If there’s one skill all business owners wish they could have, it’s the secret of how to be more productive. However, improving your productivity is actually quite a simple thing to do; you just need to know the different actions you can take, to make an improvement.
So here are some productivity hacks you can experiment with, to find what works best for you.
#1: If you want to be more productive, plan your day
This is a fundamental time management and productivity hack. By planning your day in advance you’re not only gearing yourself up mentally for the day ahead, you’re also managing your time on a practical level. For help with creating a plan that works for you, check out 5 time management tips to help set up your day.
#2: Follow the 2-minute rule
This one is quick and easy to implement. If a task will take you 2 minutes or less to do, get it done! When you add quick-to-complete tasks to your to-do list, you’re just overwhelming yourself with a growing list. Just complete the task and move on!
#3: Batch tasks together
If you want to be more productive, batch like tasks together. This helps minimise the time wasted, when you switch between different tasks, as well as the time it takes to get focused on something new.
#4: Work in short bursts of time
You’ll get more done, if you’re focused and working to a clock. The Pomodoro Technique is a popular way of working in short bursts of time – take a look at this blog review about the technique, for more information.
#5: Break down large tasks into smaller to-do items
The idea here is to make the task as small as possible. The smaller the task, the quicker it can get completed.
#6: Turn off notifications
If you want to be more productive, switch off notifications when you’re working. It will help you stay focused on the task at hand.
#7: Ramp up your wins, by completing a few quick tasks first
This will help you increase your motivation to do more. There’s also the satisfaction of crossing a few tasks of your to-do list, too.
#8: Learn to say no!
One of the top productivity hacks is to stop saying yes to everything. Saying no to tasks is your line in the sand – it shows you’re respecting yourself and your time.
#9: Make use of Power Hours
If there’s a task you need to do, but don’t know how to do, look to get help. You can waste an enormous amount of time trying to figure it out – when a one-hour Power Hour call could give you the know-how to get the task completed.
#10: Have specific times for checking emails
Email is like social media, it can suck the time out of your day. So set yourself a stick routine of only checking your emails two or three times throughout the day. Set up an automated email to remind the sender that you only check your emails a couple of times a day and will get a response back to them within 24 hours.
#11: Work to a timer
Working against the clock can help you get super-focused and be more productive.
#12: Drop perfectionism
There are some jobs that need completing to a certain standard, but not every task will be this way. Sometimes done is all that’s needed.
#13: Sign up for virtual coworking sessions
Working with others can boost your productivity levels, so why not check out virtual coworking? The sessions help give you designated time to work on your tasks, plus you have in-built accountability – a great choice for those working by themselves.
#14: Stop trying to multitask!
Multitasking doesn’t work. It just makes you divide your attention, work slower and your results won’t be as good. So if you want to be more productive, focus on just one thing at a time.
#15: Take regular breaks
Take regular breaks. Having a time out to recharge and move around will help refresh your mind, relax your body and increase your productivity levels.
All business owners want to be more productive and, with the tips above, you have plenty of hacks to try out. So pick one or two, try them on for size and keep the ones that work for you.
#Bonus Tip: My favorite planning tool
Now I have your attention, right? My key planning resource is the 90 Day Planning System. This tool has really helped me to up my game and get more done than ever.
This simple system will help you get more out of the next 90 days than you previously have achieved in six months. Grab your copy HERE.**
If you want to make use of a Power Hour, why not book in a Power Hour with me? I can help you understand how to manage your time better and create a strategy to be more productive with your available time. They’re also great if you have a problem you need help solving or want to learn a new skill, too. So book in and let’s chat!
**I’m a proud affiliate for Gemma Went and if you buy it I may receive a commission. But rest assured, I don’t promote anything I don’t fully believe in.
