In this article, I would like to explain my definition of “Being Productive”. If you try to find its definition, you will get a feeling that being productive means achieving something more than expected. However, I feel that it is a long-term process rather than something that can be achieved in a day. We should not always be occupied with our job. It can affect many different aspects of our mental and physical well-being as well. For me, Being Productive is “feeling happy & contented about something that you did today to achieve your long-term goal.” Just one step a day is all you need to become productive.
Here are some of the things to keep in mind to keep yourself productive in the long term:
Stay Fit and Sleep Well Getting enough sleep, making time for daily exercise, and eating healthy food will all boost your brain's resistance to distraction. The price you pay for sleep deprivation is no secret these days, and one of its main symptoms is the inability to concentrate. Regular exercise beats stress and makes it easier to get those requisite hours of snooze time every night, while healthy eating fuels you. When you find yourself reaching for sugary beverages or unhealthy snacks, take a moment to remember the sluggish feeling you get after eating this kind of snack food.
Keep a To-Do list Creating a to-do list every morning may be viewed as “old school” by some, but it still provides a great road map for a productive day. Keeping on track via an official list on a mobile app is a simple matter of following your own directions, which is easier than innovating when your energy is low. I personally use Todoist (https://todoist.com/). It is the very first App that I open before I start my day. It is available on mobile as well as desktop.
Keep Away from Addiction Alcohol or drugs may come to mind when you think of addiction, but more people are finding it extremely difficult to live through even a workday without social media. Yes, that means Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and all your other favorites. Stay away from your social media accounts at work unless your job involves interacting with clients there. Check quickly for messages during your lunch break if you must. These distractions prevent you from focusing on your work.
Start Small and Think Big Break down big projects into bite-sized tasks when you're making that to-do list. It will make them more approachable. The organization is an integral part of productivity and it opens doors to more efficient results. If your task is to write a big report, you may waste time fretting over how to begin. Breaking down this sort of foreboding assignment into manageable segments allows you to jump right in. The sense of accomplishment that comes from finishing each small task and crossing it off the list will then propel you forward to the next.
Take Breaks It may be hard to take a break from your work when deadlines loom, or when you have a million things you must accomplish. Take a break anyway, and you'll find that it increases your productivity. Work in chunks of time — between 60 and 90 minutes — then stop and recharge. However, taking a break does not mean checking your social media accounts. Instead, give your brain 15 minutes of downtime by unplugging and taking a walk or a nap.
Keep things Neat and Clean Straightening out your workspace is a great end-of-the-day ritual. You'll arrive the following morning to find the files relating to your top project ready and waiting for you. Irrelevant papers will be filed away or in the garbage. Some people claim to work best in untidy spaces but try tidying up for a few weeks and you may agree that a messy desk is not conducive to productivity.
Don’t Multitask unless needed It may be possible for you to do two, three or even four things at the same time thanks to technology, and you may think that multitasking is expected of you. However, it often reduces productivity. Productivity is based on concentration. How can you concentrate on an important telephone conversation when you are simultaneously editing the report you wrote yesterday? You'll have to resort to multitasking occasionally, but try to focus on one thing at a time as much as possible.
Be Positive. Stay Away from Negativity. It takes energy to be negative, so you'll have more to invest in your work if you try to look on the bright side. A positive, optimistic attitude stops your mind from heading into stressful territory. Try reminding yourself that you can get the job done, or smiling as you walk into your office. You'll also get better feedback from your peers, which is always a plus. Stay away from negative people and if possible get rid of them as well 😝