We’re officially in an era of productivity tips overload! So, to save you from spiraling, here are my 5 productivity tips that I’ve tried, tested and now swear by. From vision board photos to how to use a productivity timer to your advantage, here’s what I’ve learnt over the past ten plus years as a successful blogger, investigative journalist, and professor.
The productive lifestyle is idealized, romanticized, and all over our social media pages.
But what can we actually do to make the best use of our time? Put away your productivity apps! These five tried and tested tips are free and easy to implement.
Take a look at this short blog post that will prevent you getting overwhelmed the next time you’re worried about getting stuff done.
This post is all about 5 Productivity Tips That Will Transform Your Life
1. Establish a 4 hour work day
It might sound crazy, but hear me out. How many minutes and hours a day do you actually work? As in, you’re actually working on a task to completion?
If you start timing how long it takes you to say, do emails or prep for a meeting, I promise you, you’re not working as much as you think.
So, before you set aside four full hours a day to do what I call “deep work” (where you’re totally focused and needing to concentrate on the task), start by timing all your work activities. Time only the times you’re working on task — going to the bathroom, scrolling online and/or making snacks and lunch doesn’t count.
Once you’ve completed this activty, are there any tasks you don’t consider deep work? In other words, tasks that didn’t require 100% concentration? My examples of this are taking a call with someone or having a group team meeting. These are professional activities, to be sure, but they require me to only use part concentration, not full concentration.
2. Write paper to-do lists
You’re more likely to get things done when you write things down. I know, I know… it sounds a bit old fashioned, but have you actually ever tried it?!
I find that a paper to do list alleviates distractions that online tools encourage. Because let’s face it, how many times do you end up on an app after checking your iPhone Google Calendar?
Personally, I have my appointments in my google Calendar (which I keep up on my computer throughout the work day) and then I keep my paper to do list right beside me as I work. There’s something so satisfying about checking off tasks with an actual pen!
have a morning and night routine
write a to do list on paper
3. Prioritize working out
How many times have you felt really overwhelmed before doing a workout? How did you feel after you moved your body?
I think a lot of people vastly underestimate the power of exercise. They think it’s more work to just “keep going” and do a workout later. But in reality, you WILL be more productive if you move your body for 25 minutes and then go back to work.
In 2019, I could not longer work due to immigration issues. I knew I had to find things to do during the work day while everyone else went to their jobs. After assembling a list of useful tasks each morning (on paper!) I would go for a long, fast walk or go to the gym. Every single time I did this, without fail, I was able to focus on my tasks properly. My stress levels were undoubtedly lower than before the workout.
4. Create a vision board
My most productive day? It all started with a vision. But what IS a vision board and how do you make one?
I recommend you check out our post on how to make a vision board here. It is SUCH a fun experience when you do it with friends!
Basically, your vision board should outline tangible goals for the year (possibly by category) but should also outline a productivity aesthetic that you wish to emulate. Those two things combined? Magic magic magic.
5. Invest time in your hobbies (including reading!)
Life is not just about work. It’s also about finding time to relax and do things just for the sake of having fun. That’s why my best productivity tips aren’t just about which productivity tools are best for you, or which productivity planer you should buy, but about the importance of investing time in your hobbies.
When I was in my 20s, I spent way too much time working. Every chance I got, I’d be working on something. Half the time I didn’t complete those tasks to the best of my ability because I was so burnt out. My life got better — and more productive — when I dedicated time to playing my violin, scrapbooking, baking… all my favorite hobbies!
I highly recommend making reading a part of your hobby roster. Why not include some productivity books on your reading list, like Atomic Habits, if you want to learn more about how to use your time efficiently?
This post was all about 5 Productivity Tips That Will Transform Your Life
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