We all want to be the person who always gets things done. However, let’s face it; it’s not always easy to stay productive, especially when there are many tasks that need to be done.

If you find yourself in situations where you wish you could do more and be faster, a good way to start is by making small changes to your habits, behavior, and mental outlook so that you can start developing more productive routines.

Here are five tips to help you get started:

1. Work on 5-minute tasks 

If you have things to do in your day that will only take less than five minutes, do them immediately. These are small tasks that can have a significant impact on your day. You may think such tasks don’t have a powerful effect and put them off until the end of the day, but when you do them as early as you can, you create more space for other things. 

2. Focus on the most important tasks

On any to-do-list, some tasks are more important than others. Merely checking off your tasks without some foresight will prevent you from prioritizing properly. It is also a recipe for procrastination because it’s easier to check off the easy ones instead of working on the more difficult ones. 

At the beginning of each day, choose at least two to three of the most important tasks that you need to finish immediately. Once those are completed, move on to the next ones.

3. Put an end to multitasking

If you want to be more productive, then you need to put an end to multitasking. Multitasking is okay with low-level tasks such as home chores (eg. you can do other chores while waiting for the laundry to finish). However, multitasking isn’t really an excellent idea when it comes to work-related stuff as it can hamper your productivity. 

When you don’t multitask, you get to focus on one task alone and deliver quality results. At the end of the day, it’s not your speed that is crucial or how many things you were able to do within the day, it’s about the quality and value of your output. Take it one step at a time and your productivity levels will most certainly increase. 

4. Wake up early

If you want to get things done, start your day early. It gives you a head start on the day and additional time to spend however you see fit. You will also find yourself less stressed and more productive throughout the day.

Make sure to have a morning routine that works for you so that you can set the tone for the rest of the day. The goal is to give yourself the motivation to stay productive throughout the day.

5. Set aside distractions

It’s easy to get sucked into distractions when you’re taking a quick break from what you’re doing. If you tend to spend more time than you should scrolling on social media when you’re on a break, it’s best not to check it during work hours or until you finish the task at hand. Find healthier ways to take breaks, such as stretching, walking, or even just simply closing your eyes to rest. 

Conclusion

From time to time, go back to these habits to get you back on track should you find yourself wandering away from the path of productivity. To be productive, it all starts with setting good habits. Continuous learning wouldn’t hurt either, so read more resources about productivity or join online courses. 

At Skill Builder Pro, we provide a training platform to develop job skills, soft skills, and personal development. Check out our online course for getting stuff done today!