Producing Productivity

We live in a demanding and distracting world. Getting everything that you set out to get done in a day can be a daunting task. Being productive can sometimes feel like an impossible feat. Time is your most precious commodity. Do you feel overwhelmed and unsure about how to get things done? Here are three ways to get more done without burning out:

1. Keep one to-do list. Include everything you want or need to do in one place. Writing it down or inputting into Outlook or Google Tasks which auto syncs to your smartphone helps get it off your mind, makes it portable and leaves you free to focus on the task at hand. Plus, there is little more gratifying than checking completed tasks off your list.

2. Do the most important thing first. Before you leave work in the evening, decide what one thing you need to accomplish the next day. Do it first thing in the morning, when you're likely to have the most energy and fewest distractions. Prioritize by what task will bring you the greatest monetary return (what task will put cash into or prevent the outflow of cash from the bank account)? Your most productive time of the day is before noon, be consistent to take advantage of this time.

3. Schedule time for non-urgent tasks. It's easy to get caught up in the pressing issues of the day. Block off time in your calendar to do things that would otherwise get squeezed out, like writing, thinking creatively, or building relationships. Carve out some quiet time to do these things without interruption.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get everything done in a day. Just accomplishing one or two important daily tasks is making progress. For complex and multi-faceted projects, break it down into smaller, bite sized chunks. Also don't hesitate to delegate tasks. The positive effects of being productive will rub off onto those you work around you. Remember, a productive mindset/attitude is contagious.