How To Build On Productivity
‘Get more stuff done in less time. Work smarter. Be faster, better. Manage your time better. Keep hustling! Make use of your hours in the day better. Don’t waste your time with unnecessary steps.’ Well, we’re sure most of you have heard at least one of these phrases once before. Being told to be productive is almost a constant reminder of our human lives. Especially us, the entrepreneurs.
We, as entrepreneurs, will always be called on to check in on our productivity, making sure that we stay focused and use our time well in the growth of ourselves and our business. The key here is staying productive on the right tasks.
“It’s important for us to figure out what our priorities are and find out what methods and techniques work for us to move forward and progress.”
On a general basis, here are some solid tips on how you can stay productive on the right tasks.
First on the list is honing your time management techniques. If you find difficulty in managing your time well, a first step to start would be adopting a time management technique that works for you. You can use popular techniques such as the Pomodoro technique, Eisenhower matrix etc., or make a method/routine that solely works for you and your lifestyle.
The second would be to use tools and systems that help you manage your tasks and time well. Try using tools and systems that will help you not only manage your time well but also give you a visual overview of what you need to be prioritizing. Some basic ones can be the Google calendar, to-do lists, Toggl Plan, sticky notes, Rescue Time, etc.
However, the third and most important tip to follow would be to allow new perspectives and solutions. Don’t be stuck and stubborn in following the ONE way you know how to do things. We as humans often tend to stick to old habits. In most cases, tasks can be completed more effectively and efficiently than we are used to doing it. If you want to increase your productivity, regularly step back and look if there are things that you could do differently.
Now, no matter how productive you deem yourself to be, it is also vital to be consistent in your productivity. We all know being productive on a regular consistent basis can be difficult. Some days, one cannot help but feel like slacking off, taking it easier for today, which of course is completely fine. But we also can’t allow ourselves to become that person who works productively for two days and slacks off the next three days.
Managing your time in ways that are conducive to your productivity is highly essential. But it can sometimes be hard to know where to start. Well, we have three takeaways to share with you on how you can build on your day-to-day productivity and be consistent.
Stick to a system (unless it’s not working). If you find a tool/system that works for you, learn its features, and have every task you need to do in one dashboard rather than disbursing attention across multiple tools/systems.
The calendar is key. Having a calendar helps one better organize their daily or weekly schedule. Segregate your tasks at hand by highest to lowest priority and tackle them accordingly. If possible, have one for your business separately and one for just your daily tasks.
Make use of non-digital visuals (pen & paper). Oftentimes, having so many systems at play can contribute to the chaos. Especially if you’re fairly new to using digital systems. When so, you can always turn to the old-school method of using a pen and paper. Post-its and to-do lists are a great approach to visualizing your day and taking it on. 0
Now, you can say you’ve got productivity figured out at the tip of your fingers!
