There’s nothing more satisfying than striking things off our to-do lists after a long day of work. But sometimes, even the best of us struggle to find the conviction and motivation to get things done. So, we decided to create a little guide to help us feel productive at the end of the day.
- Set targets and deadlines:
No, we aren’t talking about those impossible we needed the work yesterday targets from the client. We are referring to personal, realistic, achievable targets. You must be honest about how long it will take to do a job well. Otherwise, you could spend hours of free time browsing through social media or struggle to finish a task within the dedicated time frame.
- Avoid distractions:
Turn your phone notifications off before you start work for the day. Every time you finish a task (to the best of your efforts!) within the stipulated time frame, you can take a break and check your phone. Even then, avoid browsing your social media platform of choice unless it’s part of your job. You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you’re one reel away from an hour-long spiral.
- Don’t multitask:
It may seem counterintuitive, but when you try doing too many things at once, you end up doing a half-baked job. You end up not giving any task the full attention it requires and deserves. Focus on one task at a time, and you’ll probably get everything done quicker. Plus, you won’t feel overwhelmed by the number of things on your plate at any given point.
- Take a break:
Mentally and physically, it isn’t possible to focus on a single task and maintain high concentration levels for too long. Make sure you give yourself a break when you need it. Spend a few minutes reading something that isn’t work-related, and you’ll feel a little more relaxed.
- Maintain a positive attitude:
If you honestly believe you aren’t going to do a job well, you will probably prove yourself right. Start every task with a positive attitude, and see how it gets reflected in your work.
Optimism is the most important human trait because it allows us to evolve ideas, improve our situation, and hope for a better tomorrow.
– Seth Godin
- Delegate tasks when necessary:
You can’t do everything alone. If you find yourself drowning in work, ask for a lifeboat. Delegate tasks to your teammates and colleagues as required. After all, many hands really do make light work.
Above all, remember to set yourself daily goals. Take things one day at a time, and you’ll enjoy that warm and fuzzy feeling that comes with accomplishing your goals.