Procrastination, as we already know, is an unhealthy habit not just for professionals but practically for everyone. Luckily, you can snap out of it. Today, we will help you boost our personal productivity and flee from procrastinating once and for all.
Quit incessantly checking your email
Emails have become an important part of our workday. But it can be a welcome distraction when you want to put off the real work. If you want to flush out inefficiency, set specific times when you can check your email. Productivity expert Bob Pozen suggests following the OHIO technique which stands for “only handle it once.” Reading and responding to your emails now rather than later can save you time from finding and rereading the same emails.
Put your gadgets away
A study found that the average person checks his or her phone about 150 times per day. Having your phone just a reach away is a strong temptation to procrastinate. Consider having a gadget-free desk to help you focus on your work without the constant pings, rings, and vibrations. This will help you eliminate the urge to reach for your phone and check your notifications.
Declutter your desk
Continuing on the subject of desks, it might be time for you to organize your workstation. Clutter is extremely stress-inducing. It can make you feel overwhelmed and anxious. So clear up your desk and make room for productivity in your day. As the saying goes, “A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind.”
Schedule your tasks
Perhaps one of the reasons why most people fail to be productive is because they don’t prioritize tasks. Before tackling your workload for the day, make a to-do list of what needs to be accomplished. Next, rank them according to priority. This will give you an overview of what is important and what can be put off until later. Finally, set a time frame for each task. Knowing that your time is limited per item can push you to keep working so that you can move on to the next item on your list.
Delegate tasks
You need to understand that you can’t do all the work on your own. Focus on your core strengths and leave the rest of the work to others. Delegating tasks will not only clear precious time but also allow you to pour your energy into value-added tasks. If you don’t have anyone to delegate those mundane tasks to, consider hiring a virtual assistant.
Use productivity apps
There are millions of apps on the market and a good number of them are designed for the sole purpose of boosting productivity. Check out apps like Pocket, Freedom, and Slack that can help you increase your workday efficiency and keep you on top of the game. From to-do lists to reminders, there’s an app out there waiting for you!
Take a break
As much as we wish to be super human, we are not invincible. Our bodies are simply not designed to be working at 100 miles per hour all the time. You deserve a break after all that hard work! Grab your favorite snack, a relaxing cup of tea, or go out for a quick walk. Getting away from work for a couple of minutes can help refuel the creative juices you need to get through the rest of the day!
Breaking your procrastination habit can take some getting used to. But with the right tools and efficiency-boosting tips, you’ll find yourself ticking off task after task on your to-do list. Always stay positive with your workload and know your priorities and limitations. Find ways to stay happy, motivated, and work productively every day!
What do you do to boost your workday efficiency? Let us know in the comments below! If you’re having troubles with staying productive, sign up for our free five-hour trial!
Find out how you can boost productivity with our Productivity Series!
- 10 Best Productivity Apps You Should Be Using Now
- Productivity Hacks That Can Boost Your Workday Efficiency
- Office Productivity Killers and How to Overcome Them
- How to Instill Productivity in the Workplace
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