7 Ways You Can Be More Productive

Most people want to feel more productive every day. Unfortunately, sometimes it seems as though there simply are not enough hours in a day to get everything done. What’s worse, sometimes the mental checklists we create for ourselves can feel overwhelming. This can actually lead to a lack of productivity, which can in turn spiral into a more unproductive lifestyle than you desire.

Becoming more productive doesn’t magically happen overnight. People who tend to get the most done in a day and are more productive usually follow a specific set of rules or patterns until they become daily habits. These habits can be learned by just about anyone. By making them a part of your daily routine, you can be more productive at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

1. Fuel Your Body Properly

One of the best ways to get your body and mind in a optimum productive mood is to choose the right kind of fuel. The old saying of ‘you are what you eat’ is truer than you might think. What you are eating each day can have a huge impact on your energy, focus and response time, as well as your overall motivation.

Be sure to start each day with healthy fuel that will energize your mind and body. Have fun creating your own recipes, but stick to things like whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables. A few simple changes in your daily eating habits can make a big difference in how you feel, and how much you are able to get accomplished.

2. Get Started The Night Before

Instead of feeling rushed in the morning, plan out your day the night before. It should only take about ten minutes and can make you feel accomplished before you even get out of bed in the morning. Plus, you won’t be restless all night wondering about everything you have to do the next day, because you will already have a plan of attack! A better night’s sleep means you’ll be able to get to that list even faster.

3. Say Your Affirmations

It may sound a bit cliché, but positive affirmations and personal mantras can really go a long way. If you tell yourself daily that you are the most productive person you know, it can do more for your motivation than you may think.

The best use of a personal creed is using it when you are feeling ‘lazy,’ or like you’re not getting enough things done. A few motivating, positive words can quickly bring you out of that slump and allow you to start checking things off your list. It might take a bit of practice to get used to it at first, but don’t be afraid to say your mantra out loud to yourself several times a day.

4. Get More Exercise

Along with fueling your body properly, taking care of it with exercise can help to jump start your motivation and make you feel more productive. This is especially true if you start the day with a workout.

There are so many benefits to exercising, but when it comes to being more productive it can help in several specific ways. First of all, it gets your blood flowing. This can help you with focus and cognitive response. Exercise also releases endorphins. Not only will you feel more energetic throughout the day, but you are less likely to feel ‘down’ or overwhelmed by any tasks you may have. A good workout can make you feel as though you’re ready to take on the world! Add it to your daily routine, and you are bound to get more done in a day than ever before.

5. Make The Decision

Don’t tell yourself that you’re “trying” to be more productive. Make the decision to be a productive person, and stick with it. You have to really decide that you are going to become that person right now. Not only does that include actually believing you can do it, but it also means you need to let go of the past and any mistakes along the way.

It doesn’t matter if you had a ‘lazy’ day or didn’t get everything accomplished that you wanted to. You can still make the decision to be more productive without holding on to some bumps in the road. The sooner you make this conscious decision and don’t allow yourself to accept defeat, the easier it will be to keep moving forward, even when setbacks might occasionally occur.

6. Beat The Midday Slump

Many people tend to slow down in the afternoons. They get tired, bored, or let their minds start wandering off to other things. To avoid this, there are a few habits you can easily change. First, take your lunch somewhere else. If you work in an office, try eating outside, or in a new/different area. The change of scenery can make a difference in how inspired you feel.

It is also important to take time for yourself. If you’re able to spend a few minutes away from work in the afternoon, it’s a good idea to take a short walk. Or, find something that re-energizes you and can allow you to carry that focus through the rest of the day. Being productive doesn’t have to mean working at a grueling pace with no breaks throughout the day. In fact, if you’re able to take some time for yourself to get away and relax, you will likely get more done than if you tried to work nonstop.

7. Avoid Distractions

If you know that you get easily distracted, try to avoid or restrict the things that take away your focus. Working in an office can sometimes be noisy, especially if people are trying to talk to you about different things all day. If you know you need silence for complete concentration, consider hanging a ‘do not disturb’ sign on your office door for a designated time each day.

If your phone is always in your hand, turn it off and put it away for the majority of the day so you will not be tempted to look at it every few minutes. Everyone has different things that cause them to lose concentration. The sooner you identify yours, the sooner you can reduce their impact on what you can accomplish in a day.

Is It Really Possible to Be More Productive?

Almost anyone can be more productive with their daily work. It doesn’t matter what your work environment may be, as long as you are willing to make a few simple changes. The tips listed here can help you get started on the right path toward a more productive you.

Turning these tips into daily habits will not only help you feel more energized and motivated, but they can help you get more done than ever before. Once you make the decision to be more productive, these simple steps can help you to achieve those goals.