Introduction
Ever had those days when you don’t want to look at your to-do list? or you just can’t seem to focus or finish anything, no matter how hard you try. Then this article is for YOU.
What are productivity techniques?
Productivity techniques are a way of saying “strategies to help you work more productively and efficiently.” These methods allow you to work smarter rather than harder.
Finding effective ways to be productive is often a matter of trial and error. In the long run, you’ll get more done and enjoy your work much more if you have a streamlined workflow, but good and fast ways to achieve that are constantly being discovered. Finding the right combination for your personality and projects isn’t difficult, but it may involve some experimentation.
Glory lies in the attempt to reach one’s goal and not in reaching it. — Gandhi
10 Productivity Techniques
To help you cut through the clutter and focus on completing important tasks, here’s a list of ten useful productivity techniques. Whether or not you can use them will depend on your personality and work style. Most likely one of these tactics will change your approach to work for the better.
The Ivy Lee Method
Ivy Lee Method is simple to implement, the reason it works so well is that it drives you to make difficult decisions early, before other people’s priorities may distract you or throw you off track.
Pros
- It eliminates decision fatigue.
- It helps to focus on the task at hand.
Cons
- Most people need to complete more than six tasks per day.
The 5 Minute Rule
Pros
- You can complete a lot of work in a short period.
- Strengthen your concentration muscle over time.
- Helps you to start a that difficult task
Cons
- When you’re “in the zone,” the timer will sometimes go off.
- Insufficient time to engage in “deep labor.”
SMART Goal
The SMART goal-setting formula encourages you to be as detailed and concrete about what it is you are trying to achieve.
Pros
- Use SMART goals to drive your daily priorities.
- A well-defined aim will help you stay motivated.
- You will understand what constitutes progress.
Cons
- It does not resolve conflicts between different goals.
- The indicated time frame may lead to increased stress.
Eat The Frog
Eat the Frog is for individuals who have difficulty prioritizing tasks. It forces you to prioritize your duties so that you can do them first. This strategy is also beneficial for anyone who has issues with procrastination.
Pros
- Get the difficult task out of the way first thing in the morning.
- Over time, your willpower will grow stronger.
- Reduces stress for the rest of the day.
Cons
- It might be emotionally draining and have an impact on the rest of your day.
- It’s easy to fall out of the habit.
Kanban Board
Kanban, a Japanese word for ‘billboard,’ refers to the visual appeal and ease of use of one of the leading productivity methods. It’s an easy-to-use productivity method, which can make you more productive at work. anyone who has issues with procrastination.
Pros
- Visualization is quite effective.
- It’s simple to keep track of your progress.
- Simple to set up and administer.
Cons
- Seeing extensive work lists might be intimidating.
- Working on multiple-level projects might be a challenge.
Eisenhower Matrix
This method is a great way to get more things done. You’ll be able to separate the most urgent tasks from the less urgent ones, which makes you more productive.
Pros
- You can readily identify which chores must be completed first.
- You will be able to make better use of your time because you will not be focusing on irrelevant or non-urgent chores.
Cons
- Some minor and non-urgent jobs may take a long time to complete.
- It does not work well with large tasks.
- It can be difficult to determine which category each task should be assigned to.
Must, Should, Want
With this method, you concentrate on something that will help you in the short term while also laying the basis for long-term objectives every day. And the “I want” assignment helps you keep your sanity by making time for something you’re enthusiastic about.
Not only will the “want” task keep you happy, but the “should” task, which is generally a long-term goal you’ve been putting off, will keep you feeling productive and completed, which is happiness in and of itself.
Pros
- It helps with concentration.
- It forces you to prioritize and closely examine your tasks.
Cons
- This is not a good method for dealing with lengthy and complicated lists.
- It is simple for tasks to fall into one of the three groups.
The Single Tasking
Single-tasking is a great way to improve your productivity and avoid the pitfalls of multitasking. Single-tasking means focusing your entire concentration on a single task. Reduce distractions by shutting off your phone, closing unrelated tabs, and giving yourself enough space to focus on one task without being distracted.
Pros
- You will be able to improve your focus.
- Perform better work per task.
- Reduce your stress level.
Cons
- It will appear that you are accomplishing less initially.
- Finding a peaceful area to work in may be tough.
- It can be difficult not to bounce from activity to task.
The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right
The idea behind the checklist manifesto is that many of the activities we do daily are difficult, causing us to make mistakes. Misuse of what we know leads to errors over time.
Pros
- Reduce your tension.
- Reduce the complexity of the decision-making process.
- Reduce the likelihood of making a mistake.
Cons
- It takes time to create checklists.
- Not all tasks must be divided into discrete acts.
Pomodoro (TOMATO) Technique
A technique for keeping focused and mentally energized. This productivity technique works on a fixed schedule of concentrated, uninterrupted work time and planned breaks.
Pros
- You can complete a lot of work in a short period.
- You can take frequent pauses.
- Strengthen your concentration muscle.
Cons
- Not all jobs can be completed in 25 minutes.
- When you’re “in the zone,” the timer will sometimes go off.
- 25 minutes is insufficient time to engage in “deep labor.”
Choosing the Most Appropriate Method for You
When you’re learning to be productive, keep in mind that it’s a process. Give yourself some time to experiment with different rules and habits. Some people adapt quickly to new systems; others take a little longer. If a strategy doesn’t seem to be working, try another one.
At the end of the day, getting as much work done as possible is what matters, so feel free to experiment until you find that amazing productivity formula that fits your needs best.
