Top 9 Habits of Productive People

Ideally, everybody wants to make the most of their workday. We all search for ways to increase our productivity and tick all the bullets of our ever-growing to-do lists (however, excessive caffeine and constant multi-tasking just won’t cut it anymore).

Before we dive into tips and tricks, let’s chat about what productivity is. The constant search for how to be more productive has led to the misconception about what productivity really is. Productivity is a conscious decision. More so, it’s a series of conscious and purposeful decisions that you make every day that are for your betterment and wellbeing. “Quick-fix” ways to boost productivity aren’t a one-time event; rather, they are a long-term commitment in all areas of your life.

Productivity in its purest form is somebody who delegates their time wisely. These are the people who find opportunities to get more done in a shorter amount of time. Because being busy doesn’t equate to being productive. It simply means getting what needs to get done, done.

And we all know the feeling after having a productive day – it’s, somewhat, euphoric. You finish the day feeling accomplished and proud that you have gotten done what you needed to do. So, that said, we have compiled a list of realistic habits to work on every day to make the most of your workday, every day:

1. Focus on the most important tasks first. Any given to-do list has certain tasks that are more important than others. It’s easy to spend an entire day checking off easy, less important to-do’s instead of buckling down on the hard stuff. Instead, spend some time at the beginning of the day to choose a few of the most important tasks – the tasks that, no matter what, you need to finish by the end of the day.
2. Declutter your space. Your desk says a lot about you. And, while there is no right way to organize a desk, your physical workspace can have a huge effect on your productivity.
3. Start each day with a plan. Take some time in the morning to create a prioritized to-do list. This is best practice to tackle the more important items first. The best part? As you start ticking off completed tasks, you’ll gain the momentum to get through the rest of your list.
4. While at work, make your phone less distracting. We get it. Most of us are glued to our smartphones. Enter social media and you may find yourself aimlessly scrolling for way too long. Resist the urge to check your phone every time it dings and curb the crave to check your Facebook feed every five minutes. You can set your phone to Do Not Disturb mode or set daily usage limits – manage the tech, but don’t let the tech manage you or your time.
5. Take frequent breaks. We all have days where we feel we simply do not have time to take breaks. However, those are the days where those breaks are most important. In fact, research has shown that taking a break can be beneficial for you and the work you’re doing. Reduced stress levels, good work performance, and increased energy levels are all positive side effects of taking breaks when needed.
6. Prioritize self-care. Self-care isn’t just good for you, but it’s good for your productivity levels. While the causes of stress are different for everyone, the effects are similar when it builds up. These effects include insomnia, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, social withdrawal, and lack of motivation. Let’s face it – the brain functions best when you’re feeling positive. So, pencil in your favorite form of happiness inducing self-care in those agendas, people!
7. Acknowledge and write down your accomplishments. Be kind to yourself. At the end of the day, instead of dwelling on the tasks you still need to complete – focus on a list of your day’s successes. Of all the things that can boost your motivation and perceptions during a workday, one of the most important is making progress in meaningful work.
8. Establish a firm end to the day. Your alarm goes off in the morning and you wake up to start your day. Now, let’s set a hard stop for the end of the day too. It is alright to burn the midnight oil every now and then. Deadlines happen, we know. But too much overworking will ultimately lead to a dip in productivity.
9. Ask for help on stuff you don’t understand. When you don’t understand the capabilities of your task, it can be a serious hindrance to your productivity. Asking for help will help get the job done faster and better. Plus, asking for help will allow to gain invaluable experience and ultimately strengthen the base for a successful career.