We all know the tips and tricks to do in order to become more productive. Unfortunately, no one ever tells us what not to do if you want to be more productive. We often mistake ‘being busy’ for ‘being productive’ and of course you can be both, but being busy does not necessarily mean that you are productive as well. Here are 5 things I try to stop doing in order to become more productive and hopefully this will be helpful for you as well :) .
1. Working long hours
Working long hours does not mean you get more work done. You need to make sure that you work effectively in the hours you work. We can only work effectively for certain hours, so having a 16 hours work day doesn’t mean your get more work done than in a 8 hours work day. Focus on working effectively in the hours that you work and not on working a lot of hours in order to get things done.
2. Saying ‘yes’ to everyone
This one is probably the most difficult one for me. Saying ‘yes’ to everyone is also what will kill your productivity. It is always better to do a few tasks very well than taking up a lot of tasks and not being able to deliver in the end. With fewer tasks, you will be able to focus fully on these tasks while you are working and keep everything organized.
3. Being a perfectionist
Being hung up on details will consume your precious time. Instead of focussing on the small things during your work, leave them till the end. If you have some time left at the end of your day, you can always go back and finish off these details.
4. Not taking breaks
Guilty! Not taking breaks is what will kill your productivity. We can only focus and concentrate for a certain time and after that you will become less productive. So schedule in breaks or me-time, put your work away, relax, eat or go for a walk. We need breaks during our work in order to stay productive.
5. Trying to do everything by yourself
It is okay to ask for help if you need it. Most people have a problem with this one and don’t want to ask others to help them. Some see it as weakness and others just don’t want to bother other people. But everyone can use a little help from time to time, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Do you have any other things that we need to stop doing in order to become more productive?