Highest productivity is something that everyone wants to achieve. From individuals to businesses, everyone is looking to be as productive as they can. There are a lot of tools and strategies meant to help us with productivity.
While a lot of generic advice is available everywhere, some important but not obvious advice slips out. I thought, why not share the ones that have helped me tremendously. Here are a few of the things that I stand by.
Table of Contents
1. Work in Short Bursts
Working for long hours tires our brains out. Sure, stopping seems like a waste of time. But, studies have shown that constant breaks can actually help you become more productive. This is why many productivity techniques include taking constant breaks and short bursts of extreme productivity. This helps you stay sharp and focus on the task on hand without tiring your brain out much.
One such example is the Pomodoro technique. Here’s how to apply it:
- Decide on a task that you want to work on.
- Set a Pomodoro timer for 25 minutes. There are apps for this, or you can use your normal timer.
- Work on the task for 25 minutes.
- After you are done, and the timer goes off, put a checkmark on a paper.
- Take a break for 3-5 minutes to just relax if you have fewer than 4 checkmarks on your paper.
- After 4 cycles or 4 Pomodoros, you can take a longer break for about 15-30 minutes.
- Now reset the counter and start the 4 bursts cycle again.
2. Be Wary of Marketing Techniques
While I am a fan of new marketing techniques and enjoy partaking in some so that I can learn what I need to apply, I try to limit them when it comes to working. Conversational marketing is one such thing. This inbound marketing focuses on building relationships with consumers so that they can become leads.
Honestly, check out some conversational marketing examples. I would advise you to implement them in your business and avoid them when working. Pick and choose is important when it comes to showing dedication to your work.
3. Create a Dedicated Workspace
The right environment is really necessary when it comes to productivity. I especially advise having a separate space for doing your finances at home because you want to be at your sharpest, and your bed isn’t where that happens.
If you are going to be doing a bank reconciliation or just making a simple weekly budget, don’t do it on your couch or bed. Sit at your work desk or somewhere you do not relax and lounge around. This helps you do the work with more alertness and precision, and also makes sure that you do it in less time and more efficiency. You can use Pomodoro for this as well.
4. Stay on Top of Your Finances
This is one of the most undervalued advice. Whenever we think of being productive, we think of active ways that affect our productivity. Not having the right environment and constantly having to worry about stuff is as damaging to your productivity as anything else. Money issues often plague your mind, and if you have many people tapping into your finances, then you might want to keep an eye out for transactions happening.
Learn how to do a bank reconciliation. Compare your internal financial records against the one that you get from your bank. If there are any unusual transactions or accounting errors, you will be able to sort it out as soon as you notice. This is why it is important to do a monthly reconciliation for your business so that you can always stay on track with what expenses are happening and what needs to be worked on. You don’t want to find out things when it is already too late.
5. Disconnect After Work
This is one of the hardest things to do, especially if you are a remote worker or a freelancer. Many people don’t know how to have a work-life balance. This can eventually take a toll on you and not allow you to recharge. When you do not get time to bounce back and freshen up your mind, your mind starts getting tired.
A tired mind isn’t what is going to help you stay productive. This is why you should learn to say “NO.” This is very important to take the much-needed break and give yourself a chance to replenish the energy you have spent.
Final Thoughts
Being productive is not only an active decision but also a way of life. Make sure to keep all the things around you sorted so that other worries don’t plague your mind while you try to work. Make sure to take plenty of breaks and enough rest to be able to give your best without tiring out.
About Carson Derrow
