Looking for a boost in productivity for your business?
There’s no reason not to! Because in today’s modern business, we have all the tools and technology to be ten times as efficient as our predecessors.
Unfortunately, this also means we can be ten times as distracted!
But luckily, most of the time productivity can be as simple as closing a few tabs or jotting down a few of your ideas.
We’ve compiled a list of the most agreed upon ways to hack an extra bit of productivity into your day – and feel good while doing it!
#1 List Out Your Priorities – But Keep It Short!
First things first: we’re going to start simple.
At the start of your day, write down your priority list.
The key here is: keep it short and sweet!
The word priority actually stems from ancient Greek in which it means ONE prime task – the most important thing that needs to get done today.
Too often we can make a priority list that has five, ten, or even more priorities.
The rule of thumb is that if everything is a priority, then nothing is – and nothing will get done.
So, list out the most important thing you need to get done.
Then, list two smaller objectives for your day, if you really need to.
This list will keep you focused and feeling productive as you knock each item off the list.
#2 Start Counting Numbers Like An Accountant
Ever wanted to get better and faster at something?
Timing yourself is the fastest way to do it!
So often we tend to take our time with tasks – particularly non-urgent ones – and meander our way through them.
However, timing ourselves lights a little bit of urgency beneath us. We’ll naturally want to complete whatever task we’re doing just a little bit faster.
You may even find yourself wanting to complete repetitive tasks faster next time – talk about productivity!
Plus, you’ll start to realize how much time you spend on certain tasks each day – for better or worse!
#3 Keep A Track Record Of Your Day
Modern work days can be extremely busy and hectic.
So keeping a track record of your day will help you stay grounded and ward off feelings of overwhelm.
It will remind you at the end of the day of what you’ve accomplished, which is always a great feeling.
A track record can be as simple as jotting down finished tasks on a notepad or a note software on your computer.
Once you finish your day, look back at all the things you’ve finished: be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Even if you’ve had a slow day, you might surprise yourself at how much you’ve got done!
#4 Use A Notepad To Nurture Your Creativity At The Office
Speaking of notepads: always have one handy!
When we have an idea that we’re trying to articulate – especially to clients – or we need to be creative, computers are woeful at helping us out.
Instead, a notepad will allow you to sketch, draw, list, and write all at a moment’s notice.
Using a notepad will help clarify your thoughts and give you some much needed time away from the screen.
#4 Close Your Email Tabs ASAP!
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: emails are productivity killers!
The last thing you want to do is check your emails first thing in the morning. Avoid this at all costs.
In the morning you are at your freshest and most focused, so you need to take advantage of this to progress on your most important task.
Having an email tab open is a constant distraction and can be anxiety inducing.
Instead, schedule “batches” of designated times to check your emails.
Around lunch and afternoon are the best times for this.
This will let you focus on priority tasks and avoid feeling like you’re constantly getting interrupted by clients.
Plus, you can configure a simple away message to let people know that if it’s an emergency, they call you instead of emailing.
Need Help Hacking Your Finances?
Remember: these hacks in of themselves do not make you more productive.
They simply give you the time, energy and headspace to buckle down and work.
But wouldn’t it be great if you could have a full time employee buckling down in the background and looking after your business finances?
At The A Firm, that’s exactly what we do!
Call us today to see how we can help grow your business.