When it comes to productivity, the key to success not the tireless work, but the mindset. How wonderful it is to be able to cross all tasks off your to-do list at the end of the day. To feel like you really had a good day. By training your brain you can achieve this feeling every day and so you can take big steps towards your business-related goals and ideas.
In practice it is sometimes difficult to optimally spend your time and grow without burning yourself out. However, it is important to maintain a work-life balance. This means that you have to work efficiently and that you have to say goodbye to procrastination.
The lie of multitasking
One of the biggest misconceptions about being productive is that it's possible to get more done by doing multiple things at once. While this seems like a smart idea in theory, it actually slows down the amount of work you can do — and more importantly — the quality of what you do. That's because it's not really multitasking; instead, the brain quickly flashes back and forth between tasks.
Think of it like waking up in the dark and turning on a bright light. Your brain works the same way. Every time it switches from task to task, your brain needs a moment to adjust. The more you switch, the more your brain has to "keep up". Not only is this a waste of time, but it also prevents the brain from entering a deep state of concentration where it can be creative, solve problems and produce a high quality level of output.
Blocking time is valuable
One way to access this deep state of concentration and all the productivity that comes from it is the time block method. For example, set aside two hours to complete a project as the only task; you eliminate yourself from all other distractions during a time block. Over time, you'll get into the habit of working in this state, and you, even as a busy maker, will find that once-pleasant distraction from side issues only distracting.
Remove items from the to-do list
Set priorities. This will help to reduce overwhelm. Think about what's absolutely important to get done and save anything less urgent for another time. Try to have no more than three "big" items on your to-do list and group tasks that don't require deep concentration (such as answering emails, following up with customers, and communicating with your audience on social media) as one task.
Keep in mind that it's humane to engage in the “planning fallacy” — a term psychologists use when it comes to underestimating your available time. By prioritizing and narrowing down your to-do list, you can set a more realistic time frame to get the most important tasks done without feeling constantly behind schedule.
Take breaks
This is an essential part of increasing your productivity. Once you've completed a task, take a moment to do something fun - preferably something that doesn't require you to look at the screen. It doesn't have to be a long break, five minutes is enough. The most important thing about these mini breaks is that you stop and enjoy the action you are taking in that moment. Your brain releases dopamine when you check a task off your list, so doing it along with a fun activity feels like a party for the mind. Plus, it gives you more stamina and energy for the other tasks you still have to do.
In brief; train your brain, work on one task at a time, use time blocks, eliminate distractions, set priorities and take breaks. Want to bet that your mentality will get a boost?
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