No matter how hard we try to reach our goals, sometimes it can feel like we’re falling short in terms of productivity. Despite the wealth of technology and tools at our fingertips, we often find ourselves wishing we knew more productivity hacks to help us achieve even greater success.
If you’re someone who always thinks there’s room for improvement and struggles to feel satisfied with their progress, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll share 20 productivity hacks and help you feel more fulfilled and accomplished than ever before.
What is Productivity & How to Measure it?
Productivity is the measure of how efficiently and effectively you accomplish tasks within a set timeframe. To gauge productivity, you need to evaluate how much time and effort you put into a task and compare it to the results achieved.
The ultimate goal of productivity is to maximize output while using your resources wisely. This can mean optimizing your workflow, outsourcing tasks, investing in tools and technology, or using other productivity hacks.
Being productive is important because it impacts both your professional and personal lives. Greater productivity at work can lead to increased revenue, career advancement, and job satisfaction, while being productive in your personal life helps you grow personally and make the most of your time and resources.
Therefore, always keep productivity top of mind for your work tasks, as this will empower you to achieve your goals and experience a sense of fulfillment in all areas of your life.
20 Productivity Hacks to Use at Work
In today’s fast-paced work environment, it can be challenging to stay on task and complete all the necessary tasks when there are so many distractions and interruptions. That’s why we have compiled a list of 20 productivity hacks to help you stay focused and efficient throughout your workday.
#1. Create a To-do List
One could say that this method is the precursor to all hacks that have emerged through development. All you need is paper, a pen, and the desire to cross off each item from the list within a set time.
Whether it’s a day-to-day or monthly goal, write it down on paper and determine when to devote time to each task. Still, but be careful not to bite off more than you can chew. At the end of the day, week, or month, when you realize that you’ve stuck to your to-do list and accomplished what you set out to do, you’ll feel satisfied!
#2. Get Rid of Distractions
Distractions come in many forms, and there are hundreds of them in today’s digital age. They can make even the simplest tasks difficult to complete, causing procrastination and frustration. To overcome distractions, try the following:
- Let your colleagues know when the “door” is closed if you work in an open office.
- Turn off your phone and email notifications.
- Make sure your workspace is clean and organized.
- Find a quiet, distraction-free environment to work in (if you’re not in the office).
- Take regular breaks to rest and recharge your brain.
#3. Use Your Commute Time
Instead of considering the time between point A and point B as a source of lost time, you can use it much more constructively. Here are some ideas:
- Read. Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or just a traveler, you can always use this time to gain new knowledge or indulge in your favorite trilogy.
- Podcasts or audiobooks. There are high-quality podcasts or audiobooks on a wide range of topics available, so you can use an hour of travel time to listen and learn.
- Go ahead of your plans. Use the time to send emails and prepare a to-do list for the next day, making it easier for you to tackle what’s ahead.
#4. Block Out Social Media
Blocking out social media notifications while working is one of the best productivity hacks for work! It’s clear to everyone that it’s impossible to fully concentrate and do a good job if your phone keeps notifying you of incoming messages. Simply put your phone away and focus on your work!
#5. Learn How to Say No
You can’t be at everyone’s beck and call and expect to have time for your own obligations. By learning how to politely and respectfully say “no,” you’ll realize how important it is to set boundaries between what’s important and what’s not and what results it can bring you.
#6. Occasionally Change Environment
If you have the opportunity to work from different locations, such as home or nature, use this method to boost your productivity. By changing your work environment, you can avoid distractions from coworkers or workplace stress and find renewed energy and motivation to get work done.
#7. “Eat The Frog” Method
This well-known productivity hack gets its name from the discomfort you might feel when faced with a daunting task—much like the discomfort of having to eat a live frog.
To tackle this type of work, start your day by tackling your most difficult task first. Once you have completed it, the rest of your tasks will seem easy by comparison, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment.
#8. Time Tracking
Time tracking is a helpful productivity hack for managers, allowing them to keep track of how much time everyone spends on tasks of varying difficulty. This can be helpful for identifying tasks that are taking up too much time and adjusting accordingly.
It’s also beneficial to track your time on a particular task, as it can help you maintain focus and work more efficiently.
#9. Personal “Kanban”
This hack is useful because it helps you set clear tasks for yourself and track your progress by creating a list of items for each of the following categories:
- To do: This section includes all the tasks that need to be completed, along with their deadlines or due dates.
- Doing: This section contains the tasks that you have started working on but haven’t completed yet.
