10 time management tips to make you oh-so productive

Spoiler: procrastination and dipping in and out of different tasks every time the phone rings or someone walks through the door are not the answers here. Effective time management means getting more done, sure, but it also means less stress and faster progress. A triple win, if you will.
10 time management tips to make you oh-so productive

So, how to go about it? Well, funny you should ask, because we’ve been brainstorming the answers and have come up with our top tips, which are compiled for you below. 

1. Get up earlier

This does not mean not getting enough sleep. ‘Rise and grind’ is all very well (try typing that into YouTube and be prepared to marvel in wonderment at the motivational shouting over dramatic film score music of yesteryear – it’s quite something, let me tell you) but if you don’t get enough sleep, you’re good for nothing. 

So actually, this first tip is about getting up early so you can get more done, but it’s also about going to bed at a decent hour if you’re going to do that. 

And… some people work better late at night, while others thrive in the morning. So optimise your working day, based on how you, your commitments and your life work best. 

2. Plan your time

Create to-do lists ahead of time – daily, but also weekly. Plan out the following week before uou head into the weekend. 

This takes some of the pressure off tiring Monday mornings (when sometimes no amount of coffee can seemingly motivate anyone), and will mean you’ve got a head start and clear, tangible intentions. 

3. Set goals you actually have a chance of hitting

You can take this too far, obviously – the point of a goal is for it to be a challenge, but set small, daily, attainable targets that will put you on the path towards your bigger ones. Every time you achieve one, you’ll be more inspired to keep going, because that’s how our brains work. 

Keep your big goals written down somewhere visible. Whether that’s a promotion, a financial target or  500+ Instagram followers – whatever success looks like for you, write it down, check in on it and make it real. 

Then, break it down into small, daily attainable tasks – like initiating and following up on new project opportunities, or engaging with ten new prospective followers, as examples. 

4. Do your worst task first

If there is something you have to do that makes you want to run away and hide, or in fact you simply don’t like doing, get it out of the way. 

This will mean you’ll be more likely to work fast to get it done, and it won’t jump out at you ominously on your to-do list. This will bring you more joy – and that is very important.

5. Do similar tasks one after the other

Instead of switching between random different tasks and wondering why you can’t focus, batch  things together that require the same level of concentration and time. 

For example, after lunch, read and reply to emails, then make your calls for the day. This will help you stay present and productive.

6. Don’t sweat the small stuff

Many of us (ahem) have a level of perfectionism that we like to work towards. But it’s not always helpful.

Try turning off your inner critic who has to get every detail right, and focus on the bigger picture. Get the bulk of the work done, then come back to the small details later on, if you have the time.

7. Get rid of distractions

Breaks are important and you’ll work better if you have them. Facts. But when you’re working, make sure that your work has your full focus. 

This includes things like checking your social media channels or replying to emails throughout the day. Try to resist and you’ll find the difference in your productivity astounding. 

8. Do one thing at a time

To a similar end, don’t multitask – focus. 

You’ll get so much more done if you finish one task before you move on to the next. Trust us. This is good for your productivity levels and your brain. 

9. Say no

Saying yes to everyone and everything doesn’t mean you’ll have more friends, it just means more people will take advantage of your kindness. And those two things are not the same.

Take the lead on how you spend your time by choosing to work on tasks that directly align with your job and your personal goals.

If you aren’t sure whether or not you want to do something, don’t say yes as a default. Take your time and decide wether you have the time and actually want to do as you’ve been asked. 

10. Stay healthy

Without you, your business would be worse off, so look after you. 

Nutritious food and exercise are proven ways to destress. And if you’re less stressed, you’ll be able to stay more grounded and focus more on your work. 

Eat foods that are known to improve mood and reduce stress, like fish sources, walnuts, and most seeds. Get away from your desk and take a brisk walk to clear your head – it works wonders. You might even come up with some bright ideas while you’re out there. 

To that end, if you need help with your words, or want to learn more about business strategy from any of our team of experts (who between them have launched over 20 £1,000,000-grossing companies), just get in touch. We’re always happy to hear from you and always happy to help. 

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