One of the greatest obstacles we have in reaching our goals is in our own inability to manage the time we are awake in an efficiently productive manner. You know about all the things that need doing and you have thought out the plans. However, once you’re at the end of the day, you end up looking back in regret at a wasted day.
How can we fix this issue? And create consistently productive days that will bring you a sense of fulfillment? Here are 12 great ways to manage your time productively:
Make a plan for the next day
One key element for you get a great start on a new day is to know exactly what your schedule is going to be. In order to make this happen, create a to-do list of all the things you need to cover during the day. From the different work assignments, projects, emails, exercise and meals, create a schedule for all of them allocating a healthy amount of time for each task. This will set the tone for a more productive next day.
Get up earlier than everyone else & start your first task
Get a head start to the day by getting up at 5AM. You will find that the first couple of hours of the day provide the most tranquil working experience. This is in part, given the almost zero interruptions you will get from others.
Plus, an early morning freshly awakened mind is empty of any unnecessary clutter. These are simply things that you might accumulate throughout the course of a day, that might be bothersome.
Do not engage in any form of Social Media
There has never been such a wasteful time killer as social media. This is because Social Media cripples you to the point of mindlessly scrolling for minutes or hours on end. And all of that, for what? A net return of zero knowledge gathered after it’s done with. At least most of the time! These companies create these products to be ADDICTIVE, no matter what Social Media app you use..
As soon as you open up one notification or the app, they hook you in. And, just with a flick of a finger it feeds your brain information after information with no clear value at all. So, by all means, stay away from Social Media if you want a consistently productive day. If you really need to, put in a timeslot at the end of the day for it.
Also avoid any other disturbances
In addition to social media do not let any other interferences like personal calls & messages interrupt your work flow. Keep separate numbers for personal & work/ professional contacts. Keep your family on notice that your work time is your work time, unless there is an emergency. They will understand that you are evidently after a clear objective and would be very supportive & happy to oblige.
Of course you can take a quick look for any personal messages from family and friends after tasks. All in all the key is to be continuously deeply involved in whatever task you are doing.
Engage deeply
Once you start any given task, make sure that your mind truly focuses on what you are doing. By that, I mean that your concentration has to be 100% on completing the task at hand to the best of your abilities. As this is the key to be being extremely productive. Always strive to create, write, make and do the best possible things using your full educational and creative potential. Overall, do not let any other thoughts interfere with your ability to be as efficient or as thorough as possible on what you’re doing.
Check off each item off your To-Do list when completed as you move through the day
Keep your To-Do list in your view at all times. It can be an app, a notebook or a sticky note. I personally use a wallpaper on my desktop with the days’ list, crossing them off as I complete each task. This gives you a clear visual representation of your advancement through the day’s tasks.
Also, it works as a positive cognitive feedback mechanism to motivate you to go right to the end while being as efficient as possible. Seeing for yourself how productive you can be, will be a driver for more of the same.
Breakdown bigger tasks into smaller chunks
Sometimes being faced with a big job that you know is going to take many hours or days to complete can be a deflating prospect. Given the sheer amount of work needed, you might want to put it back or get started with it in lackluster fashion.
The key to getting a jump start here with enthusiasm is to break the one big task in to many smaller chunks that are easier to manage and complete. Consequently, as you complete each stage, you will get the much-needed satisfaction and motivation to keep going on.
Take short breaks between tasks
Don’t forget to take short breaks from the tasks to refresh your mind. This also helps in getting some exercise for your eyes as well. Walk around a bit looking farther away and to the sides. This helps with exercising the muscles that support the eyes.
Also possibly looking at greenery can help relax your eyes & mind too. Take the 5 to 10 minute break to call & catch up with a friend or family. Breaks like these will refresh you and can make you more productive than working non stop on a task.
Use the Pomodoro technique
Do you find yourself constantly being distracted and unable to concentrate on the work you are doing? If so, you can try the Pomodoro technique. This method was created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980’s as a means to work continuously for 25 minutes followed by a 5 minute break. Additionally, after four such sessions a longer break is added of about 15 to 30 minutes. Surely, you will find this app to be very useful in getting you to focus on whatever you are doing. I personally use Tomighty which you can check out here.
Get back in line abruptly
Taking breaks are great and essential, but you must get back to your high focused, concentrated work pattern described previously. It cannot be an incremental ascent from slow to high paced, deep work. It’s imperative that you find in yourself a way to switch from working hard to relaxing & vice versa. Albeit, this may take time to form as a habit. But if you’re more aware of your working patterns and pacing, you could achieve this to unlock some great potential in efficiency within yourself.
Priority based planning for the next day
This is the same as point #1 with some additional information. Once you have completed the days tasks, you can create the schedule for the next day. There might be things that you might had to put back for the next day for different reasons: a clients’ additional feedback, re-scheduling etc.
Create the list based on priority, time allocation needed and complexity. Usually, something that is complex and needs more creative brain power might be best done right at the start of the day when you are fresh. Other rudimentary tasks can take a back seat.
Complete all tasks and vacate
Once you have completed all tasks for the day & created the schedule for the next day, you should vacate your work area and relax. You can choose to relax, read, watch a movie, exercise etc or spend quality time with your family & friends. This will re-energize you for the next day as well.
Being as productive as possible in our work on one hand helps us professionally, and on the other hand saves us time for other important things like personal time for ourselves & to be present with our loved ones. This makes for a very gratifying experience as you are able to create the perfect work–life balance, ensuring that you are ready to face more challenges the following day!
Final thoughts
Being productive and efficient comes down to the discipline you nurture within yourself to make more out of the same amount of time given to everyone. From the time you wake up to the time you sleep, there’s roughly 16 hours, and it’s solely in your hands on how you utilize those hours to maximally benefit yourself and those around you.
What do you think about the points given above and what more tips can you offer our fellow readers? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Till next time, take care!
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