Productivity Hacks

I’m back with another listicle (never going to tire of using that one) and in a similar vein to my time management tips these are productivity hacks that I use every day to ensure that I’m getting the most out of the time I have (and that I have time to watch MAFs at the end of each day).

Productivity is literally how much output you get from what you put in. Traditionally associated with factory line work where one hour of employee time was equal to XX number of products outputted for me productivity is how I can achieve more with the time that I have in my day.

So, what are my TOP 3 PRODUCTIVITY HACKS? And can I repeat the word productivity anymore? (it would appear so)

1.       If it takes 5/10 minutes…

This is one I use Every.Single.Day and it is the one that, without a doubt, has changed my life the most.

I used to sit around looking at my list, mentally panicking about how much I had to do – that would leave me frozen in indecision and after 5/10/15 minutes had passed I realised that I hadn’t done anything. Needless to say, that made it worse.

Whilst there are plenty of things on my list that need a few hours focus there are also plenty of things that can be done quickly and easily – meaning I can tick off more and feel more productive. Here are a few examples:

·       I need an answer to something before I start on this project, if I email or call asking now that’s me ready to go

·       I need to phone the Dr but I know I’ll be on hold for 5 minutes so I’ll answer these emails whilst I’m waiting

·       I need to unload the dishwasher so I’ll do it whilst on speaker phone to this client (as quietly as possible!)

There are always pockets of time that can be used better. I’m not saying you should be working yourself to death 24/7 but I do think that sometimes we spend more time worrying about doing everything than actually getting on and doing it.

So, if it takes just 5 or 10 minutes, just do it.

2.       Take a breather

I know it sounds counter-intuitive when I’m talking about using your time to get more done but taking breaks actually makes you more productive.

I make sure I step away from the laptop for a short leg stretch, drink, toilet break or whatever every couple of hours – it stops me getting RSI, reduces eye strain and resets my brain.

Lunch I take time to eat – not work and eat but stop and eat. It’s a chance for my brain to catch up with everything I’ve been doing and if nothing else, it’s better for my digestion!

So when you’re planning out your day the most important thing I can tell you is to build in those breaks – they’re good for you, science says so (in case you don’t believe me!)

3.       Eat your frogs

If you’ve read any of my blogs or followed my on social you’ve probably heard me going on about those pesky amphibians before. Frogs are those tasks you avoid, you may not enjoy them, they may scare you, you may have built them up to be worse than they are… for whatever reason they’ve been on your list for a while and they’re not getting done.

I’m here to tell you that eating those frogs will be the most productive thing you will do this week.

Stop putting them off.

Stop ignoring them,

Stop assuming they’ll helpfully disappear as if by magic.

First thing in the morning, pick a frog and get it done. It will give you a huge boost of happiness having completed it and will allow you to be more productive for the rest of the day.

Always start your day with a frog. Do that enough times and you might find a prince*.

*Spinning Plates does not guarantee princes after kissing/eating your frogs

Do you need help being more productive? I’m here for you if you want to talk through, I can help you be more productive in your business and in your life. Contact me today on hello@spinningplatespa.co.uk