If there's one thing I can honestly say I struggle with, it's productivity. It seems like I always have a ton to do in a week and not nearly enough time to do it, and because of that I let distractions and stress build up until I can't get ANYTHING done! So, as part of my personal goals for myself, I try and spend at least a little time every week scouting around for great tips on maximizing my productivity without maximizing my stress level. Here's what I've found works best for me that you might want to give a try in your own hectic schedule:
1) Make sure you're working during your peak hours. I know I work better in the morning. Unfortunately, between family concerns and the fact that everyone opens at 9am rather than noon I often don't get started on my to-do list until later in the day. By juggling my schedule so I start at 7 or 8 rather than 11 or 12 I work more effectively AND get to spend more time enjoying the fruits of my labor.
2) Keep all your materials close at hand, including references. That way, you're not looking all over the house for the notebook you need when you have to look up a piece of information.
3) Prioritize your work. By doing what's most important early in the day I can relax when my caffeine rush-I mean, my natural motivation!-wears off in the afternoon. And if catastrophe strikes and I don't get all the way through my to-do list I'm not sweating bullets because I'm not going to make my deadlines.
4) Take breaks regularly. When you work all day, every day, you burn yourself out and can't get anything done. I try to work for 2-3 hours, then take a break. I come back re-energized and ready to start again.
5) Snack during the day. Believe it or not, plummeting blood sugar can kill your productivity. It's hard to make the most of your labors when you're constantly droopy and tired! Snacking keeps your energy up, and because you eat less during lunch you avoid the curse of being full and overtired in the middle of the day.
What productivity tips work best for you?
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