Here's a surprising fact: Zero inventors have yet to find a way to change the way time works. We can control the temperature of our surroundings by pressing a button on the thermostat. Our words can start a revolution. Yet, we haven't found a way to go back in time, pause time or fast forward to the future.
More importantly, inventors haven't found a way to add more time to the day. There are 24 hours in a day, and that's all we get. All we can do is make the most of the little time we have throughout our lives.
Sometimes, when we get too busy, we start to put tasks off for later, procrastinating until "we feel like doing it." How do we end procrastination once and for all?
Here are 5 productivity tips that will end procrastination as we know it:
1. Set a strict time limit on meetings.
Set a specific time frame for all of your meetings, then communicate your expectations to all parties involved before the meeting occurs. This can be hard to implement because, A) you want quality relationships with people and, B) you want to increase your likability factory. Quality relationships take time to build, and you don't want to rush people during the meeting. Some bright individuals will be frightened by your strict time limit on meetings, creating angst among your coworkers and employees.
To combat these feelings, set meeting guidelines early so your coworkers are prepared for a short meeting that doesn't waste everyone's time. Also, to cultivate quality relationships, if your coworkers or employees have questions, they can come to you through your scheduled interruptions, which leads to...
2. Schedule interruptions.
Most managers have an open-door policy, where employees and coworkers can talk with them at any time. Instead, schedule your open-door policy at certain times of day. If you leave your door open all day, interruptions will affect your productivity. By setting a specific time for interruptions, you have the opportunity to accomplish important tasks without being easily interrupted.
3. Change your environment.
No, don't turn your office into a desert. However, you can change your environment by:
- Changing your mindset through meditation
- Keeping your office space clean and throw away everything you don't use
- Taking a quick walk outside
- Working outside of the office for part of the day
When you change your environment, your mind will be open and you'll be more productive when you're able to focus.
4. Find accountability buddies.
Tell others what you plan to do. By opening up to a trusted friend, they can ask how you are doing and see if you are catching up on your sleep, meditation, work projects and more. By expressing your goals to others, they can check in on your progress, and you can help with their goals. Another way to think about accountability is synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, or one plus one is three. With the power of synergy, you both will be more productive and accomplish more.
5. Have fun!
If you feel productive, but your results are fruitless, see what works and what doesn't. Pareto's Principle states that eighty percent of the results come from twenty percent of the work. Which methods need to be updated? How can you be more productive by working fewer hours? Look for ways to automate, delegate and appreciate the life you have.
If all else fails, take a break. Go have fun. Relax. See which methods work for you, find other productivity tips that are amazing, and see what the world brings you. You will be surprised by the results.
