7 Habits Of Productive People

 

It doesn’t matter what type of job you have – everyone wants to be more productive. But getting a caffeine overdose and setting up lists won’t make you any more productive today.

Looking for a way to kickstart your productivity? Misconceptions about what actually makes you productive can often put people off the right path. It's important to not make assumptions, as what's needed is an open mind and willingness to learn about this hidden factor of success. If you really want to be productive, you’ve got to make a point to do fewer things.

Here are a few habits to keep in mind for increased productivity:

1. Cut your to-do list in half. It's not always about getting as much done as you can at work. You have to learn the art of time management or risk being stressed out from trying to get so much done. Improving your efficiency and keeping a strict to-do list will do wonders for your stress levels and productivity!

2. Take more breaks. After intense periods of work, our brain generally tires out. This is because it's depleted of glucose, so to give yourself the chance to refresh your brain you should go for a walk, have lunch or maybe meditate. You’ll come back reinvigorated to make the most of your time.

3. Follow the 80/20 rule. Out of all the things you do each day, 20% will account for 80% of your results. Focus on the things that matter during your workday. Get the repetitive tasks out of the way first to have enough mental capacity for other things, and put your focus into what matters to you and your company. If you're struggling, you can use the Pareto Principle. Allot some time to break your project down into steps and remove tasks until you get to the 20% that generates 80% of the results.

4. Tackle your challenging tasks before lunch. Knock out tough tasks when your brain is at its best. If you have any busy work or meetings, leave them for the afternoon. By scheduling your day this way, it will become a lot easier to manage your time and create a new way of being productive.

5. Improve your email etiquette. Email is a productivity killer and usually a distraction from tasks that actually matter; don't fall into this productivity trap. Consider copying only the people who are directly involved in the conversation. Not only does this save time, but it will also reduce distractions due to unnecessary noise.

6. Create a system. You have probably developed a few bad habits in the past that have hindered your productivity in the professional world. Implement a system to counteract your distractions. It's time to stop checking your emails every few minutes and save some time for your other responsibilities. Set aside a morning slot, an afternoon slot, and an evening slot to batch your emailing! If you don't take the time to steer your focus, you could end up wasting a lot of time throughout the day.

7. Stop multi-tasking. The average person's IQ drops 10 points if they change tasks more than 10 times a day. Quit and start over. Avoid splitting your time and energy all over the place and focus on one task at a time.

"It is unwise to over-extend oneself in the course of a day's work." - Anon.