How To Be More Productive

Introduction

Being overscheduled, working too hard, and feeling like you have no time to get anything completed are something you can choose not to be. Just because you are busy does not always mean you are productive. There are so many things we have to do and we can sometimes lose focus and begin to move through life habitually. It is easy to get caught up in just getting things done, but just being busy doesn’t mean you are accomplishing anything. It could prevent us from moving forward in life and accomplishing goals.

Change your mindset.

It's important to keep your mindset positive during the times of your life when you feel like you're running around in circles. A mindset that is open and hopeful will help you not feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities. When you have a positive attitude it's easier to be productive because your thoughts are focused on what needs to get done rather than the negative aspects of the situation. When I started my business, I knew that there would be times when I'll feel overwhelmed with everything I had going on at once. My solution was simple: change my mindset! Instead of seeing being busy as something negative, which can cause stress or anxiety (and then perpetuate more busyness), see it as an opportunity for growth. It may take some time to get used to this new way of thinking but once adopted it will become second nature over time.

You can be productive instead of just being busy.

If you're trying to be more productive, here are some ways to avoid becoming busy with the wrong things:

• Get up earlier. The likelihood of being productive increases the earlier you begin your day. If you're like most people, who spend the majority of their time working, then getting up early may not be a likable option for you (especially if you have kids). But if you can get up 15-30 minutes earlier than usual every day without disrupting bedtime routines and sleep schedules—do it! You will be amazed at how much more energy and motivation come from starting the day this way.

• Create a morning routine: A morning routine can help set the tone for a productive day. Whether it's as simple as putting on makeup while listening to music or as complex as writing out a detailed plan/schedule for yourself ahead of time. Having some routine in place will help keep things running smoothly throughout your entire day. 

Eliminate Distractions 

If you’re not careful, you could find yourself with a short attention span—and in the worst-case scenario, you become unproductive. To help prevent this from happening, follow these tips:

• Create a distraction-free environment. Turn off all notifications on your phone and computer, as well as other electronics that are likely to distract you. Set up a quiet space where it will be easy to focus without interruption. Keep your phone out of sight so that it doesn't tempt or distract you from whatever task is at hand. Use earplugs or noise canceling headphones if necessary; some people find these useful for blocking out background noise when trying to focus with minimal distractions. Closed doors work wonders too! If possible keep them closed so no distractions come in while you work but also so others aren't distracting you while you are trying your best to focus on what needs to be done right now. This also keeps you from worrying about what someone else may need right away that isn't related to your task. 

• Pay attention to what you're doing and be present in the moment. If you want to get more done in less time, stop multitasking and focus on one task at a time or just one small section of a project. 

• Don't check social media unless it’s part of your job description (and even then only during designated times). We know how hard it can be not to look, but it's better if we don't constantly distract ourselves from our tasks.

Make a list of your priorities.

You can't have a productive day without knowing what your priorities are. If you don't know what your priorities are, how do you know if your tasks are in line with what you want to accomplish? By prioritizing your goals and putting them in writing, it will be easier for you to keep track of them and stay on task. To make sure that my priorities remain clear as I move through my schedule each day, I use a list on my phone—a simple bullet-pointed outline with labels such as work and personal. I also include any major deadlines or events that may cause me to adjust things.

Schedule your work/life balance time.

The key to maintaining a healthy work/life balance is to schedule time for both. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget that we're also human beings who need time to do things other than work. To make sure you don't fall into this trap, set aside some time every week for personal reflection and self-improvement. If you have trouble sticking with a regular schedule of downtime, try setting up a timer on your phone or computer. This will help keep you focused on what matters most for that particular time. 

Don't be busy, be productive!

There is a difference between being busy and being productive. Being productive means you get more done in less time, with less effort and stress. It means being focused on the things that matter most to you, not just doing everything that comes your way. Being productive doesn't require a lot of time or resources—it only requires you to be intentional about how you spend your time and energy each day so that it aligns with what's most important to you. Don't be busy, be productive!

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this article and can find at least one or two things to apply to your life to help you become more productive. We know how frustrating it can be when feeling busy and overwhelmed. The key is to simply take a step back and look at what’s important and create a plan. Set aside time for yourself so you can manage your time well enough to find creative solutions for your problems or do something fun every once in a while!