Sometimes we all wish there were more hours in a day, just to get one more thing done. You probably have those days when it seems like your to-do list is never-ending. It’s frustrating since nobody wants to leave tasks incomplete and feel unproductive at the end of the day. Consequently, most individuals look for ways to boost productivity and gain extra time to finish projects, so they can end their day stress-free.
You might be wondering, “how can I get more out of my day?” Well, stick around because we’re sharing some personal productivity hacks to help you achieve more each day.
Every moment counts
It’s a great feeling and measure of success when you complete tasks ahead of schedule and free up time to do what you want, whether it’s another project, or spending the day with family.
Let’s be honest, to-do lists are somewhat overrated – they’re overwhelming and unrealistic, in terms of productivity and the amount of time each task actually requires. To-do lists are similar to spam, wasting precious moments while preventing you from spending time on important activities at work or home. Alternatively, if you prefer lists, but still want to increase productivity – modify your daily checklist, so it’s a more effective tool to structure your day.
If you want to add value to your day and maximize productivity, try these three tips:
Timeboxing
Productivity and time management go hand in hand. Timeboxing merges your to-do list with your daily calendar to improve productivity and accountability. Box off segments of time for each task on your list, and then follow it – eliminate all distractions and work on the task for the designated box interval. Prioritize and schedule more important tasks at the beginning of the week for maximum efficiency. Try breaking larger projects into smaller tasks that you can chip away at during the week. This will motivate you to power through multiple projects, one box at a time. Additionally, you’ll be more realistic about your availability in scheduling tasks or events and able to collaborate by sharing your calendar with others.
Organize your space
Set up your work area with everything you need to avoid distractions like wandering off to grab water, or your phone charger. Make sure all surface areas and drawers are free of clutter. Supply items should be within reach and have a designated storage place for easy access. If you’re not losing time looking for things to get your work done, you’ll be more focused and finish tasks quicker. This also gives you some control over your environment, making it easier to work with fewer interruptions.
Practice the 5-minute rule
Don’t give the little things a second thought. If a task takes less than five minutes to complete, then do it immediately, rather than procrastinating – don’t pause or overthink it. By doing this throughout the day, or setting aside 20 minutes to breeze through micro tasks, you’ll accomplish more and free up valuable time for other things. An easy micro task is decluttering your email inbox – to simplify it further, we can help you declutter your inbox. Implementing incremental changes like the 5-minute rule boosts your productivity, allowing you to get the most out of your day and change your life.
A key aspect of personal productivity is reminding yourself that it’s impossible to save time, as you can only spend it, and how you spend it makes all the difference. With these tips, you’ll be more productive in no time!
