Whether you work from the office or from home, daily distractions are the bane of your efficiency. On the other hand, as they occur, these disturbances can cause delays or feelings of incompleteness at the end of the day.
Here are some simple tips to add to your routine that will allow for a better focus on what is important:
- Write a To-Do-List: Start and end your day with a clear agenda. Feel free to highlight your priorities and do your best to focus on one item at a time. Take pleasure in getting things done and watch your game plan shrink as the hours pass. It’s also a great way to self-motivate.
- Manage your time effectively, without draining your batteries: Consider using time management approaches to help structure your work. For example, we strongly suggest using the Pomodoro technique – Commit to a task and after each accomplishment, take a break for a few minutes.
- Give yourself less time to complete a task than you think you need: You’ll find that having a tighter deadline will motivate you to stay more focused and efficient.
- Eliminate recurring tasks by scheduling them at fixed times: Do you have to do redundant tasks every day? Eliminate them by doing them every morning or after your lunch. This routine will become part of your daily routine and you will get into the habit of moving on more quickly.
- Counter procrastination: Procrastination is not the same as laziness. It is a process of choosing to do one thing over another.Whether you are working on a small task or a large project, consider these strategies:
- Identify what you are most likely to put off and its established due date.
- Break down large projects into more manageable “chunks”. You will feel less overwhelmed.
- Set deadlines to motivate yourself to get your work in on time.
- Ask for help when you need it to overcome any difficulty or overload.
- Know your productivity peak: We all have a snippet of hours when our brains seem more enlightened, more responsive. Recognize this time and use your internal clock to your advantage. Tackle critical or difficult tasks at the time of day when you are most alert and productive.
- Cut back on meetings: Consider rethinking the need for meetings and make sure there is an agenda and purpose for each one. Hold only really essential meetings.
- On occasion, just say “no”: Allow yourself to say “no” sometimes. While you love your reputation as a team player, you don’t want to over promise and under deliver. The no can also be a creative solution proposal: “Yes, but after this file”, “Yes, if I have help”, etc.
- Give yourself a break: Taking time to disconnect can help you get more done. Simply stepping away from your computer may be all you need to get a second wind during the workday.
- Move around: If you lose focus, stand up and walk around briefly. A short walk for a few minutes can improve your mood and help you refocus.
- Decrease distractions and remove temptation: Increase your focus exponentially simply by adopting these ingenious habits:
- Turn off the volume on your cell phone.
- Mute the entertaining applications.
- Close your notifications.
- Let your colleagues know when you prefer not to be interrupted.
- Listen to some music in the background, create a calm bubble for yourself.
- Eat healthy and have healthy snacks on hand.
- Get enough sleep.
- Clean, organize and tidy your workspace regularly. A clean, organized space will help you think more clearly.
- Recondition your reflexes: Chances are, you’ll read your email or other messages as soon as you get a notification. Fight the impulse to react immediately. Choose specific times to check your inbox and email applications.
- Take advantage of the health and wellness programs offered by your employer: Whether it’s an allotted amount of money or on-site facilities, dare to enjoy the little goodies your company offers. A massage, a sports group, a package for ergonomic equipment, ongoing training, etc.
- See what flexible work opportunities your company offers: Many employers have adopted hybrid or 100% telecommuting in their teams. Whether it’s for long trips, personal reasons or ambient distractions in the office. We encourage you to discuss the remote work options available with your supervisor.
- Find the real reason that motivates you: Why do you work with this team? Why do you give your best to every project, every day? Reconnect with your values and the real reason you chose this field, this company and this role.
If you are experiencing a recurring decline in productivity, a lack of vision, purpose or connection could be possible causes. Rekindle your motivation by thinking about your short- to medium-term career plan. Use the power of optimism, communication and don’t forget to celebrate your progress since the beginning of your career!
Think positively, one task at a time, and you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish in a day.
