If you want to get more done in a day, the first thing to do is to prioritize your daily tasks. Then, break your day into several time slots. And finally, group your work into tasks that can be done within the allotted time, and keep distractions in check.
Break your day down into various time slots
If you’re trying to get more done in less time, the best way to go about it is by scheduling a series of one-hour blocks, each devoted to a specific task. Time blocking works well for people who commute or work from home. You can put your phone on airplane mode and focus on the task at hand.
Time blocking is a good idea when you’re dealing with too much to do. The trick is to balance out your responsibilities with the time that you need for other things. For example, you can work on a major project during the day, and use the evening to check emails and finish the mundane tasks that need to be completed before you go to sleep. This allows you to get more done in less time, and you don’t have to worry about waking up early or getting distracted on the weekends.
While you’re at it, you can also set aside a dedicated slot for checking email. Using timeblocking software like Week Plan to do this is a smart move, especially since it lets you mark down your activities for each hour of the day.
Obviously, it’s not a complete list, but you should at least include a few items you can’t avoid. This could include a mandatory daily lunch, an outing with friends, a visit with the kids, or a meeting with the boss. It’s also a good idea to schedule a few personal tasks as well. Scheduling a few hours of quality time with your loved ones will keep your life on track.
As you’re planning your next trip, consider the time blocks that you can dedicate to the most important tasks. You might have a hard time completing all the things, but you can get some things done.
Prioritize your daily tasks early
One of the most important things you can do to boost productivity is to prioritize your daily tasks. The right priorities can change the way you do your job and your life in general.
Prioritizing tasks can help you meet deadlines, avoid overwhelm, and stay on top of things. It can also prevent you from feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. By prioritizing, you can save time and money, and improve the efficiency of your work.
There are many different methods for prioritizing tasks. Some methods focus on picking the “right” task and others are designed to help you find the most important tasks. Whether you choose to use a method like David Allen’s Get Things Done, a simple framework, or a complex tool, you can achieve greater productivity if you learn how to prioritize your daily tasks.
The most important rule to follow when prioritizing your daily tasks is to prioritize the most urgent tasks first. By doing so, you will boost your morale and productivity.
When you’re beginning your day, list the top five or six tasks that you need to accomplish. This is your master list. Next, you should break down each big task into smaller subtasks.
For example, if you’re starting a new job, you might want to focus on learning your company’s policies and procedures. You can then slot in other tasks based on factors. If you’re already working on several tasks at once, it’s crucial to schedule a few breaks throughout the day.
In addition, completing small tasks early can boost your morale and give you a few quick wins. Moreover, taking regular breaks can help prevent you from getting burned out.
Allow for flexibility in planning your day
In today’s ever-expanding workplace a bit of flexibility is the last man standing. There’s nothing like having an excuse to take a mid-day stroll in the park or get the kids in the tub for the night. With more free time on your hands, you can have an epic dinner party, and still be on time to a concert or movie. Of course, there are some downsides. For example, you might not be able to squeeze in a visit to the dentist. But a flexible schedule can also be a boon for your health and happiness. So, if you can, get your act together and reap the benefits of a more wholesome life. The key is to be flexible, and not too flexible. You want to be able to make the most of your day without sacrificing your sanity. A big problem with flexible work schedules is that you tend to overdo it.
Manage distractions
Distractions are a key source of productivity problems. They take away your focus and clog your mind with unnecessary information. They can also lead to burnout, which can result in depressive symptoms.
There are a number of ways to manage distractions and increase your productivity. One way is to schedule your most important tasks first thing in the morning. This will prevent the most distracting events from ruining your day.
Using technology is another way to minimize digital distractions. You can use apps that block certain sites or mute your phone. However, this requires time to build habits.
Another approach is to break down your jobs into small component tasks. Do not try to complete a large project all at once. Take breaks regularly and make sure you are focusing on your most important work.
You can also eliminate distractions by making sure that you have clear boundaries between your personal and professional life. For example, you might want to turn off notifications and store your phone when you are working.
Other common workplace distractions are conversations, background noises and equipment. A study shows that people in offices switch focus 20 times a hour. Having a consistent, quiet place to work can help you focus. Using headphones can also help with concentration.
When working on a task, choose three or five things to focus on. You should move distracting items to a less distracting location and close distracting screens.
Some people find that music with lyrics is distracting. Other people need to take regular breaks from work. While it may be tempting to check your email or Facebook while you are working, it is not a productive way to work.