Productivity can be a slippery beast at the best of times. We have so many competing interests throughout the work week that overwhelm – the antidote to productivity – is often right around the corner. You won’t have to look hard to find advice telling you that ‘Mondays are the best day for productivity’, or ’11am is the best time to work’. But the truth is your productivity zone is as uniquely individual as you are. So instead of getting frustrated and googling, “How to be productive”, why not follow these simple hacks for getting through the days – and tasks – with ease…
How to be productive: Hack #1… Follow the energy
In the same way that we can either be night owls or early birds, we all have different times of day that suit our desire to rip through that to-do list. We all know it’s nigh-on impossible to get work done when your energy levels are flatlining, so harnessing the optimum time is essential. If you haven’t already figured out which part of the day you’re most likely to get the big jobs out of the way, why not spend a week consciously tracking your time, output and energy levels?
The more you pay attention to your body’s cues, the better you’ll be at seizing the opportunity to fly through your tasks for the day. Best of all, when working in your optimal productivity zone, you’ll not only find it easier to work, but the work you produce will be of a higher calibre… and who doesn’t want that?!
How to be productive: Hack #2… Preparation is key
A lot of productivity comes down to preparation. You can’t settle down to focus if you don’t have a coherent plan of attack, a reasonably well-organised workspace and a rested brain and body. Before you end each day, you should be preparing a to-do list of the next day’s tasks so you know exactly where to begin. Once you understand your peak energy times you can start to group the day’s jobs accordingly. Time blocking is a massive help here.
If your desk is looking more like a tip than a workspace, it’s probably time for a tidy-up. Remove clutter, file those files, clean your keyboard that’s got months of lunch crumbs in it (I see you) and maybe even give your workspace a once-over with a nice-smelling cleaning spray. It may sound simple, but decluttering your workspace truly will lead to an easier time ticking things off the list.
Lastly, getting enough rest for your brain to function optimally is an absolute must. Trying to work to a high level while you’re fatigued is the thinking equivalent of running through treacle. Do yourself a big favour and get some good shut-eye each night! I know, it’s tempting to just keep going, but are you really helping yourself?!
If you’re really struggling to focus, even in your best productivity times (because we all have days like that), it might even be valuable to include focus music in your routine. Whenever your productivity zone turns out to be, don’t waste it! Jump in, get your jobs done and fly high with the satisfaction of a day well spent.
Amanda Findlay is a certified bookkeeper with a brain for business strategy. Get in touch today to discuss how Complete Bookkeeping Concepts can help you improve your business practices.