Enjoy More Productive Work Days

Some of us get a lot more done at work than others. If you’re one of those people that never accomplishes as much as you should, try new strategies! Being productive is about preparation and good habits.

Be the most productive person in your company with these strategies:

A productive workday starts the day before. Take 10 minutes before you leave work to create a preliminary plan for the following day. Do this while the day is still fresh in your mind. Consider those tasks that you failed to complete and what is most important to address tomorrow.

You can think about it some more on the drive home. When you get home, alter your plan accordingly. Before you go to bed, finalize your plan for tomorrow and make a concrete list of tasks to follow.
Choose your clothes for the following day and ensure you have gas in the car. Pack your lunch the night before.

Avoid multitasking. Studies show that you can accomplish more by focusing on a single task, rather than switching back and forth between two or more. Use this information to your advantage. You’ll get more done with less stress.   

Have a morning routine that gets you primed for work. This includes things like your wakeup time, morning grooming routine, and breakfast. You might want to glance at your to-do list, too. Some exercise is also a good idea. Try some meditation time or listen to a motivational video online.

Create your routine with an emphasis on getting yourself physically and mentally ready for work.

Hit the ground running. Rather than easing into your day, get started on the items on your list ASAP. If you’re ahead of schedule, you can relax later in the day. A good morning ensures that you’ll have a productive day.

Avoid the temptation to chat around the coffee pot. Grab your coffee, shut the door, and get to work!

Eliminate distractions. You already know how you distract yourself at work. Make the necessary adjustments. If people are interrupting you, politely ask them what they need and then inform them you have a lot of work to do.

Get help. If you have anyone available that can lighten your load, ask them for assistance. If you have employees, ensure that you’re giving them enough work to keep them busy. One thing that will allow you to accomplish more is making the most of your resources. That includes the people around you.

Keep meetings to a minimum. Make sure meetings at work or with clients are kept short. Have a concise agenda and stick to it to keep you on track.

Take regular breaks. No one accomplishes more by never taking a break. Regular breaks are necessary for your mind and body. At least once each hour, get up and walk around for five to 10 minutes. Say “hi” to a colleague and then get back to work.

These short breaks will allow you to get more done over the course of the day. You’ll still feel fresh in the afternoon, too.

You can increase your productivity dramatically by adopting a few new habits and preparing the night before. Give these tips a try and see which ones work best for you.