True productivity is more than simply checking tasks off a to-do list-it’s about doing more of what matters. Start with these simple tips and watch your productivity soar. No matter what your job or industry, we all want to learn how to be effective at work and achieve our professional goals.
Trim Your Task List
Give yourself 3 to 5 important items that you need to accomplish in one day
- If you get them done early, you can always add a few more things to your list, but keeping it manageable will keep you productive instead of just keeping you busy
Stay Organized
Have a system in place to help you find the exact information you need, right when you need it
Prioritize
Find out what really matters
- Cut the busywork that doesn’t amount to anything
- OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) are a practical way to focus your efforts on clearly-defined, measurable goals that directly contribute to larger business objectives
Schedule Meetings With Yourself
Create a distraction-free zone where you can go to focus when necessary.
Swap Your To-Do List for a Schedule
Look at your available time for the day, and be realistic about what you can get done.
Communicate and Clarify
One of the best ways to avoid unnecessary rework and wasted time is to eliminate misunderstandings and miscommunications.
- Get it right the first time, and you’ll save yourself a ton of time and mental energy revising and redoing tasks.
Stop While You’re Still On a Roll
End every task with a defined “next step” to quickly get back in the zone next time
Use Idle Time to Knock Out Admin Tasks
While waiting in line at the grocery store, for the next bus stop, at the bank, in the elevator, etc. – bring a book you’ve been meaning to read, clear a few emails, or catch up on status updates.
Find Ways to Do More of the Work You Enjoy
When you’re interested in, challenged by, and good at the work you do, you’re more engaged and effective
- Do your best to learn something new every day, or push yourself to try something you haven’t before
More Tips & Resources to Improve Effectiveness at Work
Whether you work in marketing, project management, software development, or any other field, our collection of tips and tools on productivity and motivation will help you learn how to be more effective at work.
Make Bad Habits More Difficult to Indulge
Create simple barriers to help you focus
Tackle Your Most Important Tasks First
Instead of starting your day by checking emails, wait a few hours to check your inbox and work on a more significant project while your mental energy is still high
Plan Tomorrow Tonight
Create a short list of simple to-dos to help you hit the ground running in the morning
- Try to include at least one moderately challenging task in your list
- There’s a sweet spot where your brain more easily enters that “flow” state
- If the task isn’t challenging enough, you’ll get bored, and if it’s too high, you will get anxious and stressed
