No matter what you do for a living, it probably seems as though there just aren't enough hours in the day. Well, guess what? There aren't enough hours in the day. However, successful guys make the most of their working hours by working smart.
Here are some tips to help you work smarter so you can be more productive at work.
2. Make
Prioritize Your Tasks And Schedule them
Whether you use the Task Manager in Outlook or you have something
else, make sure you keep a simple to-do list every day and give
yourself a realistic set of tasks to get through.
3. Give yourself deadlines
When facing each task on your to-do list, try and give yourself a
deadline. That way, you'll be less inclined to procrastinate or waste
time on other things.
4. One thing at a time
Concentrate on one task at a time
Multi-tasking might seem more productive, but it can really slow you down.
Tackle one job before you start anything else, otherwise you'll never get
anything done. It's hopeless trying to do everything at once, because
you'll never be able to focus properly.
5. Deal with things immediately
If something comes up and you can deal with it in a couple of minutes, then
do it right away. There's no point in postponding it. But remember, this tip only
works for smaller things. Under no circumstances should you begin projects
this way; you'll never get anything done.
6. Split big tasks into bite-size chunks
If you've got a particularly large project that seems overwhelming,
break it down into smaller and more manageable chunks. Then
tackle each one at a time.
7. Keep your desk clutter-free
If you don't need it handy or you don't need it at all, it's slowing you
down. Organize all your files so that you don't waste time looking for
documents. Do the same for your e-mail inbox. Get rid of excess files
and folders. As a rule, if you use it once a day or more, it can stay.
Otherwise, pack it away.
Set your schedule, make a list, centralize your info...
8. If you get stuck , move on
Complex tasks, like creativity, development, or coding, take a lot of
mental effort and your brain can only focus for a limited amount of
time. That means it’s critical to take breaks and let your brain rest.
Take a walk or socialize for a bit. Then when you get back to work,
you're energized again.
9. Use Technology To Be MORE
PRODUCTIVE
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is equivalent to magic.”
Sir Arthur C. Clarke
10. Be social
Being social helps break your isolation and connect in new ways with
others at work.
The happier you are, the more productive you’ll be.
11. Limit social media use
Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube etc. They're all so tempting to look at and
can be very distracting. Like emails, you should only check your
profiles at certain times during the day and limit how long you spend
using them. Make sure you don't leave any social media sites open on
your desktop, they'll just keep interrupting your work flow.
12. Keep phone calls short
Chatting on the phone to friends or family can consume a lot of time.
Try and limit each phone call by explaining to the other person that
you're "on deadline" and can't talk for long – obviously, you won't be
able to do this some times. In that case, make the conversation ‘to
the point’ and let it not take too much time.
13. Schedule email checking
Emails are a productivity killer. It's a fact. And it's all too easy to keep
checking for new messages every five minutes. But doing so can
mean you spend all day writing emails, instead of focusing on your
work. Force yourself to check emails at certain times throughout the
day.
14. Get outside
A good dose of fresh air and daylight, away from the unnatural
environment of an office, is good for the soul.
Experts suggest that being outside brings all sorts of health benefits
and that a bit of daily daylight is a stress buster, helping you to stay
on track when you're back at your desk.
15. Sleep well
Get some decent shut-eye every night.
An adult should sleep around seven to nine hours
If you're always having late nights, you'll regret it the next day because you
won't feel rested or rejuvenated and ready to handle what's thrown your way.
A good night's sleep will reflect in how productive you feel the next day, so
ensure you make sleep a priority.
16. Exercise daily
To keep stress levels at bay, get out and exercise every day.
Even if it's just half an hour of walking on your lunch break. Exercise
will help clear your mind and keep you focused. You may think that
being chained to your desk will mean that you get more things
done, but it actually works against you.
17. Eat breakfast
Start each day with a healthy breakfast
If you have an unhealthy breakfast or skip on eating anything at all, it
will just leave you feeling tired, agitated and distracted.
