7 Ways to Be More Productive
Sometimes life can get in the way of us truly being the most productive we need to, but good news! We can instantly change that with just these 7 easy ways to be more productive throughout the day.
Photo: @ashleynbattle
WAKE UP ONLY WHEN YOU NEED TO
Most people are preaching how you need to wake up early, workout, meditate, go on a walk etc. all before 8AM and that is just not feasible for most of us. When I woke up at 5AM everyday I felt more rushed to be at my desk by 9 than when I woke up at 6:30 and got to my desk at 8. That’s because I was hitting snooze too many times and still trying to cram in a ton of stuff to my morning that was supposed to make me feel “ready for the day”
I’m not a morning person. Never have been. Never will. When I accepted that and started adjusting my wake up schedule to when I NEEDED to wake up and not when I thought I SHOULD wake up, everything changed.
Now my morning routine consists of waking up, 15 minutes of cuddle time with my pup and getting her ready for the day, showering, makeup, a latte and breakfast and then I sit down to plan my day. I feel relaxed, not in a rush and still can make an 8AM call if I have to (although I prefer not but hey, can’t win them all!)
PLAN AHEAD
Before you go to bed at night, take 5 minutes to set your goals and what you want to accomplish the next day so when you wake up, you know exactly what you need to do. Be careful not to plan too much into your calendar though. If you put too many tasks that you know you can't finish, it can overwhelm you and actually be counterproductive.
GIVE YOURSELF BREAKS
No one can give 100% effort throughout the entire day. We're just not wired that way as humans (take it from me, I’m a project manager too!). If you have to set an alarm to take a mental break for 5-10 minutes each hour, do so. Take this time to get up from your desk, walk outside, scroll through your Instagram feed or whatever it is to give yourself a mental break. This will help you reset your brain and take on your tasks without feeling like you're missing out or burning out.
WRITE DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS
Physically. Some people may benefit from jotting down notes on your phone, but I find that if something is on my mind or if I'm easily distracted by something, writing it down on a note pad helps me get the thought out and I don't focus on it nearly as much.
MAKE IT A ROUTINE
Following these steps for only one day may help you be more productive that day, but if you want long-lasting results and an overall productive life, you're going to need to make these a habit, especially the one about putting yourself first!
You can only form good habits if you are mentally aware of what you are doing, so be conscious of your actions, the way you perceive your tasks, and try to incorporate these positive attributes and thoughts to your overall daily life.
FOCUS ON YOU
Many times we feel that our days revolve around either work or doing things for others, but you are the most important person of your day. Whether it be a few minutes of mindfulness during the day, going to your favorite pilates class at night, or watching your favorite tv show at the end of the day with a glass of wine and ice cream, always take time to do something for yourself during the day, and never feel selfish about doing so.
I always pre-plan one activity a day I can look forward to. Some days it’s going to a movie by myself, some days it’s just time to binge watch sex in the city. Just know it doesn’t have to be grand, but it should be for you.
REWARD YOURSELF
Life is all about appreciating the little things, so if you had a kick-ass day, why not reward yourself with something positive? Plus, if you know you'll get a reward at the end of the day if you achieved your goals, you'll have something to look forward to! Again, the reward can be as small as your favorite chocolate bar or as big as a brand new bag. Just make sure you stay within your previously agreed upon limits.
