Looking for ways to stay focused on the regular? Here are 10 easy ways you can increase productivity throughout the week. Make sure to bookmark this post if you’re looking to become the best version of yourself, and remember, it’s crucial that you work hard AND smart.
1. Compose a Detailed To-Do List
Jot down everything you need to accomplish, but be realistic. If it’s a Monday, include weekly goals as well. Star the most pressing tasks on your list and number them accordingly. I’m most alert from 5AM-12 PM and 4-9 PM so I prioritize and do the most difficult things then. I fade around 2 and feel lethargic until 4 so I work on “easier” assignments to make the most of my time. Everyone’s different so it’s important to keep track of your mental state throughout the day. Rate your focus on a scale of 1-5 for every hour to figure out when you’re most productive – do this diligently for a week, and you’ll be good to go.
2. Form Keystone Habits
They, in essence, create positive ripple effects, which lead to the development of other good habits. For example, exercising daily keeps you focused, motivates you to eat clean, helps with stress management, and does wonders for your self-esteem. Other personal favorites include waking up early, organizing/cleaning, reading, and meditating. If you’d like to learn more, make sure you pick up Charles Duhigg’s book, “The Power of Habit.” It’s seriously one of the most helpful books I’ve ever read, and it’ll change your life for the better.
3. Time Your Breaks
It’s far too easy to lose track and get sucked into the black hole that is netflix or youtube. A three-minute video or 30-minute show can easily turn into a 4-hour binge session. Do yourself a favor and set an alarm. Also, while we’re on the topic of breaks, let’s talk a bit about what you should do to rest your mind. As much as I love trash TV, I’ve discovered that indulging during the day does a number on my mind. It gives me brain fog, and it makes me feel lazy and unmotivated. I prefer to take a brisk walk outside with my dog or grab coffee with a friend to recharge.
4. Put Your Phone Away
This is a no-brainer, but when you’re working, lock your cell up. Personally, I like to put my phone in another room because if it’s near me, I’ll get distracted by notifications. I only check it during breaks because I don’t want it to mess with my focus.
5. Set Aside Times To Check Your Email
This goes hand in hand with number 4, but it’s worth mentioning anyways! Checking your inbox constantly will interrupt the flow of your concentration so designate times for email so you can focus 200% on the task at hand. Also, avoid social media and email when you first wake up. You don’t want your mind to be in a reactive state so craft a morning routine that sets you up for success. Read Hal Elrod’s “The Morning Miracle.” to learn more about SAVERS. It’s incredibly effective, and I can’t recommend it enough. To read more about my AM regimen, click here.
Avoid social media and email when you first wake up. You don't want your mind to be in a reactive state so craft a morning routine that sets you up for success. Click To Tweet6. Create An Inspiration Board
It’ll help you stay on course when you feel [insert negative emotion of choice]. Collage pictures, quotes and the like, and display it in your workplace! It’s important to keep things in perspective because it’s all about the long game. Tiny “failures” shouldn’t phase you. In fact, you should embrace them because they make you that much better, and they’re necessary for growth.
Incredible things happen when you leap, and by “incredible” I mean both incredibly amazing and so incredibly sh*tty. If it’s the latter, remember that your attitude determines the quality of your life, and everything happens for a reason. There’s no such thing as failure. You either win or your learn so keep moving forward.
7. Don’t Dwell On Tasks
You have to draw the line and stop at some point or else you’ll end up wasting the entire day on a single assignment! If you’re a perfectionist like I am, it’s going to be tough, but you have to move on. Plus, taking a break will probably help you in the long run anyway because you’ll have a fresh, new perspective when you re-visit whatever it was you were doing. If need be, use an alarm to keep you on track.
8. Where You Work Matters
Trust me, you’ll be much more productive at a desk. I don’t have any scientific info to back this up, but I’m assuming it has something to do with posture. Sofas are great and all, but they’re just too comfortable. Do yourself a solid and create a nice workspace free of distractions, and while you’re at it, sit up straight. Your back will thank you later in life! And remember to walk around and stretch every half hour or so. Better yet, get a standing desk if you can.
9. Proper Stress Management
Remember, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy! Schedule at least one fun thing per week to preserve your sanity. It’s kind of like eating clean. It’s much easier to do so when you know you have a splurge meal to look forward to. Plus, you’ll be much more efficient after you recharge and reset.
10. Get Enough Rest
A sleep-deprived human is an unproductive human. An hour of focused work tops 10 hours of mindless repetition so make sure you get your beauty rest. I’ve done the whole “sleep for 3 hours a night” spiel, and it sucks. You’re not doing yourself a favor by skipping z’s. If anything, you’re shooting yourself in the foot so go to bed at a reasonable hour, and wake up early to get a head start on your work. Remember, the early bird gets the worm! There’s something empowering about starting the day at 5AM. I don’t know about you guys, but it motivates me to give my everything, and I love that I’m hustling when most people are sound asleep.
Alright everyone, I hope you found this post helpful! Do you have any tips that you’d like to share? If yes, definitely make sure to leave me a comment below. For more on career, browse this tab and make sure you stay tuned for new content. I update my site every Monday, Thursday and Saturday so check back soon. Until next time! Keep hustling, friends.
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Thank you for these tips,.. I’m lacking motivation these days,.. My toddler is getting up very often in night, which makes me sleepless most of the night, so I feel restless and demotivated during day. I know this sleepless phase will pass, so not worrying much about it….