How To Increase Your Productivity And Get More Done
Do you want to be more productive? If yes, I will share the best habits of highly productive people.
The formula is simple.
Your productivity results from practicing and integrating good habits into your daily routine. Thus, copy these habits, apply them to your life daily, and you will become more productive.
Essential Habits Of Productive People
Here are the top habits of productive people you can try to be efficient and get more done.
Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
1. They Set Daily And Weekly Goals
Setting daily and weekly goals is a simple way to be more productive.
Goals of this type make a significant and immediate impact on your life. They form the foundation and provide direction for your daily activities.
Furthermore, look at your goals each day and ruthlessly rank your priorities. Focus on the most essential things first.
Finally, for each daily and weekly goal, give yourself a deadline. A clear timeline will increase your productivity as you strive to meet your goal.
Helpful resource: Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Goal Setting Tips
2. They Accomplish One Thing To Start The Day
Productive people start the day by accomplishing something.
By completing a task first thing, you will set the tone for a productive day. Avoid starting your day with an ambiguous project with no apparent conclusion.
Then, move on to something more challenging or creative while your mind is fresh and the morning is still young.
3. They Establish And Stick To A Daily Routine
Productive people know the importance of daily routines. They start the day with a solid morning routine and transition to an effective work routine to maximize their working hours.
Your daily routine helps create a positive flow and allows your best performance to come through.
Of course, be mindful of each day and fine-tune your habits to meet your ever-changing needs.
Related reading: How to have more success in life
4. They Work Hard And Hustle
Your productivity relies on hard work and hustle.
24/7 work days are an unfortunate reality. We are always connected to work, clients, associates, and employees through our smartphones and computers.
Focus, avoid distractions, and work hard when it’s time to work. Laziness and procrastination are the enemies of productivity.
5. They Keep A Clean And Clear Work Space
Productive people know the importance of a clutter-free work area.
Remove everything from your desk other than your current priority. Clutter is distracting, and having other unattended projects in your workspace increases stress.
6. They Rarely Multi-Task
Productive people work on one project at a time. Studies have shown that it is virtually impossible to focus effectively on two tasks simultaneously.
Thus, work on one thing at a time. Do that one thing to the best of your ability. Bring the task to a conclusion or logical stopping point, then move on to the next thing.
Yes, interruptions happen. I understand that. Handle the interruption then get back to what you were working on.
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7. They Work Smart
Productive people make a habit of working smart. They value their time and never waste a minute when they are working.
My daily “work smart” productivity formula boils down to asking myself two questions:
1) Am I working on the right things? and 2) Am I working on those things the right way?”
8. They Ask For What They Want
Your productivity relies on asking for what you want. For example,
Need help from a co-worker? Ask for it.
Do you need support from the boss? Ask for it.
Need assistance with a problem at home? Ask for it.
Nothing wastes time more than hoping someone will come to your rescue. If you don’t ask, you will never know.
The right help at the right time by the right person will elevate your productivity. Just ask.
Okay. Eight habits down and seven to go. Before you continue, please pin this image so others can become more productive too!
9. They Value Their Time And Know When To Say No
Productive people guard their time like a watchdog.
We are trained at a young age to say yes. When your Mom or Dad asks you to do something, you learn to say yes and do it.
When asked to take on more responsibility at work, the expected answer is “yes.”
But at some point, we can’t say yes to every request. Highly productive people are skilled at identifying when to say yes and when to say no.
This isn’t always easy. Most of us are wired to please others. So, it takes good judgment on when to say no.
Must read: 7 Self-Improvement Tips to Turn Your Life Around
10. They Are Decisive
Productive people avoid indecision. When confronted with a choice, they gather the facts and decide.
Indecision creates stress and wastes time and energy. I don’t mean making snap, reckless decisions because it always pays to take your time, gather the facts, and consider the alternatives.
After making a decision, productive people get busy and complete the necessary tasks to make the decision a success. They do not procrastinate and never look back to second-guess themselves.
11. They Have A Productive Mindset
Your productivity is influenced by what you think, how you think, and when you think it.
I will quote the famous philosopher and Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. He said,
“Our life is what our thoughts make it.”
What types of thoughts should you have? Well, that’s easy, productive ones. Thus, have a positive attitude about your life and your productivity.
For example, I repeat the following phrase to myself when I need a pep talk.
“I am productive simply because I get the most important things done.”
Notice the emphasis on the word “important.” Your productivity isn’t defined by activity or being “busy.”
Productivity relies on getting critical things done. That’s where your daily and weekly goals come into play. They keep you focused on what’s essential at work and in your life.
12. They Know When Good Is Good Enough
Productive people aren’t perfectionists.
Thus, set a performance standard equal to expectations. Then, meet those expectations.
Going the extra mile may sometimes be required, but often is not.
13. They Play To Their Strengths
You will be more productive when you know your strengths and maximize your efforts around those strengths.
In other words, don’t waste time working on things you aren’t good at. Outsource or delegate your weaknesses.
I’m not saying to ignore your weaknesses.
I’m saying either work on your weaknesses to make them strengths. Or find others whose strengths are your weaknesses and engage others to help you.
14. They Practice Self-Care
It’s challenging to be productive when you aren’t feeling your best. So, be mindful and intentional about your well-being by:
- Taking frequent breaks
- Getting a good night’s sleep
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
- Eating a nutritious diet
- Exercising regularly
- Pursuing work-life balance
15. They Pick Themselves Up When They Stumble
Even the most productive people experience inefficiency. You, too, will have unproductive days and times when it doesn’t feel like you are getting enough done.
When this happens, refocus on your daily goals and look for enhancements to your daily routine. Most importantly, do not get discouraged.
Those times when you feel unproductive may be laying the foundation for a wave of productivity.
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Good Habits Of Productive People: Final Thoughts
Being productive isn’t tricky. You need to adopt the proper habits.
Master these habits of productive people, and you will be on your way to getting more done daily.
- Set goals
- Begin each day by tackling a task
- Establish a daily routine
- Work hard & hustle
- Clear your workspace
- Never multi-task
- Work smart
- Ask for what you want
- Learn to say no
- Be decisive
- Have a proper mindset
- Avoid perfection
- Maximize your strengths
- Practice self-care
- Never get discouraged
Good luck, and thanks for reading. Before you go, pin this image so others can find this post and become more productive like you.
Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.