7 Innocent Habits that Kill Your Productivity
Time, as they say, is money. People want to get more done in less time. And as life become more fast with the passage of time, and those personal and professional responsibilities add up, people look for ways to become more productive and efficient.
For professionals, increasing productivity is vital – and it can easily be the difference between success and failure in their personal and professional lives.
From how to try and accomplish more work in less time, to minimizing distractions and disruptions, I’ve listed 7 solid and actionable solutions that should help you increase your productivity at work, and in life in general:
Productivity Killer # 1: Distractions
Solution: Minimizing distractions
Technology is pretty great, right? Cellphones and emails have made life convenient and easy. But at the same time, it is essential to understand that these things are also a massive waste of time. If you want to be more productive, you need to cut down on any and all distraction in your life.
Productivity Killer # 2: Multitasking
Solution: Avoid multitasking
Contrary to popular belief, multitasking isn’t all that great, and is actually a big productivity-killer! It is instead a much better idea to focus on a single problem or a task to handle at one time, rather than taking on a multiple number of things all at once.
Productivity Killer # 3: Clutter and disorganization
Solution: Getting organized
Organization is essential for productivity, in fact it is the stepping-stone towards being more productive. Being organized helps you find the tools required for getting things done easily, and is actually helps produce positive energy (or ‘Chi’). Clutter, disorganization and grime all block the flow of positive energy, or ‘feng shui’.
Productivity Killer # 4: Travel and fatigue
Solution: Try telecommuting
In situations where your your office or the place where you work might be too far away from where you live – and if your work can be done remotely – it might be a good idea to try telecommuting. Long travel is not only a big time-waster, it tires you out and hence adversely affects your productivity.
Productivity Killer # 5: More things to do and less time to do them
Solution: Use Technology to help you
Like I said in the beginning, technology is God’s greatest gift to mankind, and the best thing to happen to us since sliced bread – IF used correctly. Smartphones, tablet PC’s, online resources and gadgets can help you stay focused and achiever more in your personal and professional lives, no matter what you do or which walk of life you belong to.
Productivity Killer #6: Working continuously (or attempting to do so)
Solution: Taking a breather
It is important to realize that certain tasks can often be very draining – either physically, mentally or both. In addition, people should also know that the human brain can focus on certain things for only a limited amount of time (said to be a maximum of 90 minutes). This means that you should split any assignments or tasks that you might be working on into small chunks and take (10-15 minute) breaks in between.
Productivity Killer # 7: Not Getting Enough Sleep/Rest
Solution: SLEEP MORE
Being mentally drained will perhaps affect your productivity the most! Make sure you get proper sleep every night, and most importantly, at the same time! It is a well-known fact that going to sleep and waking up at the same times every day helps the mind and the body get proper rest, helps you develop a routine, and paves the way to achieving productivity.
Got any productivity pro-tips to share with us? Leave your thoughts and comments in the comments section below!
