1. Manage your energy, not just your time: People naturally have ebbs and flows in their work processes or in how well they can focus. These peaks and valleys in your focus and motivation are naturally occurring in your body, driven by your ultradian rhythms. You cant compete with science. So rather than doubling down on your caffeine intake, the smarter move is to pay close attention to the times of day when you feel most energized. Keep a journal for at least a week or two (one day isnt long enough to identify trends) and note how you feel. Youll have an easier time spotting your biological prime time the times youre most in the zone. With that information, you can allocate your work more effectively .
2. Build a better to-do list: Try whittling down to your priorities choose between five and nine tasks you want to make progress on that day. This ties back to a psychological principle called The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two. Other people swear by the similar 1-3-5 rule for an empowering to-do list. Pick one big thing you need to accomplish that day, three medium things, and five little things. If youre really struggling to figure out what deserves some real estate on your list, use an Eisenhower Matrix (sometimes called a prioritization matrix) to sort through your tasks and determine which ones deserve top billing and which ones can be delegated or fall off your list entirely .
3. Tune out distractions: Distractions and interruptions are for sure an impediment to productivity. Try to minimize them by turning off notifications, closing unnecessary tabs, and putting your phone on silent. If youre still struggling to focus, try using noise-cancelling headphones or playing white noise to block out background noise .
4. Take regular breaks: It can be tempting to avoid taking the time for a break, but when you neglect to give yourself a chance to recharge, youre actually doing yourself a disservice. Taking breaks can help you maintain focus, improve creativity, and reduce stress. Try the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break. After four Pomodoros, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes .
5. Focus on one task at a time: While you ultimately may be able to get things done when you juggle projects or tasks, focusing on one thing at a time can help you be more productive. When youre working on a task, try to eliminate all other distractions and focus solely on that one thing. Youll be surprised at how much you can accomplish when you give yourself the chance to really focus.