Do you work hard, but keep falling further behind? You cross one task off your to do list, but your boss hands you two new assignments. Your schedule is full, and then your children tell you they need costumes for their school play.
There are only so many hours in the day, but you can use them more efficiently. If you’re already working as hard as you can, learn how to work smarter. Try these 14 habits that will make you more productive.
Investing in Yourself
It’s easy to forget about your health and wellbeing when you’re busy and stressed. However, taking care of yourself gives you the energy you need.
Develop these habits and support your health every day:
Eat healthy. The way you eat affects your performance. Start your day with a hearty breakfast. Lighten up on late night snacking. Choose whole foods packed with nutrients that your mind and body need.
Sleep well. Go to bed and wake up on a regular schedule, even on weekends. Use fans and shutters to block out lights and noise that can disrupt your rest.
Exercise regularly. Stay active with a variety of moderate and vigorous activities. Find different ways of working out that you enjoy, so you’ll want to stick with them. For example, sometimes you might want to follow an exercise regimen, while other times you play sports with your friends.
Continue learning. Keep your knowledge and skills up to date. Attend courses at a local university or earn certifications online. Read fiction and nonfiction books.
Set goals. Give yourself something to strive for each day. Having specific targets gives you motivation and helps you to evaluate your progress.
Collaborating with Others
When you work with others toward common goals, you can accomplish more in less time. You may have more fun too.
Use these techniques:
Give first. If you want more friends and allies in your life, you may need to make the first move. Focus on what you can do for others.
Network actively. Stay in touch with former colleagues and reach out to new contacts. Go to industry events and join committees at the local chapter of your professional association. Participate in online forums and groups.
Communicate clearly. Speak tactfully and directly. Practice good listening skills. Make eye contact and give others your full attention. Proofread your messages and try to be concise.
Welcome feedback. Let others know that you appreciate constructive input. Use their comments to make positive changes in your attitude and behavior. Thank them for their time and thoughtfulness.
Managing Your Time
Do you feel like the days slip away too quickly? The choices you make can help you take control of your life. Your time is valuable, so spend it efficiently and effectively.
Follow these strategies to manage your time effectively:
Track your activities. Start by figuring out where your time is going. Use a notebook or an app to record what you're doing during a typical week. You’ll be able to calculate how much time you need to allocate for routine tasks, and you may discover some nonessential chores you can eliminate.
Plan your days. Make your choices more intentional with a weekly or monthly calendar. Block out time for your most important priorities.
Follow your plan. A good plan helps you only when you follow it! Make changes when necessary but incorporate them into your plan and continue to follow the rest of the plan.
Get organized. Create systems and routines that will save you time and effort. Clear away clutter around your home and office. Batch similar tasks together.
Take breaks. Remember to give yourself some down time to relax and have fun. Leave your office at lunch time. Stand up and stretch when you’ve been sitting for long periods.
You have a lot you want to accomplish in life. Increasing your productivity will help you to experience more success and less stress.
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