Many people often feel short on time because they are easily distracted, want to relax, or like to procrastinate, even though there are still many tasks to complete. Want to know how to use your time productively? Read on for this article!
Step
Method 1 of 4: Creating a Work Schedule
Step 1. Make a daily activity plan
Write down all the daily/weekly jobs and activities you want to do or make a list of tasks that need to be completed. To-do lists help you increase your work productivity, but they are beneficial when used properly.
- Make a list of specific, workable tasks. For example, instead of writing, "cleaning the house," write "tidying the living room," "sweeping the floor," or "taking out the trash." The clearer and more detailed, the better.
- Don't let the to-do list overwhelm you or distract you. If you're wasting your time just thinking about the tasks that need to be written, it's best not to make lists. Take a moment to jot down tasks or activities that need to be done throughout the day. After that, don't add any other assignments to the list, unless absolutely necessary.
Step 2. Create a work schedule
Determine the tasks you can do and then sort them according to priority. Then, make a schedule by allocating time to complete each task, do activities, eat lunch, and rest.
Keep in mind that the time spent on tasks is sometimes more or less than scheduled. Don't feel guilty about this and don't let your work plan fall apart. If things don't go according to plan, make adjustments and then work again as usual
Step 3. Prioritize and don't prioritize the tasks you enjoy
Sometimes, work piles up so you don't work on schedule. Therefore, determine the tasks that must be prioritized and then complete them first. Maybe you want to complete all the tasks and bathing pet dogs, but one must be postponed. Don't do several tasks at the same time so you don't feel overwhelmed. An effective way to increase work productivity is to complete tasks one by one.
If there is still a task that has not been completed for a long time, don't let this bother your mind. Set a deadline or allocate time to complete it. Also, consider putting it off until you have enough time
Step 4. Define work targets
Whatever daily tasks you want to do, such as cleaning the house, studying, or working in the office, set goals that are realistic but challenging enough. For example, set a goal to write a few words, read a few pages, or complete a report. Don't give up before the target is reached. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, be positive by using goals as a source of motivation. You can reach your target if you stay focused while working.
Set a penalty or prepare a reward for yourself. Make a commitment to reward yourself when you reach your goal. Determine unpleasant consequences, such as donating money if the target is not achieved. This method can be used if you ask a friend who gives you a penalty or gift so you don't break a commitment to yourself
Step 5. Evaluate work effectiveness
Instead of just thinking about how productive you are at work, also pay attention to other aspects, such as the ability to focus at work, achieving targets, and the accuracy of preparing work schedules. Take note of unforeseen problems or obstacles that hinder the work process and determine how to resolve them.
Record the plans that have been carried out and those that are pending in a diary after each work
Step 6. Get in the habit of keeping the things you have in order
Completion of tasks or activities will be hampered if you lose important files, urgently needed equipment, or have to open email to confirm an appointment. Therefore, make sure you implement a file storage system, tidy up work equipment, and record the schedule of activities on the agenda.
Method 2 of 4: Maintaining Focus
Step 1. Avoid distractions
During daily activities, there are many stimuli and distractions that are difficult to avoid, such as TV, blogs, and text messages. Also, friends, family members, or pets can sometimes be so distracting that you lose a whole day. Don't let this happen! Focus on targets and rewards that have been set by ignoring the things that distract you from your work schedule.
- Close emails and social media websites. Silence annoying notifications ringing. If needed, schedule a few minutes a day to check incoming email and find out important information. However, productivity will drop if email and social media are kept open at work.
- Use the app to prevent wasting time. Websites are full of interesting things, such as photos, images, videos, and articles which can be very time-consuming if you are not careful. Avoid this by installing a phone or computer app (such as StayFocusd, Leechblock, or Nanny) to limit the amount of time you access attention-grabbing websites or prevent you from checking your email at certain times. There are various ways to avoid the temptation to check your email, access your favorite blog, or watch comedy videos.
- Turn off the phone. Do not use your cell phone at work, for example to make calls or send messages. Place your phone in a hard-to-reach place. The person calling will leave a message if it's really important. To anticipate an emergency, you can check your cellphone once an hour.
- Let friends and family members know that you don't want to be disturbed. Don't leave pets in the workspace so you can concentrate.
- Turn on white noise to block out distracting noise or noise. To make it easier for you to focus and increase productivity, play white noise or listen to recorded nature sounds, such as the sound of rain or a river flowing through the Noisli website.
- Turn off the TV and radio. Depending on your job, working while listening to relaxing music, especially songs without lyrics, makes it easier to concentrate. However, noisy media will reduce productivity if you have to work while focusing your mind.
Step 2. Complete the tasks one by one
The idea that you are more productive when you work on several tasks at the same time is a misnomer. In fact, we are able to work well if the tasks are completed one by one. Otherwise, we are just so busy switching from one task to another that we run out of time and have trouble concentrating. To be able to work productively, complete the first task completely and then work on the next task.
Step 3. Keep your home and workspace tidy
Cleaning is a job that takes time and effort, but you can find it difficult to concentrate and be unproductive if you work in a messy place. Therefore, keep your study desk, home, or workspace neat so that there are no scattered items.
Method 3 of 4: Taking Care of Yourself
Step 1. Get into the habit of going to bed early and getting enough sleep at night
Drowsiness or lack of sleep makes you easily distracted and unproductive.
Step 2. Set a timer and leave the bed as soon as the alarm goes off
Don't turn off the alarm ringing repeatedly so you fall asleep again. Even if it's only for a few minutes, getting up late can mess up your work schedule and keep you from focusing on work all day.
Step 3. Eat nutritious foods.
Maybe you haven't realized that you are more easily distracted, stressed, and have trouble concentrating if you don't take care of your health. In addition, you need to correct the work because you often make mistakes. Make sure you eat healthy foods with a balanced menu every day.
Don't choose foods that make you feel sluggish and sleepy. Digestion of food requires a lot of energy. You will be sleepy and have difficulty concentrating if you eat large portions of fatty foods
Step 4. Take time to rest
Don't force yourself to work until you feel tired or fall asleep at the computer. Do light stretches and relax your eyes every time you work for about 15 minutes. Take time to exercise, eat snacks, and rest for 5-10 minutes every 1-2 hours.
Method 4 of 4: Evaluating and Improving Work Performance
Step 1. Use the work performance measurement tool to evaluate yourself each week
Step 2. Find out the obstacles that reduce work productivity and the things that distract
Step 3. Set targets and conduct weekly work evaluations
Step 4. Ask for feedback from coworkers and bosses to ensure you are successful in increasing productivity
Step 5. Maintain enthusiasm and work performance
Tips
- Set priorities. Put more important tasks first! Complete difficult tasks before working on easy ones.
- If you have to complete a pile of tasks, allocate a full day without making other plans and use the time to work productively!
- Do not feel burdened by the many tasks that must be completed. Take a break to cool down. If needed, break down challenging tasks into easier steps. Get in the habit of getting up early, eat a nutritious breakfast, and set aside time for relaxation.
