Finding the well of productivity is not something companies and professionals stumble upon every day. Without the right strategies and mindset, productivity levels can dwindle drastically. And when an extra layer of uncertainty, tied to economic, political and social issues is piled on, tapping into productivity levels can be a huge challenge.
However, the marketplace demands that companies keep up with fast-moving trends and innovate in their respective sectors. Both businesses and professionals that do not keep up, can be left behind. In this regard, companies started delving into optimizing efficiency and effectiveness, which together, are considered the essence of productivity.
And so, without the fuel and drive to keep the engine running, how can companies and teams thrives? And are there strategies that can be adopted?
Here are tips on how to find your productive drive, even on bad days:
- Prioritize
Having to-do lists at hand, can help you envision and keep track of the tasks that are due. However, lengthy to-do lists can often be overwhelming and difficult to keep track of. Instead, break up your list into little goals that can be achieved on a daily basis. Write small lists of items that you want to achieve on that given day, and tick them off as you go along. You will most likely feel a sense of achievement.
- Use available technologies
Technology has contributing to advancing the workplace and daily life, but it also has taken up a vast chunk of our time. This can include the ease of communicating with others, which may lead to a full inbox, even before 9am. Adding team members, not directly related to a specific project on CC, can also create a burdensome effect. However, there are upsides to using technology, such as using productivity and scheduling tools. Find the one that suits you best, to keep yourself on track.
- Know at what times you work best
Some boast that they are morning people, with their optimal productive hours recorded even before a sip of coffee. Others are at their productivity peak after hours, when the office is empty. Know at what hours during the day you work best, and keep all important tasks that require more brainpower, to be finalized then. In your ‘downtime’, tend to any immediate and simple tasks.
- But also use your time effectively
Many professionals record endless hours of overtime spent at the office which can lead to burnout. However, if you look closely, they do not really achieve much throughout the day. Assess if you are using your time effectively and what tasks are taking up more time than requires. Also, if you have back to back meetings or calls, that are not beneficial for your role, try to limit them.
- And take breaks
If you have an important email to write, a creative presentation due tomorrow, an inspiring talk that you have to give next week… and you are just. not. able. to. think… take a break. Go for a walk, sit on a bench, have a chat with a friend that inspires you. When we force our minds to deliver, productivity levels will decrease and the outcome might not be as good. Understand what you need, to be at your most productive.
Remember, if you can schedule in a few hours of uninterrupted work time, which includes not checking your email, not answering calls, and definitely not surfing social media, make that a sacred practice. You will be surprised at how much you can get done.
