photo:9to5chic
Do you get all fired up and ready to smash that to-do list in the morning but find yourself with more to do than ever in the evening? Even with the best of intentions we can get distracted and end up self-sabotaging ourselves when it comes to workplace productivity.
Here are five ideas to help you get productive and stay that way.
1. Be your own Cheerleader
If you approach a task thinking it will drag, chances are it will. Shift your language choices when tackling even the mundane tasks and you’ll be less likely to distract yourself away from being productive. Use positive words and create awards for yourself as a way of staying motivated.
2. Apply the 80/20 rule
The Pareto principle states that 80% of your results come from only 20% of your actions. Identify which tasks on your list really make a difference to your end goal and prioritize accordingly.
3. Manage Your Time
Set a timer and work in time blocks. While the timer is running, avoid ‘productivity killers’ such as social media and email notifications and maybe even set your phone availability to do not disturb. It sounds extreme but you’ll be thankful when you find your flow and steam through your daily jobs with ease.
4. Tap into Apps
There are hundreds of time management and productivity apps out there but you don’t need to use them all. In fact, if you tried every app that promises to boost your productivity and increase efficiency, you’ll never have any time to actually do the work. Experiment with productivity friendly technology but don’t let it become a productivity thief itself!
5. Take a break, often
Get up, walk away from the laptop and give yourself at least 10 minutes every hour to breathe away from work. It can be hard, especially if you feel you are on to something, but giving yourself space to let ideas settle is important when working on tasks.
Give yourself a break too: take the time to drop your expectations of your day and congratulate yourself on how far you have come already because you are awesome and so worth it!
The Career Girl Academy is taking place on the 27th November. With classes on how to build a business from scratch, become a successful blogger, get the job you want, manage your money and get your name out there, we will help make 2017 your year!
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