10 Ways to Boost Productivity

Not getting things done? Have you got too much on your plate? A few simple techniques will hugely increase your productivity. Don’t take their simplistic nature lightly… trust me, these methods WILL make a big difference.

1. Plan the night before – Make your plans the night before. Fall asleep knowing that you have a clear goal for the following day. This is also a commitment to yourself.

2. To do list / not to do list – List exactly what needs to be done / list anything that you might sometimes do which slows you down… no digressing from the list, the list is your friend. Hump the list.

3. Batch your tasks – Anything that can be carried out at the same time, same place, using the same tools etc. can be batched together. Do the computer stuff together, the outdoor errands together. Pretty obvious, but important.

4. Prioritise – Self explanatory. Get the potential crisis out of the way and then work away from that. If there is something that can wait ‘til the day after but is on the list, it lives at the end of the list.

5. Wake up early – The earlier in the day it is, the quieter it generally is so you can concentrate better. Since you’ve woken yourself up early, you feel obliged to use the time wisely. If you cram the activities in at the end of the day as opposed to the beginning, you’ll find it more difficult to wind down and sleep. Also you’ll no doubt spend most of the day thinking about how much you have to do later. If you start tasking early in the morning and your list takes longer than expected and can’t wait until tomorrow, you can use the latter part of the day to wrap it up.

6. Organisation – If you need tools/resources for a task, be organised and have them ready. If you don’t have them, then getting them should be on the list, prioritised somewhere above the task that needs ‘em.

7. Get revved up – Get mad! Okay, maybe not mad, but get energetic. You know what you need to do and how to do it. You’ve sorted that bit… chin a strong coffee if it helps and attack your list with determination. It’s all about the mindset. Own those tasks!

8. Deadlines – Set the deadlines after you’re revved up. With your energy flowing and your game face on, you’ll put more pressure on yourself with your deadlines and that will fuel your energy.

9. Research – Don’t get too bogged down with this. Know exactly why you’re researching and exactly what you want to take away from it, then skim your way through all the fluff and only note the directly relevant, useful bits. This is a brilliant skill in itself and is definitely worth mastering.

10. Environment – Make sure your environment is geared towards helping you achieve your targets. Think noise, light, comfort and amenities. Music helps me tons but distracts some people. Personally, I also need nice bright lighting. Know what works for you and comply.