There are all kinds of tools and resources out there to tell you how to be productive. Go ahead and Google it and you’ll find endless pages linking to videos and articles all focused around this very topic.
Everyone wants to increase their productivity. Or a least everyone who has a drive to better themselves, their business, or the world around them wants to increase their productivity. Let’s face it there are plenty of people who are happy to simply eat pizza and play video games all day, but we’re not talking about those people.
I am talking about people like you and me. People who like to plan their days, who take care of their homes, children and pets, who work hard to provide for their loved ones and fight to have a few hours of quality time for themselves at the end of the day. People who are always trying squeeze more out of the 24 hours that we’re given each sun cycle.
Life can be exhausting. Overwhelming, even. Sometimes there really are just not enough hours in the day and it’s easier to stare blankly at your laundry list of to-dos rather than dive right in. I get that, but remember –
Procrastination is the ultimate enemy!
Here are my 5 tips for staying on track and being the most productive person that you can be:
- Wake Up Early
- This is pretty straightforward, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. On your days off it may seem like a drag, but getting up early has multiple benefits. Your brain is alert and works more efficiently in the mornings. You can tackle difficult projects with a higher success rate. By the time lunch rolls around you’ll have so much accomplished that the afternoon will be a breeze (unless you’re like me and the work is never ending).
- Make a List
- Lists have been my godsend for over 15 years now. Packing for vacation? Make a list. Planning the week’s meals and going grocery shopping? Make a list. Have a million things to do on your desk at work? Make a list! I wouldn’t even survive my full time job if I didn’t make lists. I jot down quick actions that I must take the following day, such as emailing quotes to a customer, making office purchases, prepping print files, or basically anything else that I have to do. Without my lists I’d surely forget something. I always have a clear idea of my workload which allows me expend properly allotted time on each task. Plus crossing out completed line items is so rewarding.
- Turn Off the TV, Internet, etc
- Distractions are the number one productivity killer. I’ve gotten caught in the cycle plenty of times. You think oh I’ll just check my notifications real quick, but then two hours later you’re still aimlessly scrolling your newsfeed while your project sits unattended. The same goes with TV. I’ve tried working in front of a show and it’s just really hard to focus 100% with background noise. The only time I find TV to be an okay background filler is when I’m drawing or designing (not sketching ideas or conceptualizing the project but working on the final piece).
- Eat Healthy Meals
- My brain doesn’t think well when I’m overloaded on sugar and fried foods. I may be full but I’m in a food coma and there’s nothing productive that I want to do at that point. It’s important to remember to eat though, because trust me I’ve had plenty of those days too. I start writing at 9am and suddenly it’s almost 6pm and I’ve completely forgotten to eat. That’s actually really bad for your creativity! I’ve learned that meals flush with fruits, vegetables, and protein give me energy and great mental focus which in turn increases my productivity.
- Just Get Up and Do It!
- Excuses can be as deadly as distractions, especially on a difficult assignment. Putting a project off to the last minute ensures that you’ll have to rush through it and will probably make simple mistakes. Always allow yourself some breathing room. It’s not totally possible for all scenarios but the best thing you can do is to get up and get to work. Whether it’s finishing up a project or submitting a new proposal, having the discipline to conquer your tasks is really the best way to cross off items on your to-do list.
If you keep these 5 tips in mind I’m sure you’ll find a steady increase in your productivity. It’s never too late to apply new techniques to your daily routine. I’m always on the lookout for tips that will help me get more done during the day and I’m never afraid to make a change if need-be.
My wish for you is that you’ll be productive and accomplish your goals which in turn will enable you to achieve your dreams.
Yours for Happy Writing,
Lady Jenji
Lady Jenji Writing & Design 