I bet you have heard the old adage that there is no such thing as being productive. This may be true only if you define productivity as getting a large amount of work done. I define productivity as completing a task effectively. So to that end, I present to you 7 ways to be more productive.
Here are a few things you can do to be more productive in your workplace.
1. Turn off all notifications
Turn off all notifications from your phone, tablet, and computer. The constant notifications you get throughout the day can be distracting. Try to focus on your work without being distracted by social media, email, etc. The less you get emails and notifications, the more you will be able to get your work done.
2. Set a schedule for when you will work
Set a schedule for when you will work and follow it. For example, if you typically work from 9 AM to 5 PM, try working from 8 AM to 4 PM. Set a time to eat lunch and stick to it. Set a time to take breaks and stick to it. Setting a schedule will allow you to focus on getting your work done.
3. Ask your boss for a raise
Ask your boss for a raise! Your boss will be impressed by your initiative and ability to be more productive. If you are unhappy with your salary, ask for a raise. But money shouldn’t be your only motivation.
4. Set a time to check email and social media
If you have an hour of work to do, set a time to check email and social media at the end of your hour. I typically check my email and social media every hour or two. With this schedule, I am able to get my work done without being distracted by social media and email.
5. Work in the mornings
Working in the mornings allows you to get your work done before your brain starts to slow down. If you like to sleep in, you won’t be able to focus on anything in the afternoon. If you work in the morning, you are able to get your work done and enjoy the rest of the day.
6. Don’t multitask
Multitasking can be very detrimental to your productivity. It can cause you to lose focus, which can make it difficult to complete tasks.
If you are going to multitask, devote each task to a different time. For example, you can read and answer emails in the morning, then work on your computer in the afternoon. This way, you are able to focus on each task.
7. Use productivity apps
Over the years, I have tried many productivity apps to manage my tasks. I have tried Evernote, Remember the Milk, Wunderlist, Google Keep, Any.do, and Todoist. This list is not exhaustive and it is subject to change. I will try to update this list whenever I find a better app.
Wunderlist app
Wunderlist is a free and easy-to-use to-do list and task manager app for your Android device. Use it to create and share lists instantly with your friends, family, and colleagues.
For example, if you need to pick up milk and bread on your way home from work, simply create a new to-do list called "shopping", add "Milk" and "Bread" as to-do items, and share the list with your partner.
Once you've shared the list with your partner, he or she can view it in Wunderlist on their Android device or in a browser on a computer. They won't be able to edit the list, but they will be able to see it and add comments.
Also, you can use Wunderlist to:
Take your to-do lists everywhere
Wunderlist is available across all of your devices and platforms (Android, iPhone, iPad, Web, Chrome). Start a to-do list on your Android phone, check it off on your iPhone on the go, and finish it off in the office on your iPad
Add notes and attachments to your to-do lists
Need to remember to call your sister? Add a note and include a phone number.
Get inspired by sharing lists with friends, family, and colleagues
Share an exciting holiday plan with your partner or add a to-do list for your next vacation.
Organize all your lists in one place;
Group all your tasks into one master list or create as many lists as you like.
Add and manage multiple sub-tasks
Break down a task, such as "Buy the groceries" into smaller tasks, such as "Make a shopping list", "Buy the bread", and "Buy the milk."
Todoist
Todoist is a task management app for Android, iOS, Windows, and the web. It is a simple and easy to use task management app with features like creating to-do lists, setting reminders, creating recurring to-do lists, creating notes, and sharing.
The interface is simple and easy to use. It has a very good natural language input feature. You can add tasks by just talking into the microphone and the app will convert your voice into written text. The Todoist app is free for Android, iOS, Windows, and the web.
I have been using this app for the last two years and I have been very happy with it. I use it every day.
Remember the Milk
Remember the Milk is a good example of a productivity app, one of the best of its kind. This app allows you to keep track of all the tasks you need to do.
The app offers a great user-friendly interface that allows you to create a task quickly. It is also possible to create subtasks. It is also possible to get reminders on your smart device.
So, How to be More Productive?
If you want to be more productive you need to ask the right questions. The amount of time you spend on a task is not that important, what matters is the quality of that time. You can be highly productive while still doing everything in your power to relax and recharge yourself. In other words, you can have your cake and eat it too.
