We all want to be as productive as possible, but even with our systems, it can sometimes be difficult. To be more productive as well as live a life of joy and fulfillment, I think we need to live simply and develop good habits. An old cliche comes to mind as well, “Stop and smell the roses.”
Here are seven habits to propel you on your way to being productive.
1. Plan to Do
But if you haven’t been planning you can’t start to work, intelligently at least . . .
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Would you start off building a house without a blueprint? Without an architectural plan, you have no direction or idea of what the finished product should be.
If you wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint, then why would you start your day, a project or task without some sort of direction or plan?
If you really want to enjoy life and every moment of everyday, then don’t let another day go by where you are walking around like a person with no vision, purpose or direction.
2. Develop Good Sleeping Habits
Going to bed on a regular schedule is something I have to force myself to do. I love staying up and wish that sleep wasn’t a necessity. It wasn’t until one day that I discovered that I was just existing and not living.
What I mean is that I was pretty much a zombie every day. It was due to the fact that my brain was cycling as it should which happens during sleep. When you go to bed at a decent hour and regular schedule, you will begin to see the world anew and you will be more productive. Otherwise, bad sleeping habits could lead to insomnia.1
3. Fuel Up, Often
There is nothing worse than trying to work and your stomach keeps speaking to you. Ask any licensed nutritionist and they will tell you that snacking through out the day not only quells hunger, but it also helps with weight loss, it prevents overeating, improves mood and helps with focus.
4. Minimize Distractions
Minimizing distractions doesn’t mean you need to go dark because there are times you need to be available just in case an emergency arises. Nevertheless, you can minimize distractions in 5 ways:
- If you are not working on your computer, put it to sleep.
- When working on the computer, silence all notifications.
- When working on computer only have the application(s) open you need.
- Place your phone on vibrate.
- If you are wearing a smart watch, silence it and take it off.
- Research shows that listening to music can boost productivity.2 However, make sure it is uplifting and lower the volume.
5. Take Breaks
Taking small breaks throughout the day, gives your brain a quick rest break in order to refresh itself. You can even maximize this time by taking a break and having a snack. When I stare at a problem that I can not solve, I will take a break, not think about it, come back and then the answer just somehow comes to me. 3
6. Utilize Ubiquitous Capture
We all do it. When we are away from our desk, we come up with a brilliant idea and then by the time we get back to our office we forget about it. Majority of us do have smart phones with some sort of notes app. Every time an idea or task enters your mind, you should quickly jot it down. If you don’t have a smart phone, then start carrying a piece of paper or pocket sized notebook and a pocket sized pencil or pen.
7. Schedule, Me Time
There are times when we find ourselves throwing out the phrase, “I need some alone time,” or “I need some me time.” You are absolute right, you do. This is the time to decompress from the day, physically and mentally. You need to find a nice quiet place and take up a non-strenuous activity such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises.
- “Getting a good night’s sleep,” American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/sleep-disorders.aspx (accessed December 18, 2018).
- Melissa Chu, “Research Shows Listening to Music Increases Productivity,” Inc. https://www.inc.com/melissa-chu/research-shows-listening-to-music-increases-produc.html (accessed December 19, 2018).
- Meg Selig, “How Do Work Breaks Help Your Brain? 5 Surprising Answers,” Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201704/how-do-work-breaks-help-your-brain-5-surprising-answers (accessed December 19, 2018).