How to Be More Productive Each Day! Now that the New Year is here, it’s time to evaluate schedules and plan out the year! Here are some great tips to help you be more productive!
Easy ways to Be More Productive Each Day
#1 Use a Notepad and Write it Down
My top tip for being more productive each day is to go old school and write it down! I have a pen and pad next to my computer where I keep a running list of things I need to get done that day – I write down everything from calling the dentist to working on a new project for a brand. It’s kind of like a way to brain dump, instead of trying to remember things later – just write it down and keep working away at what you’re doing.
I have a ton of notebooks from trips and conferences that I’ve been to but when I need a new one I like to find really cute notebooks like this one. I also keep my planner next to me so that I can write down appointments, deadlines and other important dates that I need to remember. Over the years I’ve tried a couple different planners, my two favorites are the Erin Condren and the Daily Designer.
#2 Use a Timer and Give Yourself Breaks
It’s easy to get lost in social media, reading Facebook after Facebook posts from friends and family. I think back to days where hours would go by when I was on Pinterest looking at different recipes and decorating ideas. What I’ve found that works to keep me from getting mad at myself at the end of the day because I wasn’t as productive as I could have been is to use a timer.
I use a timer two different ways, first I set it for 30 minutes and I work on one task until the timer goes off. It could be on email, writing posts or editing photos but I stay focused and get as much done as I can in those 30 minutes.
When the timer goes off I give myself a break to do something fun but I set a timer so I don’t end up wasting more time than I wanted. I give myself 10 minutes to surf Facebook, get a snack or whatever I want to do. It really helps knowing I only have to work on a project for 30 minutes and I get a break!
I use either a timer like this one or the timer on my phone!
#3 Get up Earlier
I know what you’re thinking, if I get up earlier I’ll be tired and lazy in the afternoon. Guys, I promise that it is completely worth it to get up earlier and get the day started. There are a few reasons for this, but for me, it’s mostly because I have fewer distractions.
There are a few reasons for this, but for me, it’s mostly because I have fewer distractions. The kids aren’t up yet and don’t need me so I can focus on projects I need to get done and get them finished in half the time!
#4 Pick Your Top Three Projects Each Day
Pick your top three projects that you want to get done each day! Instead of having an endless list of jobs that feels like you never reach the end, pick your top three projects you want to get done each day and focus on crossing those off your list!
I like to start with the hardest and most time-consuming project each day and get it finished first! My goal is to have that job finished before noon each day, which happens some days and doesn’t other days.
Each day pick your top three jobs that you want to complete that day and work to get those finished! Anything beyond that is working ahead!
#5 Set Office Hours
Instead of working all day and all night long, set office hours and stick to them. I’ve found that I actually get more done when I limit the hours that I work each day. I can stay focused and on task because I know that I need to shut down in the afternoon!
Remember to Reward Yourself!!
Remember to give yourself small rewards for accomplishments and goals you reach. It doesn’t have to be anything big but maybe allow yourself to watch a favorite show like Friends or The Office!
Smaller Reward Ideas
Take a Walk
Enjoy a moive with your family
Order your favorite Coffee (Mine is a Peppermint Mocha at Caribou)
Dinner out with your spouse
If you have a huge project you finish maybe you want to plan a larger reward! Last year I published a book, No-Prep Slow Cooker Recipes and after I turned in the manuscript we left on a vacation to Arizona! It was something I looked forward to and knew that would happen after I finished the book!
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