how to be more productive

• Start making To-Do list:

To-Do lists are our time savior. If you invest 10 minutes daily on the To-Do list, it will save your 2 hours of trying to figure out what to do. You can make an effective To-Do list with the help of todoist.com. Here are some things to keep in mind while making a To-Do list:

1. Prioritize your tasks:

After you make your To-Do list, take a few minutes to analyze and eliminate the ones that are not much important. This will help you prioritize your essential tasks. Using Eisenhower method is a great way to organize your lists.

2. Set a timeline for your tasks:

While you list out your tasks, set a timeline for them. Write down specific time for each of the tasks.

3. Break down your bigger task into smaller ones: 

While listing your bigger tasks, break them down into few small steps. For example, if you have to make a presentation, don’t write down ‘make a presentation’.  Instead, start by researching for presentation, design the 1st slide, and so on.

•  Set a Deadline for your tasks:

To overcome procrastination and be productive we need to know how a procrastinator’s mindset functions. 

Basically, procrastinators push back the work until the last minute of the deadline. Hence, setting aside deadlines for your task by yourself gives your brain a sense of urgency to do the work.

• Take Breaks:

Remember it is important to take breaks while you work in order to be productive. As humans, we have a certain focus time span, and if we work continuously exceeding our focus timespan,  we will not be able to work efficiently. There are different methods we can use for it, one of which is the Pomodoro method.

In Pomodoro method, you basically work for 25 minutes and take a 5-minute break. After working for 4 sessions this way, you take a longer break of 15-20 minutes.

• Set a “me” time every day:

Giving time for yourself is very important for your mental health. During your “me” time, unplug yourself from all the digital distractions and work stress. Just lay in your bed and read your favorite novel or just sit there without doing anything.

This helps to improve your mood and also works as a reward. I personally like to take 30 minutes “me” time in the evening after completing my important tasks for the day.

• Set-up an efficient system:

Setting up an system means developing and consistently practicing habits that save up your time in the future. It can be as simple as making To-Do every day and making a schedule.

• Learn to say “NO”:

You cannot say yes to everything. You need to set your priorities and work accordingly to have a balanced life. So learn to say no to things you don’t want to give time to. Simply putting, say no to things that will make you feel drained.

• Reminder:

Productivity is a mindset that we can build by consistently completing our important tasks effectively. It is important to take breaks and take care of yourself.