Become the most productive person you know!
Staying focused and avoiding distractions will help increase our productivity. This has the knock-on effect of making us feel more accomplished in a positive, virtuous cycle of more productivity. But what steps do we need to take to become more efficient in the first place?
How often have you set yourself a to-do list, only for it to have completely gone out of the window by lunchtime, your afternoon slowly fading away into a tired, sluggish and unproductive slog until home time?
You’re not alone.
The financial crash of 2008, coupled with the Covid pandemic of the early 2020s has meant that productivity in UK workplaces has remained pretty stale.
But the UK as a whole aside, improving your productivity can have enormous benefits for your confidence and sense of wellbeing. Plus it can pay dividends at work in terms of possible pay rises and promotions.
I work as a freelancer, and managing my time effectively is key to my success. Not having a manager or having to stick to certain hours makes it oh-so-tempting to be a little haphazard with my time. But I’ve discovered that sticking to a routine works best for me. Here’s how I make sure I’m being as productive as possible.
I write two to-do lists – one daily, and one weekly. Each Monday, I usually have a plan of all the work I have booked for the week ahead. This then becomes my weekly to-do list. I then split that work into my daily to-do list. I still believe in old-fashioned paper and pencil and have a week-to-view diary open on my desk with everything for each day written down. I find it SO satisfying when I tick off tasks, so everything, from the tiny “chase X client for payment” to the large 2,500-word landing page I need to write is recorded, so I can tick them off when I’ve done them. (I even draw little boxes next to them so I have a literal tickbox.
I set manageable goals – the idea of each daily and weekly set of tasks is that it’s doable. If I know it’s not going to be, then it’s not worth setting as a goal, because failed goals will make me feel miserable and uninspired. That’s not to say I don’t challenge myself, but breaking tasks down into bite-sized chunks allows me to stay positive and focused.
I try not to get stressed or overwhelmed if things don’t go to plan – even the best-laid plans will have to change sometimes. I might be asked to fit in a small task or a large job may take longer than expected. If this happens, I don’t let it take up too much headspace. I try to accept it and move on. Flexibility is a large part of being productive.
I’m not (too) afraid of saying no – saying no as a freelancer is just as risky as saying no to your manager. My clients can go elsewhere if they have to wait too long. Your manager could (hopefully politely) ask you to go elsewhere if you say you can’t keep up with their demands. But saying no, backed up with reasonable and genuine reasons why a request is unachievable makes me stand out as a professional who doesn’t want to rush something just to ‘churn it out’.
I take regular breaks – it’s all too easy to think that powering on through is the best way to be most productive. But taking short breaks at regular intervals to make a drink, get some fresh air, go for a walk or simply switch off from the task at hand makes me more energised and ready to continue afresh when I return. I’m also less likely to be distracted and more likely to stay focused.
My tips don’t just apply to freelancing. Anyone, whether they work alone or for a huge, multi-layered organisation, can adopt these productivity practices. Do so, and who knows where you could end up?
So, think about writing a to-do list if you don’t already. Make sure it’s realistic and contains manageable targets and goals. Set a daily routine, and as far as your schedule allows, aim to achieve the most difficult tasks when you know you’re at your most alert. This might be early in the morning, after a mid-morning coffee break or last thing in the afternoon. We’re all different.
Take a step back if you feel overwhelmed. If you can, go for a walk to clear your head (even if it’s around the office or down to the canteen, but best if you can get outside). You’ll return feeling more level-headed, focused and energised. And if all else fails, you know what they say - whatever it is, it’ll still be there tomorrow.
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