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4Aug

6 Simple Habits That Make You More Productive

By Admin | 4 August 2018 |

Developing the right kind of habit can make you more productive in the workplace and at home. Simple habits can help to prevent you from getting side-tracked, help make decisions easier, and keep you focused. Even when you are feeling fatigued, sticking to positive habits can help prevent your productivity failing.

The Power of Simple Habits and Productivity

Our habits have tremendous power to shape us for better or worse and are what define us. Habits are actually automatic actions based on decisions we have taken in the past. Habits that are properly cultivated can have tremendous power for good. In fact, such is the power of habits that we sometimes refer to them as ‘second nature’.

6 Simple Habits That Make You More Productive

A study of the power of habits found that about 40% of our daily activities are repeated actions that can be classed as habits. Scientists have found that any action that can be reduced to a habit conserves cognitive energy. This then frees up brainpower for other, more demanding tasks.[1]

Some of the ways that productivity habits can empower us include:

  • We can get things done with less effort
  • We save time making certain decisions
  • We are able to increase the speed and effectiveness that we do things
  • They give us a sense of stability and security

Of course, there is also a downside to certain habits and there is a danger that habits could affect creativity.

What are the habits that will increase your productivity?

6 Simple Habits to Boost Productivity

Developing simple tasks can help beat complexity which, in the end, kills productivity. The simpler your task, the easier it will be to complete it. Let’s look at 6 simple tasks that will make you more productive

1. To do lists

When it comes to simplifying certain things in your life, there are a number of ways to do this. For example, try developing short ‘to-do’ lists based on priorities and what is essential. This means that during your day, you never have to stop and work out what is to do next.

2. Build routines

Another habit to simplify your life is having a set routine in the morning and throughout your day. For example, if you find that the morning commute is long and frustrating, get into the habit of leaving earlier to avoid morning rush-hour.

You could also simplify the number of times a day you check your email. Have a set time each when you will check and then answer them if they are important.

So, try to put as much of your daily tasks into a set routine and you will find that you free-up brain power for challenging tasks.

3. Use simple solutions

With the increase in technological solutions in the workplace, it can be a challenge not to overcomplicate things. It seems that there is now an app for just about any task. Of course, some apps may save a lot of time a simplify things.

Try to use the minimum number of tools to accomplish the greatest number of tasks.

4. Plan for tomorrow before leaving the office

A great habit to get into that can increase your productivity at work is spend the last 10-15 minutes of your day organising your next day. This could be as simple as tidying up your desk and arranging files. Or, you could write your ‘to-do’ list for the next day.

5. Take more breaks

Although it may sound counterintuitive to boosting productivity, taking more breaks may help you get more done. Your brain needs to take a break and relax regularly to work to its full potential. So, be in the habit of standing up and taking a walk every so often, stretch your upper body, or have a healthy snack.

6. Don’t multi-task

Multi-tasking is a big productivity killer and you will end up getting less done when you try to do multiple tasks at the same time.

Source:

  1. Can Vet J. 2017 Aug; 58(8): 861–862.