There is a limited number of hours in a day. This means it is imperative for a person to make the most of their time. There are two ways a person can improve their output -; put more hours in each day or find ways to work smarter. For most people, working smarter will be the preferred option.
It is important to note, finding ways to be more productive at work and throughout the day is not rocket science. However, it does require an individual to be deliberate about time management. Keep reading for some helpful tips to increase productivity.
Track and Limit the Amount of Time Spent on Individual Tasks
Some people may think they are good at figuring out the amount of time being spent on different tasks. However, it has been suggested that just 17% of people can estimate how much time has passed properly. One tool to consider using to help with this is called Rescue Time. This lets a user need how much time is spent on day-to-day tasks. This breaks down the time spent on all types of sites, including word processing, apps, email, social media, and more.
Take Breaks
While this may sound counterintuitive, it is not. When someone takes scheduled breaks, it can improve a person’s concentration. There is some research that has proven that taking a short break when doing long and in-depth tasks can help ensure a more consistent level of performance. If someone works at a task with no breaks, this may cause a reduction in performance.
Create Self-Imposed Deadlines
Most people view stress as a bad thing. However, a manageable level of stress that is self-imposed can be beneficial when it comes to gaining focus and meeting goals. For a project or task that is open-ended, try creating a deadline and then stick to it. Many people are surprised to find out how productive and focused they can be when they are keeping an eye on the clock.
Use the Two-Minute Rule
A two-minute rule will allow someone to make the most out of a very small amount of time. The idea behind it is that if there is an action or task that can be done in two minutes or under, do it right away. By handling this task first, it will take less time than having to go back to it at another time. Implementing this strategy is a great way to improve productivity and get more things done.
Learn to Say No to Meetings
When it comes to time wasters, meetings are at the top of the list. While this is true, most people still schedule them throughout the day, go to them, and then complain about the amount of time they took up. It is estimated that the average office workers will spend more than 31 hours a month in pointless and unproductive meetings. Be sure to make sure that the meeting is really needed before scheduling it.
When it comes to learning to be more productive, it is important to note that there will be setbacks. However, using the tips here will help anyone achieve higher levels of productivity and help them get more done. Try using these tips and then thinking of a few others that may be beneficial.
