Being productive…what does that even mean?
Many consider it to mean completing a lot of tasks within a specified time. Or could it mean completing the right tasks within a specified time, quality over quantity? I prefer the latter as being busy does not mean productive.
You should try and establish a system to increase your productivity and even better, without it being too taxing.
There is no one way of achieving this, but a combination of simple things when applied with commitment, will set you off in the right direction.
Avoiding Distractions
Our brains are attuned to distraction, so our digital devices – especially our mobile phones, are just too seductive and will reduce the available time to complete your work.
However, the digital environment alone cannot be blamed solely for our distractions, as we have always suffered with this problem.
In the past, books and comics were considered distractions from everyday tasks; now we favor reading those books but blame our digital devices as distractions.
Eliminating as many interruptions as possible and allocating reasonable time-slots to check our phones, the Internet or emails is very critical.
Without it, you will not achieve the flow of work needed to optimize your productivity, as most make quick glances at their devices before snapping back to work.
Although short, it affects the quality and output of work as it breaks concentration flow. Also when possible, discourage interruptions from people by allocating a ‘do not disturb’ time slot for yourself.
Plan Your Day: To-Do Lists
Plan your day the day before, or earlier. If you know that you have a lot of work to do on a particular day, it is sensible to plan in advance how to tackle those tasks, with flexibility built-in to address any surprises.
We are all susceptible to the Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS) – the tendency to constantly chase after something new and shiny that distracts us and soon loses its appeal…all without finishing anything.
A to-do-list can help you swerve this syndrome and should be the simplest form of organization for anyone wishing to manage his or her time and priorities productively.
It helps you get prepared and organizes your entire day so you will feel in control. You will not be engaging in random activities and it should keep you focused.
Most importantly, cut down the list and concentrate only on the most essential tasks, allocating realistic time slots for each, tackling either the hardest or easiest tasks first dependent on your motivation to start work in the first place.
Low motivation – easier tasks first, high motivation – harder tasks first. Accomplishing your essential tasks will make you feel much more productive at the end of your day.
Remember the 80/20 Pareto Principle – 20 percent of your activities will account for 80 percent of your results.
Don’t Multitask
Multitasking reduces your attention and performance on all tasks attempted, as your brain can really only focus on one task at a time. The greater the number of tasks the poorer the results.
Initially, multitasking might seem like a good idea to achieve efficiency from your day, but switching between tasks increases the possibility of distractions and lost time, reducing productivity by as much as 40% according to research.
A study from Stanford University researcher Clifford Nas found that heavy multitaskers were less competent in sorting relevant from irrelevant information, they had greater difficulty switching between tasks and even when just focusing on one task, were less effective and efficient. In summary – avoid!
Diet & Exercise
A good balanced diet and exercise are obvious keys to an all-round healthy body, which will help to optimize you in terms of strength, rest and nutritional intake – all essential ingredients for laser-like focus for productivity.
According to neuroscience, the chemical acetylcholine within your brain acts as a neurotransmitter that helps you focus and stay alert. The nutrient choline produces acetylcholine found in choline rich foods.
This coupled with a balanced diet and the right exercises will optimize the acetylcholine within your body.
I use the words ‘good balanced diet and exercise’ in a discretionary way, as each person’s diet or exercise needs should vary according to their current state of health, so always seek medical advice before attempting to introduce any new foods or training.
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