Boost your productivity this Fall. How hard is it for you to stay productive in a whirlwind full of chaos on a regular basis, why does it seem like its extra when Fall rolls around?
You have family obligations like getting the kids ready for back to school and/or work commitments, and you try to do something for yourself when you find that little bit of time.
Fall is the time of year when the days get shorter, and the weather cools down a lot. The leaves fall and change colors, and you just wanna stay curled up on the couch all day in your comfy sweats.
It’s so easy to lose motivation and to lose focus on things you want to do for yourself. Most people have goals, dreams, and basic tasks they want to work toward finishing, but never get around to finish, some not even starting to work on them.
Distractions are all around us. Boost productivity this Fall. Here are seven tips I’ve learned and still use today to get things done!
1. Priorities
Focus on what’s most important to you first. Tackle your most significant task when you’re most alert. Prioritize tasks ahead of time, so you’re not rushing through figuring out what you have to get done that day. Having clarity in decision making provides direction on what’s important.
The essential tasks are what gets you that much closer to your goal. Being prioritized helps you keep a structured plan and can minimize stress.
Prioritizing is an excellent visualization tool by helping you see the steps you’re taking toward achieving your goal.
2. Set Deadlines
Get a calendar and write down what needs to be accomplished on that day. Keep track of your progress. Plan the night before to stay organized.
Time management can make you or break you. Try the 2-minute rule. Part one of the 2-minute rule is, if it takes less than two minutes, then do it now. Part two is when you start a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do.
I always wondered why good habits are so hard to build, and bad habits are so easily picked up. 🤷🏾♀️
3. Limit Multitasking
Want to really boost productivity, don’t try to juggle too many things at once. Multitasking is not for everyone. Focus on one thing at a time. Most people think they are the best multitaskers, when in reality; they are the worse.
Only 2% of the population are good at multitasking. Do you think you’re part of that 2%? It’s okay; I believed I was part of that population too, LOL.
Studies have shown multitasking reduces your productivity by 40%. The more complex the task, the more time you’re losing going back and forth between the two.
Multitasking can slow you down and reduce efficiency. It can also cause anxiety and stress if you’re not balancing everything like you thought you would.
4. Set Small Goals First
Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. By setting small goals, you see the rewards faster. In turn, you will feel more motivated because the small task got accomplished so quickly, and you reaped the rewards much quicker.
You will gain more confidence, and thus keeping yourself encouraged to keep pushing forward. You don’t need big goals to feel fulfilled.
5. Limit Distractions
The mind tends to wander. Cellphones, email, television, and having multiple web browsers open while working can be a huge distraction; this can hinder your productivity significantly. These everyday things we have and use around us can easily take our attention away from what’s really important to us.
Limiting distractions will improve performance.
Try listening to music while working. I use headphones because I feel I’m less tempted to move around. It sounds weird, but that’s what works for me. If I do listen to music out loud, it’s on my portable speaker, and it’s usually the white noise app I have on my phone. For example, I listen to the rain, a waterfall, or the sounds of a forest.
Also, learn to say no. If you are a people pleaser, this may be the hardest thing for you to do. It’s ok not to help someone with that home project or turn down a few night outs with friends. You’re working on something bigger, which is you.
6. Take Breaks
The mind loses focus after so long from focusing and working on one specific thing. Take a 15-minute break, grab a snack, or even just get up to stretch.
The mind needs rest. This simple action of just taking a break in between working will keep your focus sharp. Boost productivity by taking a breather.
Your mental well-being and overall work performance may suffer if you don’t take breaks.
Breaks can increase productivity, and without them can cause exhaustion.
7. Put Yourself First
Get the proper amount of sleep which is 7-8 hours. Prepare your meals ahead of time. If you have the time, try 30-minute exercise routines or go for walks.
Try not to stress; relax. I know it’s easier said than done.
Self-care helps us maintain positive energy and thinking. It can limit stress and worry and help us concentrate on the goal at hand.
Recap
Taking action on just one of these tips can put you one step closer toward your goal. Finding the right rhythm to get you moving forward doesn’t have to be hard. Just take it one step at a time.
Remember:
- Priorities
- Set deadlines
- Limit multitasking
- Set small goals first
- Limit distractions
- Take breaks
- Take care of yourself
Let me know in the comments below what tricks do you do to boost your productivity. I would love to hear. I’m always open to trying something new and enhancing my routine.
Talk to you soon
Andie 🙂
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