Super Simple Ways to Improve Productivity
By Genevieve Cunningham
As a society, we thrive on productivity. We work, work, work all of the time with very little rest time in between. It’s all about how much we can get done in the smallest amount of time. And while we sometimes take it overboard, it’s actually good to be productive. In life, in our families, at work, in our communities … productivity gives us meaning, purpose, and keeps the world turning. And perhaps it’s because of this preoccupation with productivity that we feel out of sorts when it slips. If you’re feeling the need to get productive, take a look at these tips to increase personal momentum.
Multitasking is Not a Thing
Many of us pride ourselves on the ability to do many things at one time. We claim to be pros at multitasking. But the truth is that multitasking is not a thing. You’re still only doing one thing at a time; you’re just switching back and forth between things quickly. And this means that each task is getting minimal attention. Instead of trying to do everything at once, just focus on one task at a time. Give it your full attention, and when enough has been done for the day, put it away and move on.
Eliminate Distractions
One of the biggest enemies of productivity is distraction. The TV, the internet, the phone … all of these are readily available almost all of the time. And when we’re struggling to pay attention, we reach for one. This only delays the productivity even further. Put potential distractions away and don’t allow them until a particular goal has been met. Don’t change tabs. Don’t answer the text. Don’t turn on the TV for noise. Focus on one task, and when finished, give yourself a break with one or more of these distractions.
Pay Attention to Attention Span
Everyone’s attention span is different, but most people top out at around 20 minutes. What does this mean? It means that although we can work all day long, we need something to break it up so that we can refocus our attention. If you really think about it, we don’t think about only one thing for long spans of time. Our minds wander, thinking of grocery lists and kid pick-ups and all sorts of other things before returning to the task at hand. This is because our attention spans can’t take it. To help yourself out, schedule regular breaks into the day. Get up, take a brief walk, make a phone call … break the monotony and then get back on task.
It’s important to want to be productive in life, and it’s important to actually succeed in this task. Productivity is a part of personal growth and development. Use these tips to enhance and improve your productivity, and you’ll be moving in the right direction in no time at all.
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