How to Get More Done

Becoming more productive and improving my time management, is an everyday challenge and experiment.

I’ll admit right off the bat I’m not fantastic at this, but I’ve learned a lot of great ways to improve the way I work because I’m constantly trying to improve. I’ve tried things that I hated doing or did not work for me, but I’ve also found things that have worked so well I can’t believe it took me so long to try it. I would suggest as you learn new productivity tips and time management skills test them out and see what works for you your life. Implement the ones you like and discard the rest.

Here is what currently works best for me

1. Create a short to do list. Put down only 1 to 3 items you want to complete each day. This allows you to feel accomplishment when you complete them. I do have a master list I can look at if I finish all three and have more time.  However, as a stay-at-home mom, I have maybe four hours a day to get things done so I have to be very focused and specific about the tasks I need to complete.
2. Set a timer for when you work. There are variety of ways to do this, online, phone apps or your phone timer. I work for 25 minutes and take a five-minute break, then work for 25 more minutes and take a five-minute break, repeat this four times and then take a longer break. This helps you to stay very focus when you are working and it gives you the ability to have time to do the things that normally distract you. I do find that I often work much longer than 25 minutes, but always set the timer for 5 minutes when I do need a break.
3. Declutter your work space.  I’m talking desk, files, paperwork, computer folders and email. By getting extremely organized it is easier to cut down 20 minutes of looking for something you need to complete a task. This may seem odd or like a no brainer, but it really made a huge difference, not only in the way you work, but  how productive you are and gives you a positive attitude.
4. Prepare your desk in advance. In other words, make sure that your computer is up and running, grab your water and snack, if needed, along with what you will be working on. This way when you have time to work or your kid goes down for a nap you are ready to go. This also keeps you from getting distracted by cleaning, laundry or other random activities that you want to get done too.
5. Close all your extra tabs. When working and online it is very easy to have a lot of windows open. This is something I still struggle with, but I’ve been trying to improve on. I find the more I have open, the more distracted I am, and the more likely I will get off task. By only opening the tabs you currently need for your task you will be more likely to stay focused.
6. Create a special activity box for your children. Depending on their age it is great to have a special box of toys or activities for you kids to play with only when you are working. There are times that you need to get something done and your kids may not want you to, so by having a fun activity can give you the time you need to finish up what you are working on. I have used TV during these times, I just tried to limit it. I find I can easily be so focused that I continue to work while he gets show after show after show.
7. Learn on the go. Listen to webinars, podcasts, trainings, video blogs while walking, driving or running errands. I find times that my son is strapped in an awesome time to continue to learn.  I do make sure I don’t do this every time I get the car or go for a walk because my son does like to chat too.
8. Get a planner. Whether on the computer or a paper calendar choose something that you will stick to in order to stay organized. Create yearly, monthly, weekly and daily goals and plan out how you are going to get them done. Then schedule in family time, personal time, workouts, date nights, activities with your kids and anything else you need. Get clear on what you need to do and when to help you actually stick to it.

These tips are what I’m currently using and work for me. I am slowly, but surely becoming more productive and organized in my everyday work and life.

What is one thing you do to be more productive?