|

17 Top Tips To Help You Become a More Productive Person

Are you wondering how to be more productive? Being productive doesn’t mean working around the clock. It means being efficient with your time so that you can get more done in less time.

If you’re looking for ways to be a more productive person, here are 17 top tips to help you get started.

how to be productive - featured image

1. Wake Up Early

One of the best ways to become more productive is to wake up early. In fact, many successful people, especially entrepreneurs, report that they get up before 5:00 AM.

I know it can be tough, especially if you aren’t a morning person by nature, but once you get into the habit, you’ll be amazed at how much you can get done before noon. Plus, there’s something special about those quiet morning hours when the rest of the world is still asleep. You can take your time and enjoy a leisurely breakfast or get a head start on your day by getting in a good workout.

And because you’re starting your day on a positive note, you’ll be more likely to stay focused and motivated throughout the day. So if you’re looking for ways to boost your productivity, set your alarm clock a little earlier tomorrow.

2. Exercise Regularly

Though it may seem counterintuitive, one of the best things you can do to become more productive is to exercise regularly. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can improve brain function and increase energy levels. In fact, participants in one study reported that their time management improved by 72 percent on days when they exercised.

Exercise also helps to reduce stress and improve sleep quality, both of which are necessary for maintaining a high level of productivity. In addition, exercise has been shown to boost self-esteem and confidence. These two qualities are must-haves for success in any endeavor.

So, if you want to become more productive, add some exercise to your daily routine. You’ll be amazed at how much it can help.

3. Make a To-Do List Each Day

Making a to-do list each day can help keep you organized and on track. This will help ensure that you don’t miss any critical tasks and that you make the most of your time. You can better plan your time and prioritize your tasks by taking a few minutes each day to sit down and write out a to-do list.

Not only will this help you get more done each day, but it will also help to reduce stress and keep you organized. So if you’re looking for ways to become more productive, make sure to add “make a to-do list” to your list!

4. Set Aside Time for Important Tasks

One of the most fundamental things you can do to be productive is to set aside dedicated time for important tasks. My favorite way to do this is by time blocking – which is my number one time management strategy. That means that you will schedule a specific time slot for each task on your to-do list.

For example, if you need to write a report, you might block out two hours on your calendar for that task. Then, during those two hours, you will focus solely on writing the report. You won’t answer emails, take phone calls, or check social media.

By setting aside time for important tasks, you can ensure that you make progress on your most significant goals. And when you have accomplishments to show for your efforts, you’ll be more motivated to stay on track.

5. Do One Thing at a Time (Don’t Multitask)

Another way to be more productive is to focus on one thing at a time. People often say that multitasking is a productivity killer, and I must say that I agree. When you try to do too many things at once, you end up doing all of them poorly.

It’s better to block off time in your schedule for every single task (or a batch of related tasks) and give it your full attention. That way, you can be sure that each task is getting the time and energy it deserves.

You may also find that you enjoy your work more when you’re not constantly flipping between tasks. So give it a try – focus on one thing at a time and see how much more productive you can be!

6. Take Breaks Often

Yes, you want to make the most of your time and get things done, especially if you’re a busy person. But it’s also necessary to take regular breaks so you don’t burn out.

Time blocking is a great way to stay on track and get things done while ensuring that you take breaks when needed. By scheduling time for breaks, you can ensure that you’re getting the rest you need without sacrificing productivity.

And when you do take a break, make sure to use that time wisely. Maybe take a walk, read a book or just relax. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something that will help you recharge so you can be even more productive when you get back to work.

7. Don’t Wait Until You Feel Motivated

If you’re waiting to feel motivated or inspired before you start working, you’re likely setting yourself up for failure. Remember that motivation and inspiration are fleeting; they come and go as they please.

Instead of waiting around for them to strike, it’s better to take action and get started on your work. Once you start, the motivation and inspiration will likely follow. And even if they don’t, you’ll still be making progress on your goals.

So don’t wait – take action!

8. Avoid Distractions

How many times have you been in the middle of a project when you suddenly remember that you need to check your Facebook messages? Or responded to a text notification only to find yourself down a rabbit hole of social media scrolling?

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably experienced at least a few moments of digital distraction in your day-to-day life. And while a little distraction here and there may not seem like a big deal, the cumulative effect can be significant. Studies have shown that even minor interruptions can disrupt our focus and productivity, leading us to make mistakes and take longer to complete tasks.

So if you’re looking to boost your productivity, finding ways to avoid distractions is vital.

One strategy is to set aside specific times for checking email or social media. That way, you can stay focused on your work most of the day and then take a break when you’re done. By consciously reducing distractions, you can help ensure that you get more done in less time.

Quote image: If you're looking to boost your productivity, finding ways to avoid distractions is vital.

9. Simplify Your Workspace

Another way to minimize distractions is to create a simple and efficient workspace.

For example, declutter your desk. Get rid of non-essential items and organize what you need in a way that makes sense to you. Creating a clean and organized workspace can help your mind focus on the task at hand.

In addition, try to maximize the natural light in your office and make sure your chair is comfortable. These small changes can make a big difference in your productivity levels.

10. Spend Less Time on Email

If there’s one thing that can derail our productivity, it’s email. We all know the feeling of checking our inbox, only to see a long list of messages that must be dealt with. Spending hours sorting through them is tempting, but this can be counterproductive.

Every time we stop what we’re doing to address an email, it takes us a few minutes to get back into the flow of work. Multiply that by the number of messages in our inbox, and it’s no wonder we’re left feeling frazzled at the end of the day.

