“Focus on what matters most”. When we prioritise one single thing at a time it is easier to manage and complete to a good standard, instead of spreading our efforts over multiple endeavours. It is now proven that multi tasking is a passè.

1. Have a single purpose.

Eliminate as much as unnecessary distractions as possible. While working, put the phone on aeroplane mode or if feasible, keep the phone in another room. James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits calls this as priming the environment as to boost productivity.

2. Cut out distractions 

This creates a more productive flow, allowing more things to be handled whilst also allowing time for multiple different subjects to be addressed.

3. Set time limits for meetings 

Get a system going. Curate your own daily routine. We can reach great breakthroughs with a daily routine. There is magic in our daily routine.

4. Productivity rituals 

If you wake up early, you will get more time to get things done in a day. It also requires some time management skills. Waking up at least an hour before we start working helps us to prepare and enrich ourselves before we start to give to the world.

Get up early.

Productivity Tips: How some of the world's most productive people get stuff done!

productivity

Productivity

timemanagement

Time Management

With so many tasks and expectations we’re expected to accomplish and fulfil, how can we manage our time productively? We can learn a lot from the world’s top leaders and entrepreneurs, and here are five of the best productivity tips they suggest:

1. Have A Single Purpose

“Focus on what matters most”. When we prioritise one single thing at a time it is easier to manage and complete to a good standard, instead of spreading our efforts over multiple endeavours.

2. Block Out Distractions

Whether this be from others around us or from our computer, if you want to get something done all of your attention must be focused on it.

3. Set Out Strict Time Limits On Meetings

This creates a more productive flow, allowing more things to be handled whilst also allowing time for multiple different subjects to be addressed.

4. Productivity Rituals

5. Get Up Earlier

More time to get things done! “Mind Over Mattress”!

If you feel like you don’t have enough time to do everything you want to do, maybe it’s time to check-in with your time management skills.

No one is born to be very good at time management, so that’s okay if you think you’re bad in it. But everyone can learn to boost their productivity and achieve more!

Here are 50 ways to increase productivity and add hours to your day.

Estimate the time you need to tackle different tasks and set a timer for each of your tasks. How you go about this is up to you as there are many different ways. There is the Pomodoro technique where you focus on a task for 25 minutes followed by a five minute break afterwards.

In the event that you have a task that will take much longer than that, you can consider one of the many timer-based apps. One that comes to mind is <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/clockify-time-tracker/id1304431926?mt=8&at=1000lwqv">Clockify </a>. It’s used for freelancers and entrepreneurs alike, however it’s a good way to be setting yourself a timer. It provides reports and you can serve as a project manager of sorts too. Best of all, it’s free.

Distractions include the phone, email notifications and having multiple web browsers open on the desktop. Just as it’s important to be organized offline, it’s key to have things organized online as well. This free guide <a href="http://goto.lifehack.org/lfwp-end-distraction">End Distractions And Find Your Focus </a> is a good tool to help you. With this guide, you’ll learn how to get rid of distractions and boost productivity. <a href="http://goto.lifehack.org/lfwp-end-distraction">Grab your free guide here. </a>

You can also learn more on how to get rid of all distractions in this guide: <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/680976/how-to-focus-and-maximize-your-productivity-the-definitive-guide">How to Focus and Maximize Your Productivity (the Definitive Guide) </a>

3. Listen to Music That Boosts Productivity

Distractions should be avoided, but sometimes a bit of <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/256537/neuroscience-proves-that-listening-music-work-can-enhance-focus-and-productivity">music in the background can help you focus </a>.

Of course, it doesn’t need to be heavy rock music, but a bit of Beethoven may do you some good.

Here’s a complete guide to help you pick the right music for better productivity: <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/363349/how-maximize-your-productivity-with-music-complete-guide">How To Maximize Your Productivity With Music: A Complete Guide </a>

4. Find Meaning in What You Do (And Love What You Do)

Enjoying what you do is the ultimate way to increase your productivity.

If you aren’t sure what you love doing yet, don’t worry. Leo Babauta has some unique ways to help you: <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/how-to-find-your-passion.html">How to Find Your Passion </a>

By listing your tasks in order of importance, you can make sure that you finish all of your most important tasks during the day.

6. Batch Similar Tasks into a Single Batch.

Tasks like blog writing, phone calls, email and errands can be grouped into a single batch. You will save time by completing similar tasks in one session. One way to help you with organizing all of those things is through the app <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/todoist-to-do-list-tasks/id572688855?mt=8&at=1000lwqv">Todoist </a>. It’s an easy and simple way for you to plan out your day, set reminders, and group all of your most important tasks in a convenient spot.

7. Complete Your Most Dreaded Tasks First Thing in the Morning.

Whichever activity you are dreading the most is probably the one you need to complete first thing in the morning.

Many people tend to check emails in the morning because after checking a list of emails, they feel fulfilled. But that’s just an illusion of having achieved more.

Doing simple tasks like <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/525634/more-productive-never-this-start-your-morning">checking emails first in the morning is bad for you </a>. Instead, do the difficult tasks because you have more energy in the morning to tackle them!

8. Reward Yourself for Finishing a Big Task

To stay motivated for whatever you do, reward yourself every now and then.

Keep track of your small wins and milestones and celebrate them. So whenever you struggle about your progress, you see how far you’ve come!

Research has shown that multitasking is not productive. If you think you can multitask, <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/you-think-you-can-multitask-think-again.html">think again. </a>

For optimum productivity, focus on one thing at a time.

The Internet has become one of the number one distraction. To increase your productivity, try to do as much of your work offline as possible.

I do this a lot when I try to brainstom new ideas and have found it to be very beneficial to simply unplug.

Make good use of apps and technology to help you remove distractions.

