HOW TO GET MORE DONE IN LESS TIME - 4 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

In today’s world of overwhelming distractions, it can be a real challenge to stay focused and productive throughout your workday and in your day-to-day life too. But with only limited hours, it’s vital that you focus your efforts to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your time! Plus, by increasing your productivity levels, you’ll quickly find that you’re able to work smarter instead of harder (or longer). All it requires is a little bit of effort when it comes to managing your time. To help you get started, here are our top 4 tips for increasing productivity.
 
1. No more multitasking.
Many people believe that multitasking is an important skill to master if you hope to increase your efficiency, but studies have shown that attempting to do multiple tasks at the same time can actually lead to lower levels of productivity and time wasting. So, rather than trying to do multiple things at once, rather focus all your energy on the task at hand. Whether you’re in a meeting or spending quality time with your kids, make sure you’re truly present and fully committed to the task at hand. Not only will this allow you to get more done, you’ll also feel more fulfilled by each accomplishment.
 
2. Make a to-do list (and stick to it). 
One of the easiest ways to be more productive is to start each day by taking 10-15 minutes to create your to-do list. This list will help you stay focused throughout your day and helps avoid aimless time-wasting in between tasks. When putting together your list, remember to make sure that it is both attainable and specific. It’s also a good idea to mark the tasks that are high priority and should be done first, or when you are at your most productive. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing things off your list once they’re complete, so start making a to-do list today to help keep you motivated!
 
3. Make a NOT-to- do list (and stick to it).
To remove some of the distractions in our lives a great thing to do is to prioritise what not-to-do. I know it sounds a bit strange but if you sit down, and make a list of what not to do it will help you get clearer on the things you need to stop doing for the sake of getting the important stuff done.
 
4. Do your most important work during your most productive hours.
All too often people who want to be more productive simply start by putting in more hours; working harder instead of smarter. This is a good approach in theory, but in reality we actually only have a few hours a day of high-level energy when we’re able to tackle complex tasks effectively. Of course, you can try to push through it, but in doing so you’re likely to experience a severe drop in the quality of your output.  That’s why it’s key to develop a good understanding of the time of day when you’re at your best, and then schedule your most important, challenging or creative tasks for this period. Save your boring, menial and administrative tasks for other parts of your day when you’re likely to be less focused and efficient.
 
5. Know your why.
Do you have an exciting goal or big dream that you’re working towards? Remember to keep this in sight at all times to help motivate you through the boring day-to-day tasks. Make a list of your goals and stick them up on your wall or keep them on your phone, as a constant reminder of why you should stay focused on the tasks at hand even if they seem trivial or insignificant at the time. Figure out what your ‘why’, or underlying motivation is, and then keep connecting to it as a way to help motivate you to stay focused on your end goal. 

What are your tricks to stay focused and get stuff done, let us know! Share your tips in our Facebook Group, TAC She Sisterhood, and there you can also receive lots of valuable tips and tools to help you thrive in your life and career.

Have a great day and remember it is never too late to create a life a career that you love!

Shine on.

Hanna