I get it. Sometimes staying productive at work is tough. You get tired of doing the same old thing time and time again.
If you’re anything like me, it feels like you get stuck in a cycle. It starts with you feeling motivated and then, as time goes on, that drive starts to slowly erode away and you find yourself doing the bare minimum just to get by. After a while, you start to feel like you should be doing more and that motivation drives you to be productive once again. Hence, the cycle.
The obvious problem with this cycle is the time in the middle where you push off tasks or just forget about them altogether. I’ve found that these 5 tips not only keep me productive and organized but also make my job easier because I have a plan on how to execute everything.
1. Create a schedule and stick to it.
I have found that if you don’t create a schedule it’s easy to get caught up in things that seem important, but in reality, it distracts you from getting those things done that are of a higher priority. This doesn’t have to be scheduled down to the minute or hour, but at least just plan out what needs to get done for each day of the week.
2. Plan the day before.
This builds off of the last one. Before you end work for the day, look ahead at your day tomorrow and write down the things you need to get done.
Your plan can be as extensive or as basic as you want. If you didn’t finish things today, make sure you adjust your schedule so you can finish them tomorrow. It can be as simple as a to-do list or as complex as a minute-by-minute schedule. Find what works best for you!
3. Allow time for breaks.
Breaks are essential for preventing burnout or having those mental blocks that we all hate. This can be a quick stand and stretch or a trip to the bathroom. You can do this anytime you feel like you need it, or if you’re the type to forget, schedule it into your day.
4. Set daily/weekly goals.
Your Goals don’t have to be crazy hard, unrealistic or long-term. It is important to feel successful and push yourself each day. These are a good way to track progress and stick to deadlines as well as keep you motivated to achieve them. Write these down somewhere you will see them while working. Sticky notes work great.
5. Allow someone to keep you accountable.
This can be your boss, co-worker, significant other, family member, or friend. Make sure it’s someone you talk to regularly. Just update them on your work, frustrations, what you are working on, and successes. It’s nice to have someone that you can talk through things and who will make you feel less alone. It helps you be productive but also not overwhelm or make work a burden.
These simple tips can really change the game in getting things done at work. Obviously, for maximum results, I recommend implementing all of them, but do what works for you! In the end, you know yourself best. Good luck, I know you can do it!
