How To Be More Productive  

Everyone wants to optimise their time productively and live a better and successful life. However, it is also easy to get lost in the maze of life – trying to get by in a demanding work environment and clearing work without having thought on how to spend time efficiently. 

Instead of getting concerned about life improvement process, all you need is to adopt some simple hacks and understand how to build a productivity system that can allow you to move your life in a direction you want to see. 

1. Change Your Work Environment

The first step to optimising your life is to make simple adjustments to your environment. This can seem rather challenging, but it works as long you are able to be disciplined and stick to new habits, you will see changes slowly in your life. 

This could mean making subtle changes in your daily work habits by implementing ways ways to improve the environment or trying out things that make you more productive. Prior to changing to a new job, I found out from my senior about the usefulness of creating a to-do list and reflecting what you have done at the end of the day. By writing down what you need to do before the start of the day, you are able to keep track of any projects on hand and not to miss any deadlines out. 

However, and I had no inkling on what I should do next while I was at my old job. But I was very clear on achieving my next goal – to enrol in a master’s programme, and I needed to get out of my rut. That would put me in a place where I will be forced to figure out how to adjust to a new work atmosphere. 

Eventually, I was offered to study master’s on a part time basis, and I landed up with a new position. However, it meant that I was also forced to change my day-to-day routine – from commuting to lunch schedule and setting aside time in the evening to go through study materials.  

I must admit, the transition was not easy at all. I was afraid of the uncertainty that came with having to start all over in a new environment and going back to campus after a hiatus of eight years. That said, the major leap of faith has allowed me to see some change in myself slowly. I no longer dread work, as I was adjusting to a positive atmosphere at work that allowed me to focus on handling new challenges while stretching my skills and learning further. I also started my masters recently, and I was enjoying the positive vibes from my fellow classmates. In all, I am beginning to learn how to have fun at work while staying productive. 

2. Create A Daily Routine

Again, most of us spend more of our life with the people at work than anyone else in our life, including our family. That is why it is important to set aside time properly so that you can know how to be more efficient at work while able to carve time for your loved ones. 

All it takes is to set aside time to plan. Carve out around 30 to 60 minutes of your time to create a weekly and daily routine that works best for you. You can use a notebook and favourite beverage, and retreating somewhere with few distractions.  

Once you have done with creating a weekly and daily routine, do assign everything a time on your daily calendar. You can print copies of weekly calendar template with space for tasks each hour of the day. In the space, you can add in commitments that have specific times of day, and try to carve out time to relax and recharge. 

For me, I also start my day with my daily morning routine of planning what needs to be done for the day so that I know the tasks at hand and how to improve focus at work. And this habit of mine did pay off eventually. I am now able to focus on my work and my personal live, and use my time productively. 

3. Focus On What You Are Spending Time On

The next step is to find pockets of your free time and see how you are spending it. Instead of piling more negativity on to your mind, you should reflect on how you spend your free time, and what you consume or who you interact with in your daily life. 

When you are commuting to work, you can read books or blogs that transform your mindset, or listen to life-empowering audiobooks or podcasts. The same thought can be applied when you are doing your daily tasks. If you are doing your house chores, you can choose to tune in to programmes that allow you to widen your knowledge or perspective further. 

At the same time, you can also seek our interactions with people who will encourage you and grow. You can certainly join an interest group that seeks to help others, or join a Meetup group that aligns with your goals and interest, such as Crossfit community, dance interest group, or a book club. 

Again, most of us spend more of our life with the people at work rather than with anyone else, including our family. We also consume most of our food, information, and experiences at or around work. That is why it is important to choose the best possible place to work and interact with people. For sure it will take a bit of effort to redesign your life, structure your day, or find ways to improve at work, but once you have managed to find a balance point, positive change and transformation will happen and this is when you can truly be your genuine self.  

Check out our career guidance page for more useful lifestyle and career tips!   

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