Being consistently productive throughout the work day can be challenging. Proper time-management is key to your productivity… but sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start.
The Link Between Satisfaction and Productivity
People who are satisfied in work and life have nurtured habits that increase their productivity. They even find time to relax! They typically enjoy many aspects of their work. What are these habits?
- They take care of themselves. They’re physically active, eat well, and seek and enjoy simple moments.
- Effective people create a routine that works for them. They choose when to arise, best times for meals, and when to call it a day.
- They know their peak functioning hours, reserving those for priority or challenging tasks. We all have different peak working schedules. Get to know yours.
Take a Step Back
Innovation and breakthrough ideas take center stage when you step away from ho hum daily routines. According to a Cognition Journal study taking regular breaks improves focus and mood. A mind that is freed from a thousand spinning thoughts is fertile ground for imagination and fresh approaches to challenges. Take a step back to:
- Go for a brief walk and leave your phone in your desk.
- Meditate—or at least focus on your breath. It works wonders!
- Review emerging trends and current research to broaden your scope.
Set Small SMART Goals
Seeing a long list of projects on your calendar can be intimidating. However, breaking those up into smaller tasks can you help you gain control and be more productive. Small tasks are short-term, which is helpful when trying to accomplish large goals.
These smaller tasks are known as SMART goals and should be:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Time-bound
Practice Optimism and Hold on to Your Dreams
Productive, effective people are doggedly determined to follow their own path. They do it by:
- Keeping their eye on their dreams.
- Moving toward their goals, even when there are stumbling blocks. They know that perseverance is a given, and failure means it’s time to take a new approach.
- Deflecting and steering clear of nay-sayers by listening to their own inner wisdom.
- Staying hopeful and celebrating each sign of progress, regardless of its size.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Will Durant, American Historian
For more information about boosting your productivity, check out Be More Successful at Work