Have you ever had the experience of looking back on your week with the sinking feeling that you didn't get as much done as you'd hoped? When building a successful career or a business, your time is perhaps your most valuable asset, and your income is a direct result of how you spend your time.
This article looks at something we’re all trying to increase, productivity. Be it in our homes, at work or simply managing all the other every day tasks we set ourselves – we’ve listened to the experts and pulled together a list of helpful hints on how to harness the key to productivity.
Learn to speed read. Yes, even on this article! Look for the points most relevant to you and move on…
Just start. You’ve heard it before, but trust me it’s true - at times, starting is the hardest part. Once you get going, you will quickly get into a rhythm that could last for hours.
Exercise. Research has shown that midday exercise boosts productivity and morale in the workplace. Take a short walk at lunch to maximise your productivity or take up a relaxing exercise such as Yoga – great for body and mind.
Love what you do. We know it’s not always easy (there are days we all feel the world is against!) Enjoying what you do is the ultimate way to increase your productivity – it’s a pleasure, not a chore!
Complete your most dreaded tasks first thing in the morning. Whichever activity you are dreading the most is probably the one you need to complete first thing in the morning.
Learn to say “No”. We can’t do everything and therefore we must learn when to say no in order to save our sanity.
Single-handling. Once you begin a task, stick with it until it’s 100% complete. Don’t switch tasks in the middle. When distractions come up, jot them down to be dealt with later.
Tell other people about your goals and you will instantly be held accountable. People remember things long after you tell them. By setting yourself up to have a vision and objective for the future and sharing it you’ll feel you need to get these goals into motion.
Shop online whenever possible to avoid going to the shops for hours on end (You’re here – why not start today?)
Get plenty of sleep. When you work online, sleep can become a long lost memory. However, it’s important to get plenty of sleep so that your working hours can be as productive as possible. Try a little aromatherapy oil on your pillow, wearing comfortable pyjamas, having a warm bath and drink or short read are all said to help create a good sleep routine.
Glittering prizes. Give yourself frequent rewards for achievement. See a movie, book a professional massage, or spend a day at an amusement park. Most of all, don’t feel guilty about taking this time off – you deserve it!
Eliminate all distractions. This includes the phone, email notifications, and having multiple web browsers open on the desktop.
Intuition. Learn to trust your gut instinct. It will get rid of hours of deliberation (Plus It’s probably right!)
Keep a notebook and pen on hand at all times. This way, you can write down your thoughts, to-dos, and ideas at any time. The key is to get everything out of your head and onto paper. This way, your subconscious mind won’t be reminding you about it every other second.
Listen to educational audio books while you’re driving to work, cleaning the house, exercising, or cooking dinner. Audio learning has the power to add hours to your day. Not to mention, your cranium is sure to thank you for it.
As a business woman and pilates teacher, founder Gill Owen wanted to find non-restrictive clothing with style, quality and versatility at it's heart. Buying with this in mind, Gill sought out the best stretchwear brands from across the globe to create an online boutique offering stylish, chic and enduring fashion, which provides comfort throughout the day.
Thanks also to productivity experts: Steve Pavlina & Kim Roach
