It can be hard to start a bunch of productive habits out of the blue.Anyone can set the stage for success with a few small changes to their environment.To become the most productive version of yourself, you need a little bit of preparation and a lot of positive thinking.With the right attitude and a little effort, you'll be crossing tasks off of your to-do list quicker than you can write them down.
Step 1: You can keep focused on what is important by mapping your day out.
If you want to be productive, you have to plan out how you're going to spend the day every night and morning.Set aside time for emails, organization, and breaks when you fill in the morning with important tasks.Each day should have concrete goals.Reserve at least 90 minutes to tackle three important tasks that you want to accomplish.If you want to build your schedule in the morning, you should get up earlier than you normally would.A rushed morning schedule is not good for productive days.Break the day down into sections so that you don't spend hours in the same place.It will be easier to focus throughout the day if you move around regularly.
Step 2: If you are waiting on a call, keep your phone on silent.
Random texts, notifications, and social media are easy to get distracted by.Stop when you catch yourself on the phone.It is important to minimize the most obvious distraction in order to be more productive.There are apps you can download to keep you out of your account when you scroll for a while.If you really want to zero in on something, you can always leave your phone in another room or a desk drawer.
Step 3: A clean desk and organized home will keep you focused.
Chaos draws your attention away from the task at hand.Throw out trash, put things away, and organize your home at the end of each day.It will be easier to build healthy habits if you wake up to a clean home or a minimalist desk.The phrase "out of sight, out of mind" works the other way as well.People are attracted to anything in front of them.If you have a stack of important files sitting on your desk, you should take everything off of it.
Step 4: Key tasks are done early in the morning so that most people are more productive.
Don't put it off until 8 pm when you're likely to be tired, if your goal is to go grocery shopping.If you want to pitch a new service to a few important clients, make those calls or schedule the meetings before noon.You won't have to fight off sluggishness when you're trying to get things done.If you schedule your day this way, you will get the most important stuff done, and that early feeling of accomplishment will help keep you going throughout the day.Take a short rest if you aren't at work and you are struggling to maintain your energy later in the day.A 20-minute nap is a great way to relax.
Step 5: It's not a productive way to go about things.
If you devote all of your energy to a single task at a time, you are more likely to get things done.Don't split your time between answering emails and studying, turn the radio off at work, and shut the TV off while you study.You lose a lot of energy when you switch back and forth between activities.This kind of juggling isn't good for productivity.You are the most productive when time is flying and you are completely consumed with what you're doingIt is difficult to get into that state if you are constantly jumping between different things.
Step 6: It is hard to be productive if you think you are doing nothing.
Before you start, push yourself to find the significance in every single thing you do.If you fill out a timesheet for work, remind yourself that you are helping your company keep you accountable.This helps you stay productive at work.You can remind yourself of the importance of your company's mission by tying all of that back to it.You can find value in the little stuff.You are never going to get anything done if you walk around all day and feel like you are wasting time.
Step 7: You should set aside 5 minutes to replenish your batteries.
Stand up and stretch, step outside for some fresh air, or walk around the hallway for a few minutes.This will help you come back to the task at hand feeling refreshed, and it will also give your body a break from sitting or staring at a screen for too long.Many people like the Pomodoro technique.This is where you work in a series of intense bursts, spending 25 minutes focusing on a task and then taking 5 minutes off.If you find yourself losing steam after a certain amount of time, this can be a great option.
Step 8: Let small behaviors snowball into regular ones.
5 minutes a day is all you need to learn a new behavior.Double it next week.Stick to the 10-minutes-a-day rule for the next week or two.It will become a habit after a few weeks when you spend 10 minutes on this task.This is a great way to build small procedural habits, like meditating every afternoon or working out in the morning.If you aren't used to doing something, it may be hard to push through the first week.It will get easier over time.You can turn your behavior into a habit by completing your tiny habit at the same time every day.
Step 9: You are going to burn yourself out if you don't take some time off.
Make sure you set aside time to hang out with your friends and family, catch up on that book you've been meaning to read, and do things that you enjoy.You are going to run yourself into the ground if you push yourself to accomplish task after task.If you are going to be productive, you need to chill out on your days off.Take a vacation or long weekend off if you are going to try and implement a new system.It is possible to build a new habit after a long period of relaxation.
Step 10: Keep a regular sleep schedule and eat a healthy diet.
It's best to stick to a diet full of vegetables and whole grains.Try to get 8 hours of sleep every night and wake up at the same time every day.To relieve stress and feel great about yourself, try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week in the form of running, biking, or weightlifting.If you don't feel good, it's hard to build productive habits.If you want to be a productive person, you need to take care of your body.Take care of yourself as well.Staying mentally and emotionally healthy can be achieved with the use of meditation and yoga.
Step 11: Reward yourself for sticking with it as you improve your productivity.
After you fill out your planners, take a minute or two to enjoy a cup of coffee.You should eat a small piece of candy when you finish filing your reports.It's important to give yourself regular, small rewards for sticking with your productive habits.You should take your breaks after you finish a productive task.Breaks are a great way to reward yourself and you need to take regular breaks anyway.That is a win-win!