Increase Your Productivity Through Simplification

Do you often feel like you're losing control of your day? When you wake up, you make a plan. You want to get so much done, but as soon as you start, you find yourself distracted by all the things around you. Your focus is low, and you fail to identify what is genuinely a priority task. For some, it might just be another case of procrastination. 

How do you regain control of your time? There is no one-size-fits-all kind of strategy when it comes to increasing productivity. But there is one simple rule that can make it all work out. If you want to be more productive, then keep your list of things-to-do simple. You won't work well when there is a lot on your list.

When you simplify your list, you are prioritizing what should come first and what should come next. When you simplify, you are dedicating enough time for the things that should be considered essential. When you simplify, you allow yourself to make a plan that works well for you. 

What Are The Basics of Productivity?

All workers, like all workdays, should be considered unique. On some days, you can conduct a productivity measurement system by looking into the tasks that are already completed at the end of the day. On other days, it isn't about the number of tasks, but rather the amount of work completed for a particular job. 

With the number of companies allowing their employees to work from home, the difference in workdays, as well as work experience, has changed a lot. 

Here are three tips that could help you work better at your own pace while still completing plenty of work:

• Put your trust in the small tasks. The small steps you take towards a larger body of work should be considered progress in their own right. Look into the small changes that you've made and consider them small successes. This way, you can start with very little change, progress as you go along, and eventually find the work habit that works well for you.
• Make sure to make yourself accountable for the work that is assigned to you. It will help if you are working with someone who can do the check and balance with you. Having to answer to someone makes you more accountable for the work that is expected of you. Their presence forces you to do the job and get it done right. However, if you are working alone, take your to-do list seriously. You made a list, so be responsible enough to complete everything on that list. 
• Forgive yourself for the things that you can't finish, but don't use it as an excuse not to do the work. You know that you are only human and that sometimes, you are not able to do the things expected of you. You may become distracted, or your personal life may get in the way. However, it is more important to move on from the loss rather than dwell on your mistakes. Having a bad should not be equal to having a bad life. So go ahead and cry a little if you want, but don't give up. 

How Can You Increase Productivity?

There are only a few hours a day, so if you want to be productive, then you need to make the most out of the time you have. How can you increase your productivity? There are several factors affecting productivity, and unless you recognize them, it will be harder to become more productive. 

When it comes to productivity management, there are basically two things on which you can work. It is either you put in more hours for work, or you try to work smarter. What strategies can you employ to increase your productivity at work? Here are some tips to consider:

Tip 1: Track the time you spend on each task. 

Doing this could pose some challenges in the beginning. However, once you have set a time limit, it is easier to manage the tasks and get them done right on time. There are several tools online that can help you keep track of the time spent on each task. For example, Rescue Time is an app that allows you to keep a record of the time you spend checking and replying to emails, making lists, and more. 

Tip 2: Take regular breaks if you can. 

This may sound like it is counterintuitive, but it is not. Taking scheduled breaks allows your brain to rest and rejuvenate itself. This will prevent you from giving in to limited yet longer rest times. In fact, studies show that taking regular breaks allows the brain to focus on the tasks at hand and maintain a certain level of performance while making steady progress at work. 

Tip 3: Always keep in mind the "two-minute rule."

The two-minute rule will help you make the most of your time. For example, you have tasks on hand that can be completed within two minutes or less, then go ahead and work on them first. Completing these tasks right away helps you see the progress of the work that you do. Although these tasks may be small, completing them helps in your overall productivity. 

If you are looking at increasing your productivity at work, the first step to do is to simplify the workload. Make a list to break down the tasks. Then, resist putting in more hours for work. The goal should always be for you to work smarter so that you can use your time for something truly valuable in life.