Being productive doesn't happen overnight, you can't just be productive without having a plan and thinking through things.
It's not as difficult as you might think it is, all you need is a little change to your everyday life in order to stop procrastinating and get things done!
1. First of all, make a reasonable and realistic to-do list of what you need to get done
By making a to-do list you can see exactly what you need to do, if you want add a timing for each task and prioritise them, write down which one you need to do first.
2. Focus on one goal at a time
Although looking at the bigger picture is important, if you don't take one step at a time, you'll end up being stressed and unmotivated. Set a small goal for every task and you'll truly feel the difference you are making!
3. Get rid of all distractions, yep ALL of them
Unless you need to work on your phone or computer, put them away, or at least mute them. We can all agree that "2 minutes" on your phone is actually 2 hours on your phone, so if you're also a victim of this (as we all are), then you know it's best to put all distractions away.
4. Start off by doing the hardest one first
It's easier to start with the most difficult task first and then continue with the rest.
Leaving the most challenging tasks on the bottom of our to-do list is a very common tendency that only causes more procrastination and makes you unmotivated in the long run.
5. Take a walk or do a quick exercise
By taking a walk in the fresh air, your brain works better and makes you more energised and helps you memorise a lot better! Some work offices actually have desks that you can work on while walking on a treadmill because physical activity stimulates the brain. Now, you don't need to immediately get up and leave what you’re working on, but once you feel tired and unmotivated, take a walk!
6. Make your workplace as clean, fresh, and distraction-free as possible!
The place you chose to work in is very important, it could either make you really distracted, or help you feel relaxed and in control. I recommend changing up your work setting once in a while, it causes a positive routine change and makes life a bit more exciting.
7. Group similar tasks together
If you have similar tasks, it's easier to group them together and you'll get done faster!
8. Don't be afraid to ask for help
Of course doing things on your own is better, but we all need a little help to get us through things faster. If you're stuck on something for some time, move on to the other task until you get help, and it might be difficult to leave something that is not done to move on to something else, nevertheless it truly saves a lot of time.
9. Don't multitask!
I know, I'm surprised as well, but multitasking is really bad for your brain as the brain can only focus on one thing at a time in order to give its full efficiency and performance.
Take it one step at a time, just as mentioned in step #2.
10. Take breaks
This is an obvious one, but you really need to take breaks in order for your brain not to flash out and stop working, and again, take a walk ;)
