Boost Your Productivity With These 4 Simple Habits
Tired of feeling unproductive? Here are a few tried and tested habits that will increase productivity
Making yourself more productive is a task that’ll require persistence and the willpower to neglect your inner call to laze around. You might have come across several articles with productivity-boosting tips. However, this article is a little different. It won’t give you a ‘perfect person’ vibe. Here, you’ll see how you can love yourself while becoming more productive.
So, let’s begin!
- Start Your Day Early (way before you go to work)
Waking up early is something we all dread to do. But people who get up early tend to be more proactive than late-risers. They have more time to plan their day. Such people have the time to scroll through their Instagram feed, stalk their neighbor, exercise, cook a delicious breakfast, shower, and even dress up!
Don’t you deserve a similar stress-free, rush-free morning (or afternoon, if you’re a late riser)?
If you do, then kickstart your day early!
You can decide how early you should get up depending on the things you want to do.
For example, if you want to meditate for 30 minutes, cook breakfast for 30, have a relaxing shower for another 30, and start from home at 9:30 AM, you should wake up at 7:30 AM (bonus 30 minutes to stroll).
Also, I recommended you start your day by doing something you love.
If you’re someone who loves reading, grab your book, read a few pages. If you’re an exercise-oholic, go for a run! Plus, the thought of doing what you love will drag you out of bed.
2. Set A Goal (and motivate yourself to work your ass off to achieve it)
Remember that cliche interview question? Where do you see yourself after X years?
Yea, well, I am asking you that. Whatever it is, that’s your goal.
Setting a goal is actually very easy. Achieving it, on the other hand, is hard. Here’s a humane (or entertaining) way to do that.
First, imagine you have achieved your goal (mine would be getting promoted to be my boss’s boss and buying a house).
Second, set the picture up in your mind (I would be drinking white tea from my over-expensive chinaware, sitting on the lawn of my new mansion, and firing my boss for not meeting the deadline).
Isn’t that soothing? Yes! Every time you feel lazy, paint that beautiful image in your mind. If your will to attain the goal is strong, you’ll work like your ass is on fire.
Also, make it a point to create a nerdy to-do list. This will ensure that you don’t miss out on any important tasks. Add an element of fun to it so that it doesn’t seem like a chore.
3. Take A Break (and don’t open Instagram)
Before we begin with this tip, I want to clarify something - the definition of Break.
The break we’re talking about is the time away from work.
This means it could be chatting with colleagues, taking a power nap, having snacks, playing pranks, or secretly ogling your hot co-worker. And not scrolling through social media.
I know it’s not cool. But you’ll see why.
Social media platforms innocently show us how other people are doing. And prompts us to compare our lives with their’s — which is harmful on different levels.
Not only will you strain your eyes, but also ruin your peace. Why would you do that to yourself?
Instead, you can listen to a song, meditate, cycle, or hit the gym.
However, ensure that your break is well placed during work hours. Preferably follow the Pomodoro principle.
According to this principle, you can take a 5-minute break after every 25 minutes of work (each cycle is called a Pomodoro). After four such Pomodoros, you get a 30-minute break.
The aim of a break is to relieve pressure. So, schedule them such that you don’t feel stressed.
4. Surround Yourself With Positive People (cats or dogs if you can’t stand people)
Don’t underestimate the power of positivity. Especially when you’re pushing yourself to go the extra mile to become efficient. You would give up your $1000 iPhone for someone to tell you that you‘ll get there then.
Here’s why.
You’re more prone to feel tired and emotionally exhausted when you work hard. Positive friends will motivate you during such times. Their hopeful and optimistic attitude will remind you that your work life can improve if you do as you planned.
And Vent, if you have to. Tell them how stressed you’re. An optimistic friend will show you the silver lining of working hard.
Becoming more productive is hard, especially if you’re already doing your best. But it isn’t impossible.
So, work smart and hard, and get yourself ready for some sweating.