- Done: This section includes all the tasks that you have successfully finished.
This method provides a clear overview of your tasks and progress.
#10. SMART Goals
The SMART Goals method is an essential productivity hack for entrepreneurs. Before starting any business, they need to determine their goals and break them down into actionable steps.
SMART is an acronym and stands for:
- Specific: Making sure you have well-defined, specific goals in mind
- Measurable: Determining how you will measure progress toward your goals
- Assignable: Defining roles for team members and assigning tasks to them
- Realistic: Think about your resources and skills to ensure that your goals are realistic and achievable
- Time-related: Setting a deadline for your goals will help you feel more pressure and keep your attention on the activities at hand
#11. Biological Prime Time
This productivity hack is based on biological research into the variability of an individual’s energy levels throughout the day.
To make the most of your energy and concentration, you need to understand your own biological rhythms by tracking your work tasks over a short period of time to identify when you are most productive. You can then adjust your work schedule to align with your body’s natural rhythms.
#12. “Pomodoro” Method
This method is applicable for less complex tasks, primarily for students, but it can be easily adapted to the workplace. The task is broken down into sequences lasting, for example, 30 minutes or one hour, followed by a 10- or 20-minute break. Knowing that a designated break follows a period of active work typically serves as a motivating factor for those who choose this method.
#13. I Have To, I Need To, I Want To!
Many tasks consist of both parts that you can easily master and those that don’t suit you, that you’re not interested in, or that require more effort and that you will encounter many times.
This method provides you with the possibility to divide tasks into parts in a simple way so that you can solve them in the order that suits you best. Whether it’s from the hardest to the easiest, vice versa, or mixed, it’s up to you, but in the end, it will lead you to the desired result.
#14. The Unbroken Chain
This method involves setting a specific period of time during which a person commits to maintaining a high level of productivity by adhering to good habits and a well-structured plan.
It is important to remain disciplined and motivated throughout the process and to reward yourself upon achieving the set goal. By consistently following through on a plan and maintaining good habits, you can successfully increase your productivity and complete your tasks more easily.
#15. Time Block Method
This is a productivity hack that requires good organization and aims to prevent time waste and increase productivity. It is done by scheduling blocks of time during which you will only work on one sort of activity (or tasks that are comparable). When the timer on a task goes off, whether or not you’re done with it, you move on to the next one.
#16. The Kaizen method
The Kaizen method is a continuous improvement approach. Its essence lies in the constant self-improvement that comes from addressing all the imperfections we notice in ourselves, which is supposed to make us better and lead to better professional results.
Keep in mind that in this way, step by step, you are constantly at an advantage because you are constantly improving, which must lead to progress.
#17. Avoid Multitasking
Multitasking is almost inevitable in everyday task management and can be beneficial. But are productivity and creativity always at the same level when working on three tasks simultaneously? The fact that you are working on several tasks contradicts the possibility of being maximally efficient from start to finish on all tasks.
Instead of trying to multitask, it is better to focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention. Determine the priorities and tackle them step by step.
#18. Wake Up Early
Waking up early in the morning allows individuals—be it managers or employees—to effectively plan their day, prioritize tasks, and rejuvenate themselves, fostering a productive and energized mindset.
By dedicating time to introspection and organization, early risers embrace the opportunity to optimize their mental clarity, self-care, and preparation for the day ahead.
If you have trouble getting up, it’s definitely worth the effort to use this natural productivity hack.
#19. Work Near Natural Light
This method is more feasible for those who work remotely. Instead of sitting at home and practically simulating the office, exposure to natural light can have multiple positive effects on your mood, creativity, and overall well-being.
Those who work in the office can try to position themselves near a window, and if that’s not possible, an alternative is using lamps that simulate natural light, which can also be useful.
#20. Take a Pause
Take your break—you deserve it! Spend some time in nature, spend time with loved ones, engage in sports, or read a book. To renew your energy and be more efficient and creative, you have to dedicate time to yourself and your favorite activities and hobbies. Therefore, you should organize your time so that you always reward yourself after hard work.
Conclusion
Productivity, results, and satisfaction are all interconnected. You will always feel good when you know you have done everything and achieved the desired result. This list of productivity hacks will surely help you overcome any obstacle, maximize your efficiency, and save time.
Although you cannot apply every hack, nor will each one be compatible with you, give yourself time and try out which ones from the list will work best for you. Once you find a good combination, stick with it, and satisfying results in both your professional and personal lives will follow!
