4 Best Ways to Increase Productivity: A Simple Guide

Whether you’re a newbie or a professional, at some point you’ve probably thought about increasing productivity. It can be difficult to know where to start though. Don’t worry! We're here to help.

In this article, we'll explore the 4 best ways to increase your productivity and get more done in less time. This is your guide on how to get started with the best productivity practices for your work style today!

#01 Create a to-do list

A to-do list keeps you organized so that you wouldn’t create a chaos when doing the job. It makes very clear as to what you’ve got to get done that day and helps you then work through the list, and makes sure you’re getting all the tasks done.

For instance, you can write down everything you need to do and categorize your tasks into actionable ones (like phone calls, appointments, etc.), things you should do soon (like responding to clients or clients’ requests), and everything else.

Write down everything you need to get done for the week. Plan weekly tasks, brainstorm new projects or tasks you need to get done this week, look through your calendar for appointments, clients, or clients’ requests. Then put them on a list. Check it off once you’ve completed it. Then repeat the process.

Start with the stuff you need to do for the week, then start working on smaller tasks. By breaking the tasks down into smaller pieces, so that you won’t get overwhelmed.

#02 Take breaks

It seems like there’s always something that needs to be done. Whether it’s housework, family time, or work, something seems to always be nagging you. Rather than working on a problem or task, take a break. Schedule a time or day to relax and enjoy your life. Get your family together, take a walk, or bake some homemade cookies. Take time for yourself. This is an important factor to consider.

While you should still pay attention to deadlines, your time will feel so much more enjoyable if you can feel that you’ve had some time for yourself. Remember, you will never be able to work as hard as you need to without taking breaks. Remind yourself that your hard work doesn’t end here. You will still have to complete tasks after you finish relaxing.

#03 Stay organized

The third way to increase productivity is to get organized. Stay organized by making a priority list is very useful when you’re too overwhelmed with the workload. It’s because you will immediately know which task to start with, without any fuss.

Besides make a priority list, there are two things you’ll need to keep organized as well:

i. Workspace - If you come across anything that is no longer helpful or just getting in the way, either properly store it somewhere else or get rid of it. So that you might be more productive when your workspace is less cluttered.

Consider having an "action area" on your desk where you keep only the items you need for your current project or activity. This will help you in getting started quickly, avoiding distractions, and staying focused on the task at hand. Clear everything away when one project is completed to make room for the next.

ii. Time - Make a to-do list, putting the day's main priorities at the top. This will help to determine the best way to shape your day. You'll know which tasks must be completed first and which can wait until the afternoon. You'll also be able to schedule your most important – or most difficult – work around the times of day when you're most productive.

#04 Stop multitasking

Although multitasking seems like a great way to get a lot of job done at once, but actually it’s killing your productivity. People work slower when they are multitasking because their brain is attempting to comprehend and follow what the person wants.

Each time you multitask and your brain switches to a new task, it will slow you down and can even get lost when you come back from the previous task as you have to start the work all over again.

Instead of doing each task half way, why not devote your time to one task and do it well.