Maybe it’s the fact that we now have more distractions than ever, but days seem to be flying by faster and faster. As you enter the new year, you might want to make sure your days are maximized for effectiveness. More often than not, people tend to underestimate how time-sensitive our environment is and what actually happens when you don’t put in hard work — no one said being smart would be easy!
So without further ado, here are some helpful ways to make sure you can make your weekdays become productive.
1. Early bird catches the worm
The first rule of making the most out of your day is to get up early. It’s a simple equation; the earlier you rise, the more you accomplish. The first thing in the morning is prime time for effective work. You’ll have fewer distractions (it’s harder to reach anyone at 6 AM), more energy and it can boost your self-esteem. Also, if you wake up earlier, it means you get a few extra hours before work. You can also wind down earlier after work and relax before sleeping, so this will give you another chance for an extra hour or two of precious shut-eye.
2. Turn off the TV and get to bed earlier
It’s easy to convince ourselves that we have the right to relax in front of the television after a hard day’s work (we do, but not seven hours of it). Make time for relaxation, yes, but not at the expense of other activities you could be doing. Besides, watching too much television can lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue, which can affect your performance during the next day’s work. Don’t forget about books or outside reading material for that matter!
3. Don’t take work home with you
Keep your work in one place and do it there. When it comes to making the most out of your day, distractions are the enemies. Between your cell phone, iPad, laptop, tablet, and various other gadgets, you’re surrounded by countless distractions that can keep you from getting things done. Put your work on a virtual desk; get rid of all that clutter and focus on what needs to be done.
4. Turn down the volume
It is amazing how much noise our environment has become. And how common it is to hear a loud TV or radio in the morning. It’s also easy for you to lose focus and divide attention. A key to having a productive day is to stay on task so you won’t be distracted by what’s going on around you. You can try leaving your earphones in. Or unplugging things so that you don’t have all that noise driving you crazy too.
5. Organization is key
A common problem people experience when trying to make time for important tasks is simply not having the right tools they need at their disposal. So arrange everything you need the night before. Layout your clothes for work, plan your meals, and pack your work bag the night before work.
Also read: 7 Tips To Stay Productive Working From Home
