We are always looking for a quick fix to our productivity. It can be from energy drinks, coffee to meditation with the hopes of being more focused and accomplishing more.
I’ve been an entrepreneur for the last two decades, for 2/3rds of my life. With this comes long hours, long to-dos and a need to be creative and productive 16 hours a day. As you can probably imagine I’ve tried a lot of stuff. Too much.
You’ve probably done a quick Google-search and found the most common things — get up early, gym, meditation, eat good foods, music — etc etc. This did nothing to me.
How I Increase My Productivity
Write a to-do list at the end of each day
You would think you want to start your to-do list each morning. However, the opposite is true.
Write fairly detailed to-dos of what you want to accomplish the next day. Write something tangible. Use a physical to-do list as I find it creates a sense of reward when crossing off an item.
Use the Pomodoro technique.
You work for 25 minutes on a specific task, and rest for 5 minutes. During the 25 minutes — zero distractions. Nothing. If you aren’t finished with the task after 25 minutes, you still got to rest, no exceptions. I use daily, often in mornings when there are less distractions and keeps me away from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin and responding to important emails. Nothing should be that important that requires an instant response.
Clean Working Environment
Make sure the area around you is as clean and neat as possible, and you’ll quickly find how this eases the mind and allows you to focus on tasks.
No odors, no empty cans in your field of view — just focus on what you got to do. I do this at the end of each day with my to-do list, which allows me to start the next day organized,
Dress up
If you’re an entrepreneur working from home, it’s easy to sit around in lounge ware. Don’t. Studies show that we have an increased focus, productivity and better workflow if we suit up. I’m not talking about putting on your finest suit and shoes — but dress decently and you’ll feel better about yourself (and also valuing yourself), and this will reflect in your work.
The above might seem simple — it is.
Try something small and you will be amazed at how even they can add up and make a difference to your work ethic.