Here’re <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/articles/technology/top-15-time-management-apps-and-tools.html">18 Best Time Management Apps and Tools </a>to help you stay focused. This way, you’re not distracted by the web, e-mail, or IM.

Also, join the free <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/overcoming-distractions?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=productivity_articles&utm_term=3217&utm_content=productivity_articles">Fast-Track Class – Overcoming Distraction </a> , and you’ll learn the one simple method to work even when you’re surrounded by distractions. <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/overcoming-distractions?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=productivity_articles&utm_term=3217&utm_content=productivity_articles">Join the free session now! </a>

Often times, starting is the hardest part. People tend to wait for the perfect time with perfect condition to start. But there’s <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/6-reasons-why-perfectionism-kills-your-productivity.html">no perfect condition </a>.

Once you get going, you will quickly get into a rhythm that could last for hours.

Everyone has a certain time of the day in which they are more productive than others. For me, it’s the morning.

Find out when your prime time is for productivity and optimize your work schedule accordingly.

14. Keep a Notebook and Pen on Hand at All Times

This way, you can write down your thoughts, to-dos and ideas at any time. The key is to get everything out of your head and onto paper. Your subconscious mind won’t be reminding you about it every other second. Another consideration is getting the app <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/evernote-notes-organizer/id281796108?&at=1000lwqv">Evernote </a>. Not only does this save you on ink and paper, Evernote is a convenient place for you to jot down notes and thoughts and then share them with the team. In certain circumstances, this can prove useful if you’re the type of person that has a lot of ideas that you want to share.

15. Write a Blog to Chronicle Your Own Personal Development and Achievements

The blog keeps you accountable and always working towards self improvement and personal growth.

When you write down all the small achievements you’ve been having, you’re also more motivated to move forward.

And you know what, this is how I started Lifehack too! What also helped me in starting Lifehack is <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wordpress/id335703880?mt=8&at=1000lwqv">WordPress </a>, which allows people to set up a website for free. WordPress has simplified a lot of the process of building a site to the point that virtually anyone can build a website now.

I like to plan my day the night before. This way, I can get started on my most important tasks as soon as I wake up. The <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/full-life-planner?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=productivity_articles&utm_term=3217&utm_content=productivity_articles">Full Life Planner </a> is a nice tool to help you organize your days and get things that matter done. <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/full-life-planner?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=productivity_articles&utm_term=3217&utm_content=productivity_articles">Check out the planner here </a>and start to plan your day ahead easily!

Make sure you don’t make any of these <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/are-you-making-this-major-daily-to-do-list-mistake.html">common to-do-list mistakes </a>!

17. Write Your Most Important Tasks and To-Dos on a Calendar.

The key to good time management is knowing where to be and what to be doing there at any given time. Effective calendar management goes hand in hand with good task list management.

18. Reflect on Your Productivity Constantly

As you go throughout your day, repeatedly ask yourself:

“Am I currently making the best possible use of my time?”

This one simple question can be an excellent boost to your productivity.

I know it could be difficult for some to wake up early in the morning but nothing beats a quiet house!

When you work online, sleep can become a long lost memory. However, it’s important to get plenty of sleep so that your working hours can be as productive as possible.

Try out this night routine which I highly recommend for productivity: <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/679044/night-routine-ultimate-guide">The Ultimate Night Routine Guide: Sleep Better and Wake Up Productive </a>

Research has shown that <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/desk-side-fitness.html">midday exercise boosts productivity </a>and morale in the workplace.

Take a short walk at lunch or do some simple stretches during your break to maximize your productivity.

Here I have some exercises recommendations for you:

If you want to achieve more in less time, learn to delegate or outsource work. Here are just a few of the companies that will help you outsource your everyday tasks:

Also, read this guide to learn how to delegate effectively: <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/688325/how-to-delegate-work-the-definitive-guide-for-successful-leaders">How to Delegate Work (the Definitive Guide for Successful Leaders) </a>

Without worthy goals, you will never be motivated to get things done.

Set goals that are challenging and achievable. The best <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/759949/how-to-use-smart-goal">goal setting framework is a SMART goal </a>. That said, there are other tools that can help you out as well. For example, <a href="https://goto.lifehack.org/mih-dreamers-guide">The Dreamers’ Guide To Reaching Your Goal </a> is a great guide to help you set and reach goals effectively. <a href="https://goto.lifehack.org/mih-dreamers-guide">Grab your free guide </a>and learn how to make your goals happen this year!

When you tell others about your goals, you will instantly be held accountable.

Listen to educational podcasts or audio books while you’re driving to work, cleaning the house, exercising, or cooking dinner.

Audio learning has the power to add hours to your day. Not to mention, your cranium is sure to thank you for it.

26. Read David Allen’s best-selling book  Getting Things Done

This is one of the most important productivity books you will ever read. Read it, apply the tips in your daily lives and get more things done.

When you can read faster, you will read and learn more! Check out these <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/10-ways-increase-your-reading-speed.html">10 Ways to Increase Your Reading Speed </a>.

You can also make use of the app <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/632286/if-you-want-to-read-10-times-faster-outread-is-the-app-you-need">OutRead </a>to help speed up your reading speed!

When you’re reading a book, just read the parts that you need and skip the rest. But you have to read with a purpose.

Pareto’s law (also known as the <a href="https://www.lifehack.org/840576/what-is-the-80-20-rule">80 20 rule </a>) states that 80% of the outputs result from 20% of the inputs. This means that 20% of our actions result in 80% of the results.

5 Productivity Tips From Some Of The World's Top Entrepreneurs

1. Have a single purpose.

2. Cut out distractions

3. Set time limits for meetings

4. Productivity rituals

Get up early.

Utsa Maity's ideas are part of this journey:

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