You only have so many hours in a day to get your work done, so you need to make every minute count. Basically, you only have two ways to increase your output; you can either work harder for longer, or you can learn to work smarter.
Increasing productivity isn’t difficult, it just requires taking a close look at your workflows and process, along with implementing simple time management techniques. Here are five tips for improving your productivity on the job by working smarter, not harder!
Set Deadlines – Stress is usually a bad thing, but when it’s manageable and self-imposed it can actually help you focus on a task. Set self-directed deadlines for open-ended projects and stick to them! Make sure they’re realistic. You just might be surprised at how focused you can be when you’re watching the clock!
Take Regular Breaks – Scheduled breaks can actually help improve your concentration. Some research has shown that taking regular breaks during a long task can help you to maintain a constant level of performance; while working through a task without taking breaks can lead to a steady decline in performance over time.
Say No to Meetings – Meetings can be a big time waster, but yet we still book them, show up, and the complain about them afterwards1 Before you book your next meeting stop and consider whether you can get the job done with a phone call, via email, or with a web-based meeting, which can be more productive.
Follow the “Two Minute Rule” – The idea is to make the most out of those small windows of time that open up throughout your day. If there’s a task that can be done in two minutes or less, do it immediately. Completing the task right away actually takes less time than having to go back and do it later.
Use Your Commute – Many of us commute to work and spend our time reading, playing online games or Facebooking. Instead, why not use the time productively. Create your daily to-do list, answer email, or brainstorm your next big project.
If you’re looking to increase your productivity, don’t immediately default to working harder. Take a step back and consider the ways you can work smarter!
