11 Ways to Boost Your Productivity
Do you wake up each morning with ambitions of accomplishing a lot, only to find by evening that your tasks remain unfinished? You aren’t alone! Many people struggle to achieve their goals and feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities. But imagine if you could work more effectively, allowing you more time for the things that truly matter. Here are some strategies to help you enhance your productivity.
KEEP YOUR “TO DO” LIST SHORT
A long list of tasks can lead to feelings of overwhelm. Try to confine your daily list to just 3-4 items. Start by asking yourself, “What are the few most important tasks I want to accomplish today?”
Once you’ve identified your priorities, allocate specific blocks of time in your schedule to tackle these tasks. I find tools like this helpful for managing my time effectively, ensuring I neither overextend nor underachieve. This approach prevents procrastination that often occurs when you have an entire day to finish something—using time-blocking keeps me accountable.
NEVER SKIP A MONDAY
You may have heard the advice to “never skip a Monday” regarding workouts, but this principle can apply to life in general. Many people harbor a dislike for Mondays, but a shift in perspective can yield significant benefits. Your Mondays don’t have to suck—it all begins the night before.
If you neglect your responsibilities on a Monday, you’ll likely feel even more rushed throughout the week. To enhance your productivity, start your prep on Sunday night.
Weekends often involve indulgence, leaving us tired and sluggish come Monday. If you enjoy Sunday night treats, be mindful of portion sizes and avoid heavy eating just before bed. Cultivating healthy habits on Sunday nights can ensure you’re energized and well-prepared for the week ahead. A little routine switch on Sunday evenings might even make you appreciate them more, rather than dread them.
Another handy tip is to ensure your kitchen is tidy before bed, making your breakfast prep smoother and more pleasant.
TACKLE THE MOST DREADED ACTIVITY FIRST
Every one of us has tasks we loathe, whether it be difficult phone calls or even working out. For me, it’s making calls to challenging clients and sticking to a workout schedule. On days when I’m not motivated, I’ve learned that the best strategy is to address these daunting tasks immediately.
As soon as I return home from work, I take my dog for a brief walk, freshen up, and dive into my workout. It’s ingrained in my routine now; I don’t even think about it—I just do it. By the time I realize, I’ve already completed a 40-minute workout. Procrastinating only leads me to either miss out on the session entirely or give less than my best effort. This holds true for everything else too—if you have tough calls to make, tackle them head-on. Getting them done early allows you to focus on other critical tasks without that looming anxiety hanging over you.
DON’T STRIVE FOR PERFECTION
This is a lesson I learned through experience: perfection is an unattainable goal. While striving to improve and learn from mistakes is admirable, chasing perfection often leads to wasted time.
When I began blogging, I fixated on having perfect photos despite my limited knowledge of photography. I refused to publish anything unless my images met my high standards, resulting in only a handful of posts in my first year—not exactly the definition of productivity! Ultimately, I learned that action is vital—practicing, making mistakes, and growing from them is the true path to progress.
Waiting for perfection will only hinder your growth—mistakes are simply stepping stones on the path to improvement.
CLEAN UP YOUR DESK
Clearing out old invoices, discarded papers, and junk mail is essential. While many may find comfort in “organized chaos,” a cluttered space is counterproductive. This applies to your digital space as well; take time to clear and organize your desktop or laptop.
CREATE AN INSPIRATION/MOTIVATION BOARD
Creating a motivation board can be enjoyable and rewarding. I have one in my home office, and it never fails to inspire me. Fill it with your goals, favorite quotes, daily affirmations, or even pictures that spark joy. Each time you glance at your board, you’re reminded that your work is a step toward achieving your aspirations.
START EXERCISING
Exercise doesn’t have to be a grueling affair—small, regular activities like evening dog walks or light jogging can suffice. Developing a habit of physical activity will not only enhance your mood but will also reduce stress and improve your overall focus.
READ BEFORE BED
Your pre-sleep routine significantly impacts your productivity. Watching TV right before bed can lead to overstimulation, making it harder to fall asleep. You may have noticed that reading facilitates quicker sleep onset and reduces stress. It helps calm your mind and prepares you for a more restful night.
FORGET MULTITASKING
Contrary to popular belief, multitasking often slows you down instead of saving time. Dividing your focus between tasks can dilute your effectiveness. It’s beneficial to devote your attention to one task at a time for greater efficiency. If multitasking is a struggle for you as it is for me, consider reading this article for more tips.
Related posts:
+ How to stop procrastinating right now
+ 7 Life-changing morning rituals
+ Morning affirmations to start your day
+ How to really get things done: your #1 tool for staying productive
THE 80/20 RULE
The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, indicates that 80% of outcomes stem from 20% of inputs. Originating from observations by economist Vilfredo Pareto—who noted that 80% of wealth in Italy was held by just 20% of the population—this principle underlines that a small number of causes usually generate the majority of results.
This principle can be applied to various aspects of life, suggesting that certain activities (the 20%) generate most results (the 80%). Oftentimes, we reverse this ratio, spending 80% of our time on tasks that yield only 20% of our outcomes.
In my experience with blogging, I allocate my time across content creation, answering emails, and social media promotion. Initially, I was spending 2-3 hours on Instagram daily—an investment that didn’t correlate to significant blog traffic. I realized this time could better serve my content creation—something I genuinely enjoy. Redirecting my focus to impactful tasks took away the anxiety tied to Instagram posting, allowing me to spend more time on what truly matters.
Analyze and break down your daily activities to pinpoint those that yield the best results, and dedicate your efforts to those. This is crucial if your available time for work or personal projects is limited. Focus on actions that drive the greatest outcomes.
STOP PROCRASTINATING
Procrastination is a habit, and while breaking it can be difficult, it’s certainly achievable. Start by identifying what causes you to procrastinate. Is it boredom or perhaps a dislike for a specific task? If you struggle with putting things off, consider reading this post.
Here’s a quick productivity tip: just start. When you find your motivation slipping, task yourself with something small, whether it’s washing dishes or answering a couple of emails. Concentrate fully on that single task and observe how you feel—do you find your mind wandering? Cultivating mindfulness can really bolster your productivity.
Lastly, balance is key in productivity. Being “productive” doesn’t entail constant work—overworking leads to burnout. Reflect on areas of your life outside of work where you can boost productivity by prioritizing what truly matters.
