Some workdays never seem to end, while others are over in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, the shortest days seem to be the ones where you have the most to do. It can feel simply impossible to finish your tasks within the time you’ve been given.
You need to be able to harness your productivity, focus your aim, and channel your energy into working efficiently. But where do you begin?
Start with The Hard Stuff
We know it’s tempting to leave the tricky tasks until the end because you just don’t want to work on them. But you’re better off doing the most difficult work when you’re the most alert. For some, this is in the early or mid-morning, but everyone is different.
Find the time of day when you’re at your best, and kick your work ethic into high gear!
Multitasking is a No-No
Everyone multi-tasks at work. You tell yourself that you can accomplish more by working on several different things simultaneously, but that just isn’t the case.
According to neuroscience research, multi-tasking is a biological impossibility! Juggling a handful of tasks instead of dividing our attention equally hamstrings our ability to focus on any of them. We’re more prone to making mistakes, and it dulls our creativity.
Unfortunately, multitasking won’t help you achieve peak productivity. Leave it in the past. Monotasking is the way of the future!
Lead Us Not Into Temptation
It is a universally acknowledged truth that tech and social media are incredibly distracting. It’s been scientifically proven that constant disruptions like checking texts, emails, and apps profoundly impact our ability to concentrate.
According to a 2018 UK study, smartphone users check their devices every 12 minutes, on average. Of course, it’s probably more these days as many of us now work from home.
To self-regulate social media use at work, use an online blocker app like SelfControl or Freedom. If you can, try keeping your cellphone off, or at least out of sight when not in use.
Give Me a Break
If no one has reminded you recently, here it is: take breaks.
Although this may seem a little counterintuitive, you can actually accomplish more when you break your working hours into smaller chunks.
In fact, if you’re chained to your desk, taking a five-minute stroll around the office, or even a lap around the house, can be immensely beneficial. It can improve your mood, diminish lethargy, and aid in focus and concentration.
Whether it’s a mindful moment or a body break, give yourself some time to breathe. Take a minute or two to clear away the mental junk. We promise it will help in the long run.
The most important thing in learning how to maximize your productivity is to be patient with yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it will take a while to cultivate new productive habits.
Come back often for more business tips and work-life hacks from Heritage Office Suites.
