulos says
July 10, 2016 at 3:36 pmthese are seriously some great tips! I am such a procrastinator! LOL great post!
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Stephanie Pass says
July 10, 2016 at 9:37 pmI think my hardest thing is to make myself unavailable. I can do it, but then I feel guilty, which is ridiculous.
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Ann Bacciaglia says
July 10, 2016 at 9:57 pmThese are great tips for boosting your productivity. I get distracted to easy. I need to set time limits to get tasks done.
Lynndee says
July 11, 2016 at 8:34 amI can totally relate with you – there are times that I’m such a blah and there are times too that ideas just keep on pouring. That’s normal I guess but I always try my best to stay focus.
CourtneyLynne says
July 11, 2016 at 10:08 amThese are some great suggestions!!! I’m all about list!!!! If I write things out, they always get done!
Tiffany Hathorn says
July 13, 2016 at 5:46 pmThese are all really great tips! I have been working on being more productive as well. Juggling single parenting, working from home, and homeschool can be challenging.
Kristin says
July 19, 2016 at 2:18 pmI do a lot on this list already, I think that waking up early seems to work best for me. Thank you for sharing.