Boost productivity in just 5 steps
Now that the festive season and New Year’s celebrations are behind us, many of us are getting back to work. Here are some ideas to boost productivity in 2016…
The typical working week is reputedly 40 hours. Although, many of us put in far more hours that that! But are we really producing high quality work during all those hours? Not really, if we’re honest about it. Fortunately there are simple things that you can do to boost your productivity and help you work smarter rather than longer.
Look to your morning routine to boost productivity
1. Exercise for 10 minutes or less
Will a 7 or 8 minute workout really make any difference? You bet it will! It’s a great way to shrug off any residual sleepiness and get your energy levels going. (This is in addition to your usual workouts – it’s not a replacement!) Read my previous articles on HIIT and Tabata for great ideas on quick yet powerful workouts.
2. Have a green smoothie for breakfast
Sure, it may not look particularly appetizing, but this is a great way to give you the energy you need to boost productivity. Juicing in a Nutribullet or similar is quick and easy, and a great way to get a nutrient-packed start to your day.
3. Set 3 small goals for the day
There’s nothing better than the feeling of success at the end of a working day. Think about 3 small things you would like to accomplish in the next 12 hours. Focus on these goals throughout the day. Small as they may be, they will boost your productivity and help you progress towards your bigger goals.
4. Set aside time for specific tasks
You know that ‘To Do’ list that seems to get longer and longer? Here’s a great way to move from ‘To Do’ to ‘Done’… Prioritize the most important tasks and projects you need to complete. Calculate how much time each will take to complete, then allocate specific times in your schedule to work on each project. It’s always a good idea to allocate extra time as a contingency. This time management hack will boost productivity, help you meet deadlines, and enable you to stay focused on what’s important.
5. Spend 15 minutes after lunch refocusing on your day
Immediately after lunch, dedicate 15 minutes to refocusing your attention on your day. Get away from all devices and other distractions. Think about the goals you set for the day. Assess your progress and what you need to do. Think about what you need to get done and how much time you have to do it. Identify anything that distracted you or hampered your progress in the morning. Focus your attention on the afternoon and how you can best use your time to accomplish your remaining tasks for the day.
I’d love to hear from you! Do you have any hacks that help you to boost productivity?