We live in a time where our attention is constantly demanded. At the same time, there have never been so many external distractions as in the digital age. Thanks to our smartphones, we are always accessible and Facebook, Instagram and co. are only a few clicks away. We are constantly exposed to new impulses and stimuli in this way. No wonder we find it increasingly difficult to concentrate on one activity for long and to fully exploit our productivity.
The consequence of too many glances at the smartphone are permanent interruptions. This distracts us from the really important activities and sometimes we don't even notice how much time is lost as a result. But time is valuable and every moment that is invested wrongly keeps us from the Achieving our goals off. How many minutes or even hours do you allow yourself to be distracted each day?
But it's not just digital temptations that slow down our productivity. Also ProcrastinationSo-called procrastination is a real productivity killer. Surely the following situation is familiar to you: You want to complete a project or finish a task, but instead of working on it, you prefer other activities that don't really have any priority at the moment. In short, you'd rather do anything than what you're supposed to be doing.
We all know situations like this. And each of us sometimes wishes to work more concentrated and productive. But self-discipline does not fall from the sky, but often requires impulses from outside. We have 10 impulses for you, with which we want to help you not to fall into the trap of distraction or procrastination, but to increase your productivity enormously.
Have fun and success implementing the following 10 tricks:
Many of us find it difficult to cope with mammoth tasks. Therefore, divide large tasks into many small stages. It's guaranteed to make your work easier if you don't face a huge mountain, but start with a first, manageable task.
Speaking of getting started, the best way to be more productive is to not procrastinate, but just get going. Your brain is programmed to want to finish tasks it has started. The first step is known to be the most difficult, but also the most important.
Formulate your to-do's clearly and concisely! What needs to be done in what time? What is the deadline? Who do you have to get on board if necessary? Productivity stands and falls with well thought-out planning.
Do you know the Parkinson's Law? It says that work can be stretched like rubber: it always stretches to the extent that time is available for the completion of the task. Meaning: If you schedule half a day for the completion of a task, then the task will cost you half a day. If you schedule only two hours to complete the task, you can most likely complete it in those two hours without getting significantly worse results. That's because you'll be more focused with less time.
Reward yourself! Rewards motivate and if you increase your productivity, you can also treat yourself with a clear conscience. Celebrate small partial successes and be proud of what you have already achieved.
To-do lists are incredibly practical: You can create lists for individual tasks, for working days or for weeks, months and quarters. But remember that clear lists are only half the battle when it comes to productivity. Timely implementation is at least as important. Otherwise you'll be told afterwards: Are you already working, or are you still planning?
Social-Media-Kanäle sind echte Zeitfresser.{"type":"block","srcClientIds":["7ee45919-c5e0-4c64-b105-a3212b410971"],"srcRootClientId":""} If you want to work with focus and waste as little time as possible, you should therefore ignore Facebook, Instagram and co. during working hours and preferably switch them off completely. Did you know that there are apps that lock your social media channels on your smartphone for a period of time that you determine? This might be the solution you've been looking for.
The 80-20 rule or the Pareto principle states that 20 percent of all efforts provide 80 percent of the output. Therefore, you should definitely find out which 20 percent of your activities achieve the greatest success. Focus on these activities and you will increase your productivity many times over.
If you really be productive you have to learn to prioritize. That includes, Saying no. Politely but firmly decline extra tasks and activities that don't fit into your schedule and take up unnecessary time. This may not endear you to everyone, but what's more important: Do you want to be Everybody's Darling, or do you want to work productively and complete your tasks optimally and efficiently?
Perfection is also a productivity killer. And the higher your own standards are, the more perfectionist and unproductive you work. Therefore, ask yourself whether you really always have to deliver 110 percent. Sometimes an almost perfect result is enough, and you save time and energy that you can use for other tasks.
