A few common sense suggestions will help ensure that your days are far more productive
- Just start
There is no point in avoiding a task that has to be completed. Stop wasting time and get started on a task as quickly as possible.
- Get organised
Organize everything. Getting organized will immediately help your productivity. Ensure that you have all the tools you need for a task before getting started. Organize your files and folders in to a logical, easy to follow order and make sure files are named for easy referencing at a later date. - Make a list
This is a simple but effective method. Write down all the task that need to be achieved. This can be for the day week or even month if you are feeling particularly adventurous. Logically, stick with the day ahead. - Prioritize tasks
Making a list will help realize what tasks have to be achieved. However, as with all tasks some will need to be completed before others. Arrange tasks so that the most pressing is completed first. - Start with the hardest
This follows on from making a list and prioritizing tasks. If certain tasks have the same priority, then you should start with the task you deem to be the most di icult. Once this is completed, the tasks will get progressively easier and you will become more productive. - Remove distractions
There is no doubt that distractions will ruin productivity. This could be a talkative colleague, social media outlets or general o ice noise. Stick on a pair of headphones and listen to your favorite music to keep focused, and only use the Web for research. - Set time limits
A task should only take a certain length of time. Allocate a time period to a task and stick to it as best as you can. Be realistic when setting a time limit. Too short a time will be counter-productive. - Break down tasks
If you have a mammoth or daunting task on your hands, don’t panic. Break it down into logical and smaller sub-sections and start at the beginning. If necessary, break down the sub-sections into smaller chunks as well. - Learn keyboard shortcuts
This is more of a practical tip, but one that will help improve productivity no end. Learn as many shortcuts as you can, start with the more obvious, and remove the hassle and time-killing task of opening endless menus. - Don’t multitask
Research has shown that multitasking is less productive. Constant Interruptions will break your concentration and disrupt your workflow making it more di icult to restart a task.
