The one resource we can’t renew and don’t get any more of is time. It’s been said the way we use our time tells us a lot about our priorities. But, does it really? Whether it’s the middle of a global pandemic or a Tuesday in July of 2019, my priorites are the same. I’ve learned, for me, how I spend my time doesn’t depend on what I feel is important. It depends on how heavily I’m relying on the following productivity tips to finish my to-do list and stay focused.
A Twist on the List
The to-do list is the simplest and perhaps the most widelly used productivty tool. It could be a list of chores on the back of a used envelope, a reminder to call the pediatrician on a hot pink sticky note, or a detailed list of the week’s assignments with due dates attached. But what if you have trouble getting through the list– or even making one to begin with? Try this: instead of listing tasks in a random order, plug them into your calendar. If you have to call the bank, write it in your planner for 11 a.m.– when it’s likely your two-year-old will be napping. Now, it’s not only listed, it’s also scheduled. Another tip? Do the least favorable task first…it will make the rest of the list seem like a breeze!
Set-Up for Success
When you finally reach the end of your day– whether the list is done or not– walking away from your work space and leaving it as-is is tempting. Instead, what if you set yourself up to be ready when tomorrow starts? At the end of each day, be sure the printer is loaded with paper, your laptop is charging, or the kitchen is clean. Love coffee in the morning? Get a coffee pot you can program the night before.
Exercise Your Way to Productivity
In case you needed another reason why exercise is good for us, here it is! Studies on exercise tell us it is good for our mental and physical health as well as our focus and energy levels– all factors in productivity. Exercise increases creativity, helps sharpen our memory, improves concentration, and even helps us to learn quicker. It’s a no-brainer, right? Finding the time and energy to exercise can be challenging, especially if you haven’t exercised in awhile or are a newbie. You don’t need to do an entire hour workout at the gym to start cashing in on the benefits. Do what you can! Any exercise is better than none– once you commit to what you can do, it will be easier to find ways to do more.
One at a Time
Have you heard? There really is no such thing as multi-tasking. It can take longer to complete tasks while trying to do too much, and you are setting yourself up to make mistakes. Instead, focus on one task at a time. I know, I know– easier said than done! Write each task down as they come in and tackle them in priority order, one at a time…not all together.
Break it Up
Research shows that focusing for blocks of time alternating with short breaks is the most effective way to be productive. For instance, the Pomodoro Technique developed by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s uses 25-minute blocks of focused work alternated with five minutes of a short break for four rounds. Repeat the cycle four times and earn a longer, 25-minute break. Fun fact? Cirillo named the technique after the kitchen timer shaped like a tomato he used to help him study in college.
We all want to feel a sense of productivity at the end of the day. Feeling accomplished is good for our self-esteem and our self-worth. It also leads to success in our personal life, home and work. Don’t forget to count playing hop scotch in the driveway or family movie night, or even date night as productive. Those aren’t tasks we would necessarily put on a to-do list, but they’re just as important.
