Today’s day and age is so fast-paced that it often feels like you need an extra few hours to get through the day. With so many things happening at the same time, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why having a set of productivity hacks can make all the difference.
In this article, we will discuss eleven of the best productivity hacks that will not only help you get more done, but also reclaim some of your valuable time so you can focus on what really matters. Let’s dive in!
1. Start with Weekly Goals
You can’t have a productive week without clear goals. Make time at the beginning of each week to set goals you want to achieve. Focus on what is top priority and what needs to be done immediately.
By setting goals at the beginning of each week, it provides you with a roadmap of everything that is still on the horizon. Consider using project management tools like Forzeit to help plan your objectives.
Using productivity apps also means tasks are less likely to fall through the cracks and be left incomplete. By starting your week this way you set the tone and the intention for the week ahead.
2. Practice the Two-Minute Rule
This is a game changer in the world of productivity. The rule is as follows: If something takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately without delay. This can range from answering an email to unpacking the dishwasher. By completing these small routine tasks in the moment, it prevents them from piling up and remaining one of the many unfinished tasks on your to-do list.
The true power of this hack lies in its simplicity. By doing this regularly you free up mental space to focus on more important tasks. Over time, these small actions lead to big results.
3. Leverage the Power of Morning Routines
Never underestimate the power of a good morning routine. How your morning starts determines the tone for the rest of the day. If you jump out of bed thirty minutes late, rush through the shower, all the while trying to find your keys you can bet you’re probably not going to have the best day.
First, let’s clear up a common misconception about morning routines. You do not need to have an elaborate, long regime for it to be effective. In fact, sometimes keeping it simple is best. A structured morning routine should boost your energy, laser your focus and motivate you.
Try and get up at the same time each morning as this helps to build a habit. Start your mornings with mood energisers — whether that is a quick exercising session, meditation, journaling or quiet time with your first cup of coffee.
Incorporate 5-10 minutes each morning to review your daily tasks and how they align with your weekly goals. These few minutes just after waking up are vital and how you start your day can make a world of difference in how productive you are.
4. Use Time Blocking for Deep Work
Time blocking is probably one of the most effective ways to ensure you stay on track and maintain focus. By dedicating specific blocks of time to focused work, you minimise the chance of procrastination and distractions.
When used effectively, time blocking helps you to laser focus on specific things that need to get done. You could potentially use your mornings for tasks that require the most attention and keep afternoons for meetings.
You can further perfect this method with the help of a digital planner app. Some apps even allow you to set reminders. This ensures that you don’t forget about what needs to be done. Additionally, a lot of people find it beneficial to see their weekly tasks mapped out in front of them so that they know what to expect.
5. Follow the “Eat the Frog” Technique
“Eat the frog” is a productivity concept introduced by Brian Tracy — the author of Eat That Frog. This technique requires you to tackle the most difficult and important task on your to-do list first thing in the morning. Once that “frog” is out of the way, the rest of your day will feel lighter and more manageable.
This method is especially helpful if you are a master procrastinator. It creates momentum at the start of your day and ensures that you tackle what truly matters first thing in the morning.
6. Minimise Multitasking
The truth is that although multitasking feels productive at the moment, it often has the opposite effect. The truth is that multitasking splits your focus, which can lead to you making more mistakes and feeling wrung out.
When you multitask your brain needs time to switch and focus between tasks. This can actually lead to things taking longer than they should. Think of it as opening multiple tabs within your internet browser. The more windows you have open, the slower your computer starts to run as it requires more processing power.
According to research, only 2.5% of people can multitask effectively. This further supports the notion that single-tasking leads to better results and peak productivity. Whenever you have a list of multiple tasks that require your attention, focus on one individual task at a time and see what a difference it makes in your productivity.
7. Schedule Regular Breaks
Powering through a four-hour work session might seem like the quickest way to get the most things done, but in reality, it is a recipe for disaster. Your brain needs time to rest, reset and refresh. By incorporating regular breaks into your daily routine, you can significantly boost your productivity.
Consider implementing the Pomodoro Method. With this technique, you work for 25 minutes nonstop and then take a 5-minute break. During your breaks intentionally get up from your desk and walk away. Do a quick stretch or grab a glass of water. These small pauses give your brain time to recharge for the work that is still ahead.
8. Declutter Your Environment
We’ve all heard the saying “A cluttered space equals a cluttered mind”. While this is a cliche, it is completely true. It doesn’t matter if you work from home or if you work in an office, if the space is messy chances are it is affecting your mental clarity.
Take a few minutes at the start and end of each day to tidy your office space. Organise stationery, throw out the overflowing bin in the corner and put away those unnecessary papers. Your space should create an environment that fosters concentration and productivity.
The ‘declutter your environment’ rule also applies to your digital space. While it is important to declutter your physical environment, you can’t neglect your digital one. In other words, delete junk mail, sort old files, organise your desktop and put documents in the folders where they belong. A clean, organised space — both physical and digital — contribute greatly to a clear and productive mind.
9. The Power of Templates
Planning sessions can feel extremely overwhelming. However, a few well-crafted templates can make the process so much easier. Use a project management tool, such as Forzeit, that allows you to create and customise your own templates.
By incorporating templates, you can structure your week in a way that reduces decision fatigue and can save time in the long run. Consider creating your own schedule template that blocks out time for meetings, deep work and personal appointments. This hack helps streamline your planning process while ensuring you stay consistent.
10. Group Similar/Small Tasks Together
Task batching is a technique where you group similar tasks together to minimise context-switching. In layman’s terms, this saves your brain the energy of actively switching from one task to the next. This in turn reduces brain fatigue and decreases wasted time.
For example, instead of answering emails and text messages throughout the day, block out a specific time to answer all of them at once. The same can be said for house tasks like washing and doing the dishes. This hack allows you to stay focused for longer periods of time.
11. Reflect & Adjust Accordingly
Aim to have reflection sessions at the end of each day, or at the least, at the end of each week. Pay special attention to what went well and what needs improvement. Ask yourself about the obstacles you encountered and mark off which goals you reached.
This weekly reflection helps you to celebrate your wins and provides valuable insights for your future planning sessions. Use this time to adjust any strategies that didn’t work well in order to set yourself up for a more productive week ahead.
Super Charge Your Week
Working smarter, not harder is the main objective of any productivity hack. By implementing some of the abovementioned tips, you can help take control of your schedule, reduce stress and reach your goals more effectively. These hacks are meant to help you create a healthy work-life balance while helping enhance productivity in your everyday life.
Remember, consistency is key. Try a few of these hacks this coming week and see how they impact not only your workflow but your personal life as well. If you still don’t know where to start, consider using a planner app or simply a piece of paper to better manage your workload. It might just become your secret productivity weapon.