Productivity hacks to get you performing like a legend.
Introduction
When you feel like you are juggling all the balls and not doing any of them that well, having a strategic prioritisation session can help you focus on the things that are important, stop doing the ones that aren’t and get more time back in your ever expanding diary!
It does mean that you initially need to set aside some time to do this, but trust me, it will be well worth it.
Productivity Hacks
Get clear on your goals
Before you can prioritise your tasks, you need to be clear on what your goals are
Write down your top 3-5 goals
Make sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound (SMART Goals)
Review and update your goals regularly
Use the Eisenhower Matrix to organise your task list
Do - tasks with consequences or deadlines
Schedule - things that are important and don't have a clear deadline
Delegate - stuff that is important and that someone else can do
Delete - scrap the things that are a distraction / unnecessary
Do a Review of your Diary
Go through your diary and decline meetings where your attendance is not essential. Provide context to the meeting owner and ask for them to share important outcomes with you.
Make 30 minute meetings the norm, not 1 hour meetings. This means being more prepared for the meeting and setting and sharing agendas so they are more efficient.
Block out time in your diary to do focus work. Shut down any app that has notifications; slack, email, whatsapp etc. Put on some music to help you get in the zone and use the Pomodoro Technique to ensure focus.
Be Aware Of Common Productivity Pitfalls
Procrastination: Putting off important tasks until the last minute, this will cause unnecessary added stress. Schedule getting them done.
Perfectionism: Spending too much time on a single task to make it “perfect” - check out my blog on progress over perfectionism.
Distractions: Allowing non-essential tasks to derail your focus. Shut down notifications and get comfortable saying no.
Overcommitting: Taking on too many tasks and responsibilities. Don’t take on things you do not have time for, just to appease others. Check out our blog on people pleasing.
Not taking a break: Scheduling downtime to relax and recharge is essential to being able to perform at your best. Make time to do the things you enjoy too, life is short!
Conclusion
By being more organised and intentional with your goals, priorities and diary, you will be more productive. This, in turn, will mean you have more time back in your diary and you will feel less stressed. What could you do with the extra time? Take a bath with your favourite book? Spend quality time with your partner / family / friends / kids? Go for a long walk?
Sounds good right?! What are you waiting for. There is no time like the present. If you are struggling to see the forrest from the trees, book in a free clarity session with me where I will help you to get clear on what you need to focus on.