There are some days when we feel like we’re working hard,
but just don’t get anything important done. Check out these tips for how to be your most productive self.
"Being productive gives people a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that loafing never can." ~Zig Ziglar
Zig Ziglar is right: that feeling after you complete your to-do list for the day is the best ever. But sometimes, it can be hard to find motivation. There are some days when we feel like we’re working hard, but just don’t get anything important done. Check out these tips for how to be your most productive self.
Create Defined Goals
First thing’s first, you need to know what you’re working towards! Write down a few goals, and break them up into doable sections. You’ll be amazed at how powerful this simple act can be.
Turn Off Your Phone
If you check Facebook or text every five minutes, it will break your concentration and take you longer to get back on track. Turn it off when you’re working, and if you must, check it every hour or so.
Don’t Skip Breakfast
Sounds ridiculous, but if your stomach is rumbling, you won’t be able to concentrate on anything but your lunchtime sandwich. Plus, a healthy breakfast will give you energy and focus for the rest of your day.
Plan Your Say the Night Before
Ever wake up in the morning and feel totally overwhelmed by everything you have to do? It’s best to figure out what your plan of action is the night before so you can hit the ground running.
Prioritize
When you’re making a to do list, prioritize it. For example, you should probably pay your bill that’s due today before you go out and buy your sister-in-law a present for her birthday next week.
Eat the Frog
Not literally! This phrase means to get the hardest task done first thing. That way, you don’t spend the entire day dreading it; rather, you feel proud of yourself, and more productive than ever.
30 Day Challenges
Pick something to do for 30 days, and 30 days only, such as cutting sugar out of your diet or biking to work. With 12 challenges a year, you could get a ton done and your motivation will skyrocket!
Plan Your Einstein Window
Productivity expert Todd Dewett talks about the term “Einstein window,” which means the two to four hour period of the day when you are at your peak, mentally. Figure out when you are most productive, and utilize it!
Work Out in the Morning
Working out can improve your mood and heighten your energy and if you do it in the morning, it will make you feel productive for the rest of the day.
Create a Pump Up Playlist
Are you someone who listens to music while you work? Start creating a playlist of songs that make you feel productive and pumped up, so you can listen to them when you’re getting the hard tasks done.
Think Positively
You won’t get anything done if you don’t believe you can. Praise yourself, and think in only positive terms, such as, “I can totally do this,” or “This is hard, but I’m learning a lot from it.”
Avoid Multitasking
Multitasking doesn’t work for the same reason that checking your smartphone every five minutes doesn’t work. You’re just distracting yourself from the activity at hand. Zone in and get one task done at a time.
Figure Out Your Ideal Environment
Whether you need peace and quiet or loud music when you’re working, set the mood by using your environment.
Get a Full Night’s Sleep
So few people realize just how important this is. Sacrificing sleep for work is like trading in your car for a faster car with three wheels. It just doesn���t work, and it never will.
Give Yourself a Break!
You know what they say about all work and no play. No one can constantly go, go, go. You need time to recharge and do what you love. Don’t burn yourself out!
Beliefnet.
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