The ultimate productivity checklist

The ultimate productivity checklist

Putting an End to Procrastination

  • Keep it simple
    • Complex and ambiguous tasks contribute to procrastination
    • Simple plans of action and expected results
      • Easier to understand
      • Easier to implement
      • Lower risk for procrastination
  • Have positive self-talk
    • Use positive affirmation
    • Two aspects of the brain that control behaviors
      • Subconscious
        • Controls many actions
        • Usually unaware
        • Habits fall within this realm
      • Conscious
        • Actions require conscious thought or awareness
      • Need to retrain your subconscious mind to end procrastination
  • Utilize the 5-Second Rule
    • Requires you to take action within 5-seconds
    • The longer you put off action, higher chances of procrastination

 

Planning and Defining Your Goals

  • Best way to stay focused
  • Maintain control of every situation
  • Must choose the right goals
    • Both personal and professional
  • Convert goals into concrete milestones
    • Get you closer to achieving your goals
    • Each milestone should translate into productivity
  • Create a successful plan
    • Write it down
    • Start with the big picture

◻ Break it into smaller steps

  • Be specific
  • Set deadlines
  • Create a to-do list

    •  

    Creating Smart To-Do Lists

    • Not all to-do lists are created equal

     

    • To-do lists must be smart and sensible
    • Must be specific
      • Won’t be able to objectively determine your success
    • Must be measurable
      • Can be expressed in specific numbers
      • Can be broken down into measurable elements
    • Must be attainable
      • Tasks that can be realistically accomplished
      • Will boost your productivity and morale
      • Limit the number of items on your to-do list
        • Include 2 to 3 major tasks
    • Must be relevant
      • Focused on helping you reach your goals
      • Inadvertently limit the number of items on your list
    • Must be time-bound
      • All items on list must have a deadline
        • Won’t have a sense of urgency

     

    Eliminating Distractions

    • Work environment must be free of distractions
    • Isolate yourself physically
      • Close your office door
      • Place a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door
      • Close the blinds

    ◻ Isolate yourself digitally

    • Go completely offline during deep focus work
    • Turn off your phone
    • Use the Pomodoro Technique
    • Helps keep your mind strong and fresh
      • Work for 25 minutes
      • Take a 5 minute break
      • Start the process again
      • After four, 25-minute work sessions, take a 25 minute break
    • Helps extend your ability to focus

     

     

     

    Learning to Say “No”

    • Increases your productivity
    • Can utilize the 5-second rule
      • Say no to requests in the first five seconds
    • Become a velvet-covered brick
      • Have a hard stance on the inside, while being soft on the outside
      • Allows you to tell people no without hurting feelings
    • Know your enemies
      • Those who use manipulation techniques
      • Might resort to emotional blackmail
    • Throw it back at them
      • Make the other person feel responsible for what can happen

     

    Divide, Prioritize, and Delegate for Optimal Productivity

    • Delegate tasks
      • Redundant tasks
        • Answering emails

    ◻ Tasks someone else is better equipped to handle

    • Divide tasks
    • Based on their importance
    • Based on the time it takes to complete
    • Based on the relevance to your skill set

     

    • Prioritize tasks
      • Create a to-do list based on the amount of time it takes to complete each task
        • Makes sure your work hours are productive
      • Give each task a deadline for completion
      • Be sure to give yourself some extra time for unforeseen circumstances
      • Group similar tasks together
    • Communicate with Others
      • Increases likelihood of staying motivated

     

    Developing the Right Habits

    • Plan your day
      • Take time the night before to create a to-do list
    • Start a Routine
      • Follow your set rules
    • Take Care of Yourself
      • Make sure you get enough sleep
      • Exercise regularly
      • Drink plenty of water
      • Develop a healthy diet
    • Meditate
      • Regular meditation helps to clear and focus your mind
      • Helps relieve stress

     

    Improve Your Time Management Skills

    • Declutter your spaces
      • Get organized
      • Everything has a designated space

    ◻ Everything has a purpose

    • Declutter your mind
    • Retrain your brain to think positively
    • Consciously redirect your thoughts in a positive way
    • Use meditation

     

    • Keep a time diary
      • Record everything you do in a day and week
        • Calls
        • Meetings
        • Projects
      • Analyze the diary
        • Gain an understanding of how you spend your time
      • Create a must-do list
        • Gives you a sense of direction
      • Be flexible
        • Learn to plan ahead
        • Leave time for the unexpected

     

    Start your journey to a more productive life

    here

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