Follow These 3 Tips to Get More Done

… without killing yourself.

Do you ever feel like the more you have to do, the less you actually get done? Sometimes it’s hard for me to really decide if this is true in reality, but even the feeling of it can cause me mental anguish.

Because I’ve been extremely busy the past few weeks (hence the fewer blog entries), I decided to study myself on my most productive days. What do I do during those days that finish with me feeling really proud versus those days that feel like a waste?

I did a some self-study and talked with a few colleagues, and here’s what I came up with for fighting laziness.

1. Put your tasks into "blocks."

I like to put related tasks together so they are easier to accomplish. For instance, I group all the phone calls of the day for midmorning when most people (on the other end) are available. I make all the calls, mark down my results, and then group any unfinished calls for the next day. It is important to mentally "end" the task, so it doesn’t occupy your mind later on. I’m in the habit now, so I don’t think about the calls for the rest of the day.

2. Take frequent, planned breaks.

This doesn’t mean take a break every 15 minutes, but set a timer or promise yourself "after I get this done" that you will get up to stretch or walk around. The mental break and short (albeit minor) exercise will keep your blood flowing and help your posture.

3. Set limits to your work-day.

This might seem counterintuitive, but when you start wearing out your brain power, your work output takes a nose-dive. So, plan long term and don’t burn yourself out by staying for "just one more task" at the office every day. Set your days goals, and once they’re done, take some "me" time. Be happy! You made good use of the day (hopefully you set big yet realistic goals)!

These 3 tips will help you accomplish more tasks in LESS TIME, but they aren’t the end-all for productivity. It’s a long road, but by building 1 small habit at a time, you’ll soon feel a world of difference.