We have all been there: despite having a lot of things to do, we allow ourselves to be distracted, fumbling, putting off, as if unable to get things done. Are you tired of throwing away precious time? In this case, the time has come to learn how to be productive!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Get Organized
Step 1. Make a to-do list
Write down any tasks you want to complete within the day or within the week, or keep an up-to-date list of what needs to be done. To-do lists are proven productivity tools when used correctly.
- Regarding your commitments, be as concrete, specific and reasonable as possible. For example, don't just write "clean the house." Try "tidying up the living room," "vacuuming the carpets" or "taking out the trash" - small, precise tasks are more effective.
- Don't be intimidated or distracted by your to-do list. If you spend all your time thinking about what to list, you can be just as inefficient. Try building your list in a single moment and avoid adding new updates throughout the day unless really necessary.
Step 2. Make a plan
Find out which of the things on the list you can reasonably accomplish, and decide in what order to do it. If possible, prepare a daily schedule that includes specific times for each engagement, as well as scheduled breaks for lunch and any breaks.
Be aware that some tasks may take more or less time than expected. Don't be upset if this happens, and don't let all of your programs suffer. If something doesn't go as planned, do your best to correct your schedule and move forward with your plans
Step 3. Prioritize yourself
Do you simply have too many things to do to be able to do them in the time available to you? Decide what the most important things are and dedicate yourself. Maybe you dreamed of being able to please both your accountant and your dog who needs a bath, but one of the two will necessarily have to wait. Trying to do too many things at once is a perfect way to feel overwhelmed and become unproductive.
If there are any activities that you have been planning for a long time and that you never have the time to do, don't let them haunt you forever. Give yourself deadlines or spend a whole day completing them. Alternatively, you decide that you can also do without them
Step 4. Set goals
Whether it's cleaning, studying, or working, set yourself ambitious but reasonable goals about how much you'll accomplish in a day. Do not stop until you have reached the set goal. Try to be positive about your goals and don't let them intimidate you. Know that you can do it if you stay focused.
Consider giving yourself rewards or punishments about your goals. Promise yourself to reward yourself with something you desire if successful. Threatened with an unwelcome consequence, such as donating money to a cause you don't agree with. If possible, hand over the responsibility of the prize and the reward to an impassive friend who does not allow himself to be tempted by your second thoughts
Step 5. Be aware of your effectiveness
In the moment, don't let yourself be overwhelmed by the thought of how productive or unproductive you are, when the job is done reflect on your ability to stay focused and true to your plans. Also evaluate the effectiveness of your agenda. Take note of unexpected problems or interruptions to work progress and think about what improvements you can make in the future.
Consider keeping a daily journal to keep track of your successes and failures
Step 6. Organize your tools and materials
Nothing will slow you down like not being able to find an essential document or object, or having to search through dozens of emails to find out the time of the appointment. Create a valid document cataloging system, record all your appointments and organize the tools carefully.
Method 2 of 3: Stay Focused
Step 1. Remove distractions
We live in a world filled with opportunities to stimulate and distract us. From TV to blogs to instant chats, not to mention friends, family and pets; it's so simple to spend just one minute doing this and just another one doing another and then find yourself completely unproductive at the end of the day. Don't let that happen! Stay focused on the finish line and remove any possible distractions and opportunities for distraction.
- Close email and social networking websites. Remove the sound from your devices to prevent them from interrupting your work. If necessary, schedule a few minutes a day to check your inbox and answer important questions. Then close your mail so as not to lower your productivity level.
- Use your browser options to block "time wasting" sites. The Internet is full of images, videos and articles capable of devouring our days with their interest. Act wisely and install browser extensions such as StayFocusd, Leechblock or Nanny, they will limit the time spent distracting you on entertainment sites or prevent you from accessing them at certain times of the day. Do everything in your power to resist the temptation to check the news, browse the pages of your favorite blog, or watch witty cat videos.
- Turn the phone off. Do not answer calls, do not check incoming sms, do nothing. Do not keep the phone close at hand. If this is important, whoever is looking for you will leave a message. If you are worried about emergencies, take just one minute every hour to check for incoming calls.
- Advise friends and family not to interrupt. Keep your pets out of the room if you know they might be distracting.
- Turn off the TV and radio. Depending on the nature of your task, light background music, especially if there is no text, may be allowed, although sounds normally reduce productivity during any activity that requires mental focus.
Step 2. Take on one thing at a time
Thinking that multitasking can make you more productive is a common misconception. The truth is, we can only do one thing at a time, and when we try to do more, we just jump back and forth from one project to another. Every time you flip the switch, you waste time and concentration. To be truly productive, perform a single task and work on it until it is complete, then move on to something else.
Step 3. Keep your home or workplace tidy
Yes, cleaning it consistently takes time and effort, but a lot of chaos can be distracting, leading you to lose an even greater amount of productivity. Keep your desk, home or work area clean and organized, free of waste and with a minimum amount of objects so as not to waste your attention.
Method 3 of 3: Take Care of Yourself
Step 1. Go to bed early and get enough sleep
Being tired or sleepless will make you more easily distracted and less productive.
Step 2. Set your alarm and get up as soon as you hear it go off
Don't use the snooze function over and over and end up running late. Sleeping more than expected for even a few minutes can ruin your plans and make you feel out of sorts for the whole day.
Step 3. Eat healthily
You may not even notice it at first, but if you don't feed properly you will soon feel distracted, stressed and careless. You will make mistakes and have to do your job again. Make sure you have enough time to eat healthy, complete meals.
Avoid heavy foods that would make you feel lazy and prone to napping. Digestion takes energy, and processing a large, fatty meal will drain your strength and focus
Step 4. Take breaks
Don't wear yourself out and don't force yourself to stay in front of the screen until you become a zombie. Every 15 minutes or so, take a 30-second break to relax your muscles and rest your eyes for a moment. Every couple of hours, dedicate five minutes to some exercise, a snack, and recharging yourself with new energy.
Advice
- Prioritize yourself. If one commitment is more important than another, do it first! It will help you get the hardest tasks done before the simpler ones.
- If you have a lot to do, make a day you don't have planned a very productive day!
