Implementing a suite of productivity tools that work for you, will help save time, increase mind clarity and boost task management. Here are our top tips to help increase your focus.
TO-DO LIST
You can’t underestimate the value of jotting down a list of tasks to complete on a daily/ weekly/ monthly basis. Your list needs to be as detailed as possible for each action, almost spelling out exactly what needs to be done. That way your list simply acts as a guide and avoids wasting any time having to scramble around looking for the information required to complete a task. Make this a regular habit and it will transform your levels of productivity overnight.
ROCKS, ROCKS, ROCKS…
You may have heard of SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) which is very useful tool for setting objectives. However, Rocks are more long term strategic goals which are set over a 90-day period. We recommend setting between 3-7 Rocks every 90 days, by doing this you are able to give each Rock the attention and time required to not only be completed/ implemented but to an effective standard. By setting Rocks you will avoid the sense of being overwhelmed, trying to rush to get everything done quickly and invariably not to an optimum level. After each 90-day period you should review each Rock and set some new ones for the next 90 days.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Your environment is critical in achieving high productivity levels. A messy desk, notes scattered everywhere, a build up of half finished coffee cups, we’ve all been there..organised chaos some say! Funny enough, this sort of environment will have a negative impact on your productivity. Make sure your environment is clean, tidy and organised, creating a sense of calm amongst a no-doubt hectic schedule of meetings, calls and reports.
TAKE A BREATH
It’s quite easy to forget to breathe. We’ve all experienced some sort of pressure in our lives and we often revert to a tense, anxious state of mind. Taking a series of deep breaths in these situations and general day-to-day life will relieve stress and anxiety. This will in turn allow you mind to focus on the task in hand, increasing your clarity and subsequent ability to be more productive and tackle tasks with renewed energy.
DISTRACTION BLOCKERS
One for the serial procrastinators… We speak from experience, with the wonders that technology brings, the caveat is that it also allows for instant access to distractions. For those that struggle to stay focussed and find themselves mindlessly scrolling through Instagram or going down the rabbit hole of Google when your focus and attention should be channeled elsewhere, use App’s such as SelfControl, which enables you to block anything on the internet that may distract you for a period of time. Using such site-blockers is a game-changer when it comes to ensuring that you do not rack up the hours waisted on unproductive websites.
As with all of our tips, hacks and insights, they may not all be necessary but see what works for you and tailor it to your specific needs. For more tips on sleep, stress, focus, energy and more, subscribe to our Level-Up newsletter.