Work habits decide how much and how well you get work done. With increased interruptions from our mobiles, desktop notifications and even colleagues, it is difficult to focus on tasks. And we are paying the price by getting lesser work done. Everyday.
Can simple habits improve your productivity?
Here are five basic Zen practices that have helped me (and my team) be more productive. Try them and decide for yourself.
1. Single Task with Intention
Multitasking rarely helps. Your brain spends time and energy laying the context, and before it’s ready to start real work, you switch to checking a notification on your mobile or replying to your colleague. Then you start again.
Always work on one task at a time. Block out time for bigger, complex and important tasks. Mute all notifications (mobile & desktop). And put a DO NOT DISTURB tag on your chair to block real-world disturbances.
Club small, disparate tasks together. And work on them in 15,20 or 30-minute sprints.
2. Create a productive space.
Clear your desktop (physical and digital). Unnecessary files, papers, stationery on your desk influence your ability to focus. Get into the habit of putting away things in their rightful place, before starting the next task.
Set up the ambiance that best suits the task. Use focus lights, adjust your chair, play music if it helps you focus.
Use tools. Pin-up boards, an additional monitor, a mobile stand, colored pens or any other tools that will simplify and speed up your work.
3. Set time limits
Example: I’ll answer emails for 15 mins. Allows you to be more focused. You are at your best where there is a time limit to get something done. Also, working on difficult tasks for say 30 mins is mentally easier than if you don’t set a time limit.
4. Let go
Unsubscribe from newsletters. Let go of Instagram after five mins. Let go of interesting articles and open tabs. Keeping too many pending tasks slows your mental ability and speed in everything you do. Let go and breathe free.
If viewing social media, or reading an article is important to you, create a task, and apply all the steps discussed so far. You will get the best out of it.
5. Set up systems.
It’s easier to follow these habits if you set up systems for your team.
Use a task manager to list and prioritize your tasks, daily. When you have your work listed, you can work on a single task at a time. Spend less time recollecting tasks and more time doing them.
Marking attendance, applying for leaves, tracking expenses should be accomplished on the go. Set up apps to help your team in getting them done quickly.
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Happy working!