Let’s take a look at the topic of productivity. How would you define productivity? I personally see it as a state of flow, of getting something done with ease and accomplishing your to-do list. Productivity could be work focused, it could be getting things done around the house, or perhaps having a productive meeting with a colleague. “Productivity: the effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.” Or in basic terms, getting stuff done in an effective and quick manner.
Who doesn’t love to be productive?! Maybe it’s the Type A personality in me, but nothing feels better than a productive day. Ending a day of work, knowing you were able to get through all of your tasks, is so satisfying. So in today’s blog post, we’re breaking down the biggest productivity hacks to set your days up for success!
“Don’t confuse activity with productivity. Many people are simply busy being busy.” – Robin Sharma
Key Principals of Productivity:
- Prioritization
- Focus
- Task Management
- Efficiency
- Output
Let’s take a look some of the most optimal productivity hacks to set your weeks up for success!
1. Optimize Your Morning Routine
Setting up a morning routine that feels aligned with your schedule and morning energy, will set you up for a great day ahead. If you start your day with a clear mind and an intention going into your day, you’ll have a better day, than when you hit that snooze button, and loaf around, without any intention. Of course sleeping in and having lazy mornings are necessary, but when you’re looking to have a productive day, try to set your mornings up with intention. What do you want to get done that day? How do you want to feel? Everyone’s morning routine is going to look different. For some it may be about getting movement in first thing, others may meditate, or perhaps you get right to work. Create a morning routine that feels best for you. And if it works, stick to it!
2. Time Blocking
Time blocking has been an actual game changer in my productivity. Allocating time throughout your day to tackle different priorities can be a huge positive shift in your productivity. I single handedly think time blocking is what set my weeks up for success when I made the move to focusing more on my entrepreneurial endeavours. I’ve been time blocking for over 2 years and I’ll never go back.
Time blocking is not something I do from scratch every day. I actually have a set weekly schedule that doesn’t shift too much, from week to week. Knowing my mornings are for my creative work, I aim to fit a workout in around 9am and then I dive into my Producing work for the remainder of the day. I typically time block from 6am – 5pm everyday. If you have a lot to get done, in various realms every week, I highly suggest giving it a try. Time blocking is truly one of the biggest productivity hacks. If you’d like to learn more about how I setup my calendar, give the video a watch, below.
3. Daily Movement
Sitting in front of a computer or being stagnant throughout your day can be a total downer and get you into a rut. Getting up at least every hour and moving your body around the house or the office, will keep your mind clear! If possible, try to get out for a walk, 1-2 times a day. A small break here and there, throughout your work day, will work wonders for your energy. In turn, keeping you more productive. Active energy stays active, stagnant energy stays stagnant. Movement is so vital in all aspects of your life, but especially if you’re looking to stay energized and productive through your day. Get outside, stretch, take time away from your computer. It all helps!
4. Keeping a to-do list
If you’ve got a lot on the go, and lots in your mind, write it down! If we keep all of our thoughts and tasks bottled up, there’s a higher chance we’re going to forget and feel more scattered. Writing your weekly and daily to-dos in an agenda, in your notes app or in a tool like Notion, will help you stay organized and prioritize what needs to get done. Being able to cross items off of your to-do list is such a satisfying feeling. Productivity comes with organization and intention in your actions. A to-do list is a great first step in that direction!
5. Just start. And then find your flow
Have you ever dreaded starting a task? I’m sure we can all relate. There are tasks I avoid like the plague. But you know what? Once I start, 99% of the time, it wasn’t as bad as I made it out to be. Sometimes just starting is all you need to get the flow going. Don’t want to do your monthly accounting this week? Try allocating 15 minutes to getting something started. You’ll probably end up doing more than you thought! Baby steps.
Productivity doesn’t necessarily just come naturally. I believe it is a skill that can be learned and sharpened with time. When we set our days up for success, we feel better and we actually start to see a shift in our daily routines. Make those to-do lists, set your mornings up for success, keep your body moving. All of these daily actions will keep you in motion. Let us know in the comments, what are some of your productivity hacks?
If you want to learn more about productivity and optimizing your days to get the most out of them, check out our optimal work from home routine!
XO
Meg & Cornelia
