CUTS Clothing | July 11, 2023
Staying productive and energized is one of life's greatest challenges. When we feel sluggish in the morning or hit the midday slump, many of us prescribe ourselves a cup of coffee yet still need to tell ourselves a pep talk to push through the rest of the day.
If you’re struggling to finish work on time, you just need a better system for fighting procrastination and becoming the highly productive go-getter you’ve always wanted to be. If you want to knock out your to-do list every single day, it’s time to rip off your Band-aid solutions and start using productivity hacks that actually work. Here’s what you need to know to save time and work more efficiently.
Staying productive and energized is one of life's greatest challenges. When we feel sluggish in the morning or hit the midday slump, many of us prescribe ourselves a cup of coffee yet still need to tell ourselves a pep talk to push through the rest of the day.
If you’re struggling to finish work on time, you just need a better system for fighting procrastination and becoming the highly productive go-getter you’ve always wanted to be. If you want to knock out your to-do list every single day, it’s time to rip off your Band-aid solutions and start using productivity hacks that actually work. Here’s what you need to know to save time and work more efficiently.
Have you ever gone through your work day with the nagging feeling that you’ll never finish your tasks? When your to-do list is too lengthy, it can leave you too stressed to work efficiently.
To keep yourself in the right mindset to get things done, jot down three important tasks you need to focus on before you start work each work day.
Author Stephen Covey popularized the Eisenhower Matrix as a method of prioritizing tasks. It breaks up your to-do list into four quadrants:
Your three priority tasks for each day should be drawn from Quadrant 1 first, while Quadrant 2 tasks should be scheduled for later. Tasks in Quadrant 3 should be delegated to others (employees, virtual assistants, contractors, etc.), while tasks in Quadrant 4 shouldn’t be completed at all.
Have you ever gone through your work day with the nagging feeling that you’ll never finish your tasks? When your to-do list is too lengthy, it can leave you too stressed to work efficiently.
To keep yourself in the right mindset to get things done, jot down three important tasks you need to focus on before you start work each work day.
Author Stephen Covey popularized the Eisenhower Matrix as a method of prioritizing tasks. It breaks up your to-do list into four quadrants:
Your three priority tasks for each day should be drawn from Quadrant 1 first, while Quadrant 2 tasks should be scheduled for later. Tasks in Quadrant 3 should be delegated to others (employees, virtual assistants, contractors, etc.), while tasks in Quadrant 4 shouldn’t be completed at all.
Once you prioritize your tasks, you’ve got the perfect game plan for your day. If you want to execute it well, you need to stop multitasking and start focusing on a single task at a time.
While doing two things at once may feel like a productivity hack in itself, many studies have shown that productivity makes usless efficient and more error-prone. Avoid shifting gears until you’re 100% done with a task.
Once you prioritize your tasks, you’ve got the perfect game plan for your day. If you want to execute it well, you need to stop multitasking and start focusing on a single task at a time.
While doing two things at once may feel like a productivity hack in itself, many studies have shown that productivity makes usless efficient and more error-prone. Avoid shifting gears until you’re 100% done with a task.
Working eight hours straight may make you feel like you’re swimming past your competitors, but taking short breaks can actually save you time. Breaking up the monotony of your work day with enjoyable breaks can refresh your mind and incentivize you to stay focused on your tasks.
The Pomodoro Technique, developed by software industry leader Francesco Cirillo, suggests taking these simple steps to boost your productivity:
Consider using your short breaks for self-care activities like yoga, reading, napping, or walking your dog to feel extra rejuvenated.
Working eight hours straight may make you feel like you’re swimming past your competitors, but taking short breaks can actually save you time. Breaking up the monotony of your work day with enjoyable breaks can refresh your mind and incentivize you to stay focused on your tasks.
The Pomodoro Technique, developed by software industry leader Francesco Cirillo, suggests taking these simple steps to boost your productivity:
Consider using your short breaks for self-care activities like yoga, reading, napping, or walking your dog to feel extra rejuvenated.
Coined by David Allen in the book “Getting Things Done,” the two-minute rule for productivity is simple: “If it takes less than two minutes, then do it now.”
Simple tasks that take a miniscule amount of time, like sending an email, should never be put off. Committing to this productivity hack helps you break your procrastination habits, succeed in your career, and ensure the little tasks never pile up.
Coined by David Allen in the book “Getting Things Done,” the two-minute rule for productivity is simple: “If it takes less than two minutes, then do it now.”
Simple tasks that take a miniscule amount of time, like sending an email, should never be put off. Committing to this productivity hack helps you break your procrastination habits, succeed in your career, and ensure the little tasks never pile up.
Have you ever wondered why you work better at coworking spaces and cafes than on your living room couch? It’s a blend of ambiance and a clean desk setup.
In order to be conducive to your productivity, your workspace should be well-lit and clutter-free, with the items you’re using most within reach. Ergonomic chairs and eye-level monitors can keep you concentrate on work instead of back and neck pains, while classical music or coffee shop sounds can heighten your focus. If you work from home, have a dedicated workspace and (if possible) an office with a door.
Have you ever wondered why you work better at coworking spaces and cafes than on your living room couch? It’s a blend of ambiance and a clean desk setup.
In order to be conducive to your productivity, your workspace should be well-lit and clutter-free, with the items you’re using most within reach. Ergonomic chairs and eye-level monitors can keep you concentrate on work instead of back and neck pains, while classical music or coffee shop sounds can heighten your focus. If you work from home, have a dedicated workspace and (if possible) an office with a door.
Time management and productivity go hand in hand, but you can’t manage your time unless you know how you’re spending it. Productivity apps like Toggl and Clockify help you track how long you spend on specific tasks, so you can identify and eliminate the bottlenecks in your workflows.
If you’re managing a team, you can also see how your employees are spending their time. This can help you evenly delegate tasks, instead of pushing too much work on one person, so everyone can up their performance.
Time management and productivity go hand in hand, but you can’t manage your time unless you know how you’re spending it. Productivity apps like Toggl and Clockify help you track how long you spend on specific tasks, so you can identify and eliminate the bottlenecks in your workflows.
If you’re managing a team, you can also see how your employees are spending their time. This can help you evenly delegate tasks, instead of pushing too much work on one person, so everyone can up their performance.
If you’re stressing about your work all day, every day, you risk burnout, which can be far harder on your productivity than an innocent snack break. Make sure you completely log out of work mode (and communication platforms) when you’re officially off duty.
While you may not work a traditional 9-to-5 if you’re an entrepreneur or freelancer, it’s still important to set specific times and dates for your job.
Spend your personal time relaxing and refreshing your mind — and don’t forget to take a vacation when you need an extended break.
If you’re stressing about your work all day, every day, you risk burnout, which can be far harder on your productivity than an innocent snack break. Make sure you completely log out of work mode (and communication platforms) when you’re officially off duty.
While you may not work a traditional 9-to-5 if you’re an entrepreneur or freelancer, it’s still important to set specific times and dates for your job.
Spend your personal time relaxing and refreshing your mind — and don’t forget to take a vacation when you need an extended break.