Wendy W. Smith
It’s 2019, and that means we can now accomplish more than ever in our workplaces with the assistance of technology. But that can come at a cost. We have become so accustomed to doing more with less time that we might find ourselves being consumed by the day-to-day. This doesn’t allow us to spend time working on our businesses and their growth potential.
This is why time-blocking is critical to those who find success in organization. So we’re laying out how you can improve your workday productivity to make the most of every minute:
1. Don’t try to do it all. Multitaskers – this one’s for you! Your ability to get things done depends on how well you can focus on one task at a time, whether it’s for five minutes or an hour. Your brain might trick itself into thinking it has more capacity than it really does, but it’s actually working harder than it should to handle multiple thoughts at once when you are switching back and forth between tasks. Try focusing on one initiative at a time or laying out your day in advance, allowing yourself to focus on certain initiatives while leaving some wiggle room for unexpected things that come up. Fight distractions and you’ll feel better about what you were able to accomplish with the time you have.
2. Stay on Track. Procrastinators – I’m talking to you. Sometimes, we have to hold ourselves accountable to the goals we set for productivity. Find an accountability partner who is willing to express disappointment when you have not achieved your goal and who freely gives appreciation when you do achieve it. Make sure your goals are realistic and attainable, and break your time into smaller increments of short-term tasks. Create lists at the beginning of the week, or even the beginning of each day, of the things you need to accomplish. This will help you review your progress and track how much you actually accomplished versus how much you needed to get done.
3. Get organized. This one applies to everyone! Whether you’re a small business owner, stay at home parent, or corporate employee, organization will help you manage your time better and accomplish more. This applies to how clean you keep your desk and work space, how you track your appointments in your calendar, and even the notes you take to keep your day on track. Organization helps our brain rationalize the actionable steps we have to take to be fulfilled by what we’ve accomplished. Clutter and disorganization will prohibit your productivity more than any other distractions.
Not every day can be completely productive. But refocusing your energy and implementing these tips can help you find the sweet spot that works for you. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how much more you can get done both in and out of the office.
Wishing you a productive week,
Wendy
