1) Introduction
We all have busy
lives, whether it's managing our work responsibilities or personal obligations.
However, being productive is not just about getting things done, it's about
getting the right things done efficiently and effectively. It is thus not
only important to get your to-do list done but also to set the right
priorities. Fortunately, there are several strategies and techniques that can
help us become more productive, known as productivity hacks. In this blog, we
will explore some of the best productivity hacks that can help you manage your
time, improve your focus and concentration, communicate and collaborate
effectively and take care of your physical and mental well-being. So, let's
dive in!2) Setting priorities
One of the most
important productivity hacks is setting priorities. When we have a lot on our
plate, it's easy to become overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. Setting
priorities can help us identify the most important tasks and ensure that
we're focusing our time and energy on the things that matter most.
1. Eisenhower
matrix: Stephen Covey's Eisenhower Matrix is a time-management tool that
helps individuals prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. The
matrix has four quadrants: 1) Urgent and Important, 2) Important but not Urgent,
3) Urgent but not Important and 4) Not Urgent and Not Important. The main
takeaway from this quadrant is that you have to spend most of your time in
quadrant 2 so that your tasks won’t get urgent. By doing this, you allow
yourself to be less stressed and be able to set priorities rather than reacting
on urgent tasks.
2. Make a to-do
list: This can help you see everything you need to accomplish and avoid
forgetting important tasks. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more
manageable steps to make them easier to tackle. You can choose to make this
manually or digitally. You can combine doing this manually with journalling
which you can read more about in my blog post “A guide to journalling” you can
find on the right of my page. Alternativelly, you can make it digitally using a
tool like Microsoft To Do. I suggest you make a distinction between personal
and professional tasks.
3) Productivity hacks
Productivity is often
thought of as simply managing time more efficiently, but there are many
other factors that can impact our ability to be productive. From managing
distractions to improving our mental and physical health, there are many
productivity hacks that can help us stay focused and get more done in less
time.
1. Cut out
distractions: Distractions can be a major roadblock to productivity, so
finding ways to eliminate them is key. One simple hack is to turn off
notifications on your phone or computer while working on a task. Another is to
create a designated workspace that is free from distractions like TV, loud
music, or people. A clean desk can already drastically improve your
productivity because you can get easier in the flow
2. Take breaks:
Taking regular breaks can help you stay energized and focused throughout the
day. Try the Pomodoro technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a
five-minute break. In this break, you can take a quick walk or stretch break
every hour to give your brain a rest and increase your blood flow. However,
taking regular breaks is crucial for maintaining productivity levels. I always
visualize it with time on the X-axis and productivity on the Y-axis. Without
breaks, the graph shows a downward curve in productivity. But, by taking short
breaks of 5 minutes, you can recover back to your original level of
productivity, resulting in getting more done overall.
3. Embrace imperfectionism:
Perfectionism can be a major roadblock to productivity, as it can cause us to
spend too much time on one task or become paralyzed by indecision. Instead, try
to embrace imperfection and focus on progress rather than perfection. An
important principle that is applicable here is the Pareto Principle. It
says that 80% of your output is caused by 20% of the input. Conversely,
striving for perfectionism can lead to a lack of productivity, as a significant
amount of effort is spent on achieving only minor improvements. To put it
differently: “80% of your output is caused by 20% of your input”. This implies
that you put a lot of effort to get just a little better outcome.
4) Conclusion
The most important thing I want you to remember is that productivity is not just about completing tasks; it's about setting priorities and utilizing techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix, to-do lists, and regular breaks to ensure you're focusing on what truly matters while maintaining your well-being. By implementing productivity hacks like the
Eisenhower Matrix, to-do lists, and taking regular breaks, you can ensure that you're
focusing on the most important tasks while avoiding burnout. Additionally,
embracing imperfectionism and understanding the Pareto Principle can help us
avoid spending too much time on minor improvements and instead focus on making
progress.
5) Your next steps
1. To-do list:
Make a to-do list for next week and mark the tasks that are in quadrant 2
(important but not urgent). Try to spend most of your time in this quadrant. (5
minutes)
2. Take breaks:
The next time you work on something, set a timer at least every hour to get out
of your chair and do a little exercise or go for a walk to get your blood
flowing.
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