If you’re looking to get more done in a day, there are a few simple strategies that can help. These tips will improve your productivity, make you feel more accomplished at the end of the day, and will help you reach your bigger goals.
Focus on objectives or outcomes when planning your day, instead of focusing on tasks. This will save you from constantly switching between tasks, which can decrease your productivity.
1. Plan your day
Getting more done in a day doesn’t have to feel impossible. Rather than reaching for caffeine or working longer hours, try planning your day out the night before so that you can wake up with a clear idea of what needs to get done. This will help you focus on what’s important and eliminate stress and distractions.
Create a list of the most important tasks that you need to complete each day, separating them into categories of importance and urgency. If something is too big for one day (like launching a new product or website), consider breaking it down into smaller, 1-2 hour-long tasks that you can accomplish in each day. This way, you can start the day by tackling your biggest priority and feel accomplished at the end of the day.
This method is called “extreme prioritization” and is a proven way to get more done in a day. Whether you prefer calendar blocking or just starring or underlining your top priority on your daily planner, make sure to prioritize your tasks every single day. This will not only increase your productivity on a daily basis, but also help you reach your bigger goals.
Another tip to keep in mind is to schedule the most important tasks during your peak energy times. For example, if you tend to have the most energy in the morning, schedule your most difficult and important tasks then. This will ensure that you’re able to complete them before you lose energy and momentum. It will also allow you to work on tasks that require higher levels of mental concentration at the time of day when your brain is most capable.
2. Make a to-do list
If you’re someone who constantly feels behind, making a to-do list may be the secret to success. It’s easy to forget about important tasks throughout the day, especially if you have multiple jobs or family obligations. Using a to-do list ensures that all of your important work gets done. It also helps you stay organized and keeps you from procrastinating.
A to-do list can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. Some people prefer to use an app or website to create their lists while others prefer a physical planner or notebook. Regardless of the method, make sure that your to-do lists are realistic and contain only important tasks that you can reasonably accomplish in a day.
If your to-do list contains too many tasks, it can be overwhelming and it’s easy for the less urgent items to slip through the cracks. Try narrowing down your list to include only the most important tasks, and give each task a due date. If you don’t have a due date, set one for yourself and make sure to write it down on your to-do list.
Another way to make your to-do list more effective is by dividing it into categories. Organize the tasks into “big,” “medium,” and “small” items, and tackle them in that order each day. This strategy can help you achieve more in a day by giving you the motivation to start with the most important tasks and working your way down to the smaller ones.
During the course of the day, you will likely have small periods of time where your schedule clears up. Instead of surfing Facebook or checking emails during these breaks, consult your to-do list and see what you can accomplish in that short amount of time. For example, if you need to study for an exam and have an hour to spare before your next class, use this time to review notes or study flashcards.
3. Do the hardest tasks first
The hardest tasks usually take the longest amount of time to complete. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get them out of the way first. This will make the rest of your day easier and more manageable. It will also give you a sense of accomplishment.
The most effective way to do this is to create a list of realistic tasks that you need to accomplish in the next 24 hours. This will help you stay on track with your goals and motivate you to complete each task. You can even break each task down into smaller steps. For example, if you need to do some laundry or call the doctor, add these small tasks to your list. This will give you a clear picture of how much you need to do and allow you to estimate the amount of time it will take to finish each task.
Many people believe that productivity is all about checking off as many quick tasks as possible in a day. While this can be beneficial, it’s not always the best strategy for achieving long-term goals. In addition, completing multiple quick tasks can lead to burnout and reduce overall productivity.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to start with the most difficult tasks in the morning. This is when your energy levels are typically the highest and you have the most willpower. It’s also a good idea to tackle any recurring tasks early in the day, such as emails or meetings.
Lastly, avoid distractions by turning off your phone and closing any social media apps. It can take up to 25 minutes to return to a task after you’ve been interrupted. This is because you have to refocus and reset your attention.
4. Set aside time for yourself
Whether you’re trying to get more done in the day or simply want to feel less stressed, the key is to take care of yourself. It’s easy to let your own needs slide and end up feeling burned out or overwhelmed. That’s why it’s so important to set aside time for yourself each day, even if it’s only a few minutes.
It doesn’t have to be anything major – you could just listen to music, watch a TV show, or go for a walk. The point is to do something that makes you happy and feels like a treat. This will help you to recharge and refocus so you can continue being productive.
You should also try to avoid distractions as much as possible. This means putting your phone on silent and turning off the TV so that you can focus. This will allow you to complete your work more quickly and efficiently.
Finally, try to avoid unnecessary meetings and opt for email or phone calls instead. If you do have to attend a meeting, make it short and to the point. Meetings can be a huge drain on productivity, so keep them to a minimum.
It’s also important to set aside time for yourself on the weekend, allowing you to relax and unwind after a long week of work. This may mean spending a few hours with friends, reading a book, or even going out for dinner. Whatever you do, just be sure to avoid work-related activities on the weekends.
5. Don’t procrastinate
We’ve all heard the phrase “there aren’t enough hours in the day,” and it’s true, we do need to make better choices about how we use our time. But productivity isn’t just about how many to-dos you can check off, it’s also about feeling like you’ve accomplished something meaningful and worthwhile in your life.
Procrastination often stems from a variety of emotions. Whether it’s fear, anxiety, anger, or boredom, you can identify what specific emotions are driving your behavior and find ways to address them. One way to do this is by measuring the intensity of each emotion on a scale of 1-10, and then identifying which feelings you’re experiencing most frequently when it comes to specific tasks.
Another thing you can do is create an environment that’s free of distractions. This might mean locking yourself in your room when you have to write a paper for school, or turning off the phone when you’re working from home. By creating an environment that’s conducive to your work, you can be more productive and avoid putting off your projects.
Finally, try to follow the “two minute rule” when it comes to distractions. It’s been shown that it takes about 15 minutes to get back into a task after you’ve stopped it to check a notification, so try to avoid checking your phone or email while you’re trying to work. This will help you stay on task and get more done in a day. You may not be able to achieve all of your goals in one day, but taking the steps above will give you the momentum to keep pushing forward. Good luck! Have any other tips on how to not procrastinate and get more done in a day? Let us know in the comments!