Do you find yourself browsing the web for hours instead of working? Are you reading this article right now instead of getting work done? Don’t worry, it’s easy to get distracted.
Technology is everywhere. It’s in our pockets and in front or faces all day. While Smartphones and computers have brought about amazing changes in the business world, they’ve also led to a few negative consequences. They’re draining our productivity.
The following 6 habits have dramatically helped increase my productivity. If you find yourself spending more time playing with technology than using it for work tasks, then these habits should help you as well.
#1 – Avoid Social Media
It should go without saying that distractions limit your productivity. But, this is easier said than done. Technology can take a lot of the blame. Smartphones and internet-connected work computers make it easy to log into Facebook or Twitter.
So, the first tip is to get rid of the technology. At least, during your work hours. You don’t need to check your social media feed every hour. Avoid social media like the plague. While you may want to scroll your feed for a few minutes, this will quickly turn into twenty or thirty minutes of wasted time.
If you can’t stop browsing the web, consider installing a website blocker. It’s like a parental control. In fact, you can think of these blockers as a type of distraction control. Keep yourself from visiting websites that are not related to your work.
But, if you’re like me, the phone is a more of a distraction than the computer. I found that uninstalling Facebook and other social media apps on my Smartphone is the easiest solution. I can always check these sites from my home computer when my work is done at the end of the day.
#2 – Set Blocks of Time
If you’re a procrastinator, at the beginning of the day you feel like you have all the time in the world. After all, you have 8 or 9 hours to get everything accomplished. Then, the hours slip away, lunch time approaches, and nothing is finished.
Setting blocks of time can help you avoid this. Basically, I recommend dividing your work day into small 2 to 3-hour blocks of time. So, you might have a couple of blocks before lunch and another two or three blocks afterward.
Pay attention to how much you accomplish during one block of time. You’ll gain a better sense of your speed and find it easier to remain focused.
#3 – Stop Multitasking
If you follow the previous tip, you’ll find that you don’t have time to jump around between projects. This is great because there is no benefit to multitasking.
Multitasking simply makes you feel like you’re getting more accomplished. But, in reality, your productivity suffers. You can’t really focus on two separate tasks at the same time.
Your brain has to go back and forth between tasks. Every time you resume one task, it takes you a second to remember where you left off. This is why you should only focus on a single task at a time.
Each task should deserve your undivided attention. Think about what happens when you try to talk to someone in front of you while talking to someone on the phone. The two separate conversations get jumbled and everyone gets confused. It’s the same thing with multitasking.
#4 – Take Regular Breaks
Every hour, you should stand up and stretch your legs. You need to step away from your work every so often to clear your mind and avoid strain.
When you push yourself too hard, you’ll inevitably stress yourself out. You’ll slow down your progress. When you get burnt out, your work suffers. So, give yourself a break – or two or three.
I try to take a break every hour, at least for a few minutes, along with an extended break between each block of time. So, after two or three hours, I’ll get up and walk around – maybe have a light snack or read an article.
These breaks are important, but you still need to be careful. Don’t let your break turn into another distraction. Time yourself. Take a short minute or two every hour, with a five or ten-minute break between blocks of time.
Also, don’t forget to take a lunch break in the middle of the day. Your brain and body need fuel to keep on functioning through the afternoon.
#5 – Get Your Blood Pumping
Along with regular breaks, you need to get your blood pumping occasionally. This helps you remain active throughout the day. Getting up out of your seat for a few minutes can help, but you should think about including moderate exercise. Go for a jog. During lunch, take a walk or play a quick game of basketball.
The idea is to get your body moving. This increases the flow of oxygen to your brain, allowing you to clear your head, eliminate stress, and improve cognitive function.
I don’t stop with exercise. Sometimes, I prefer to meditate. This also helps clear my head so that I can return to work more focused and energized, without getting sweaty from exercise.
If possible, I suggest that you adopt both habits. Include a combination of meditation and regular exercise in your daily routine. Perhaps, workout before or after work and take a portion of your lunch break to meditate.
#6 – Set Realistic Goals
You need to get rid of lofty expectations and focus on realistic goals and outcomes. While it’s perfectly fine to dream about success, you’ll never get there if you don’t focus on the here and now.
It’s important to have clearly defined short, medium, and long-term goals. Your medium and short-term goals will often be milestones that help you reach your long-term goals.
Each day, you should one main task that helps you work towards these goals. Of course, you also need to work on any tasks that have to be completed by the end of the day. Setting aside a few minutes at the start of the day will help you plot out these tasks.
You can look at your work with a calculated and methodical approach. You’ll be able to prioritize your tasks based on your current goals. Start with the most important tasks and work way down from there.
It’s too easy to get lost in your dreams or ambitions. This is can be helpful, as long as you use realistic goals. You need something concrete that you can actually work towards on a daily basis.
Become More Aware of Your Process
Becoming more productive is really not that difficult. I know. I’ve had times where I struggle to remain focused. I’ll catch myself endlessly browsing the web instead of working. This is natural.
You just need to find ways to become more aware of what you’re doing. You need to become more aware of your process.
Slow down, set blocks of time, and pay attention to your workflow. This will make it easier to stay focused and avoid the common distractions that technology throws in our faces.
Adopt these life habits. Change the way you approach your day. You’ll notice you get more done in less time – leaving you more time for what really matters – your family, health, and success!