Instead of letting email take over your life, try setting aside specific times to check and respond to messages. This will help you to focus on other tasks when you’re not glued to your screen and ultimately make you more productive overall.

11. Take Care of Yourself

Have you ever heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup?” Well, it’s true! To be the best possible version of yourself, you need to take care of yourself first.

In order to stay healthy, it is imperative that you get enough sleep, eat nutrient-rich foods, and take time for yourself through relaxation or exercise. When you are in peak condition, mentally and physically, you’ll find it easier to focus on your work and be more productive.

So don’t neglect your own well-being in the pursuit of productivity. Taking care of yourself is essential to becoming your most productive self.

12. Set Goals

One of the best ways to become more productive is to set goals. Having specific targets to aim for gives you a clear sense of purpose and motivation to work harder.

When setting goals, you want to be realistic and specific. Vague goals such as “growing traffic” or “making more money” are difficult to measure, and you are less likely to stick with them in the long run.

However, if you set a goal to write 10 blog posts or read one business book per month, you can track your progress and see the results of your efforts.

Achieving small goals will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you stay on track toward your larger objectives.

13. Don’t Procrastinate

We all have the same hours in the day, but some people accomplish so much more than others.

What’s the secret? It’s simple: don’t procrastinate.

That’s right, if you want to become more productive, you need to learn to focus on the task at hand now and not put it off until later.

Procrastination is the enemy of productivity, and it’s something that we all struggle with at times. But if you can learn to overcome it, you’ll be amazed at how much you can get done.

So next time you’re tempted to put off a task, remind yourself that it will only make it harder in the long run. Instead, start working on it now, and before you know it, it’ll be done. And you’ll feel so much better for having accomplished something.

14. Stay Organized

Among my list of best productive habits, staying organized is crucial. If you’re constantly searching for things, it wastes valuable time that could be spent on getting things done. Creating a system that works for you will help you stay organized and be more productive.

For example, use a planner to keep track of appointments and deadlines. Make a list of things you need to do each day, and check them off as you complete them. Then, put things in their proper place, so you know where to find them when you need them.

A little bit of organization can go a long way in helping you boost your productivity. So start getting organized today, and see how it can help you get more done tomorrow.

15. Keep a Positive Attitude

I’m a big believer in the power of positive thinking. If you keep a positive attitude and focus on what you want to achieve, you can accomplish just about anything. Keeping a positive attitude can sometimes be challenging, but it’s definitely worth it.

Here are some things that I do to stay positive and productive:

  • I start each day with a positive affirmation. I tell myself that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. This sets the tone for the rest of the day and helps me stay focused on my goals.
  • I take time for myself every day. This might mean taking a few minutes to meditate or go for a walk outside. It’s imperative to clear your head and refocus your energy. When you’re feeling stressed, it’s difficult to be productive.
  • I surround myself with positive people. This one is definitely key! If you’re surrounded by negativity, it’s hard to stay positive yourself. Find people who support your dreams and make you feel good about yourself. These are the people who will help you achieve your goals!

16. Use the Eisenhower Matrix

If you feel like you’re always running behind, it’s time to take a closer look at how you’re using your time.

One of my favorite productivity hacks is the Eisenhower matrix, which can help you to prioritize tasks and achieve greater productivity.

The matrix is based on the principle that we can classify tasks as urgent or important. Urgent tasks are those that need to be completed right away, while important tasks are those that contribute to our long-term goals.

The matrix helps you identify which tasks are truly worth your time and energy.  And you’ll learn to let go of those that are simply urgent. As a result, you can free up time for the things that matter most.

17. Learn To Say “No:

If you’re finding it hard to get things done, it might be because you’re saying ‘yes’ to too many things. You must learn to set boundaries and say ‘no’ when you need to. Otherwise, you’ll end up stretched thin and spread too thin.

Think about all the different hats you wear: business owner, friend, spouse, parent, child, sibling, citizen. That’s a lot of roles to juggle! And within each one of those roles, there are countless demands on your time and energy. So it’s no wonder you feel like you can never get ahead.

The key is to focus on what’s most meaningful to you and let the rest go. You can’t do everything, and that’s okay.

Start by saying ‘no’ to the things that don’t matter as much to you. For example, if you don’t enjoy going to social events, don’t feel like you have to say ‘yes’ every time someone invites you out. Or, if you don’t like being on camera, don’t agree to participate in a live summit. Instead, commit to something that better fits your business style.

It takes practice to get comfortable saying ‘no,’ but it will make a world of difference in your productivity (and your sanity!). So next time someone asks you to do something or take on a new responsibility, think about whether it’s really something you want to do or if it would be better just to say ‘no.” Chances are, you’ll be glad you did!

Wrapping Up: 17 Tips To Be a More Productive Person

There you have it! These are my top tips for becoming a more productive person. I hope you found them helpful.

Remember, it’s not about working harder; it’s about working smarter. By using these productivity tips, you can start to achieve the results you want without burning yourself out.

More productivity posts that you might love:

Want to remember this?  Save it to your favorite Pinterest board.

how to be a more productive person - pin graphic

FREE Biz Planning Workbook

Download your free printable Business Planning Workbook for solopreneurs. Set your goals. Make your plans. Stay focused!

By signing up for this email list, you are agreeing to receive our regular newsletter emails, product updates, and marketing communications. For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. Powered by ConvertKit