Everyone wants to be more productive. At least, that’s what many people I’ve come across say.
Do they really?
And assuming the answer to that last question is yes, then do they know how?
In this article, I share nine factors that will increase your productivity almost immediately. All you have to do is implement them.
Let’s get to it.
Factor #1
The quality and quantity of sleep. Experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep every night. I highly recommend Arianna Huffington’s book, The Sleep Revolution. It will rock your world. People who get enough quality sleep are more productive than those who do not.
Factor #2
Be sure you are doing WHAT you love to do WHERE you love to do it. If you love what you do but you hate the long commute, your boss, your co-workers, the paint on the walls, whatever…you’ll never be the most productive version of yourself.
Note: the WHERE may involve going out on your own.
Factor #3
Your mindset/attitude. Do you tend to embrace positivity and reject negativity? Anything negative – social media, bad news, gossipers, etc. – will affect your productivity. Surround yourself with positive people and experiences.
Tell your time where to go instead of wondering where it went.
Mark Struczewski
Factor #4
Telling your time where to go instead of wondering where it went. Always, always, always plan your tomorrow either the day/night before or the morning of (before you start working). Go through every day with intention.
Factor #5
Limit as many of the distractions in your life as you can.
- Disable vibration mode on your mode
- Do a notification cleanse on ALL your devices (turn off nearly every one)
- Do your work in a quiet place
- Keep your work area as clutter-free as possible
Factor #6
Take care of yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually. Don’t make your life all about working. Be sure you’re taking time for fun, rest and don’t forget to breathe/meditate. I personally find using the Breathe app on my Apple Watch to be a sanity saver.
Factor #7
Determine when your optimum time of day is and do your best work then. This may not be the morning. Plus, know how long you can work before you need a break. I prefer to work – as much as possible – in thirty minute chunks. That’s what works for me…what works for you?
Factor #8
Take frequent breaks away from your work area. I highly recommend you walk outside – even if you work or live in a high rise. Leave your phone behind or mute it (have vibration mode disabled) or better yet, put it in airplane mode. Go outside, close your eyes and take several deep breaths. This will give you a natural boost of energy.
Factor #9
Commit to never stopping to learn new ways of doing things (like being more productive). Decide to learn something new every day. Never think you’ve got it all figured out. Have an open mind.
Your turn
Which of these nine factors are you already doing?
Which one(s) will you commit to trying?
Don’t overdo it. Just pick one and commit to getting really good at it. Then pick another one.
It is possible to be a more productive version of yourself.
It’s not a question of “if you can” but “when will you commit to start?”
I know you can do this. Do you?