We all get to this point by the second half of the year. There is the constant cycle of deadlines, emails, brainstorming and... nothing getting done.
How can this be when we go to work and our timesheets are showing that we are working our full hours? Most of the time, we decide the reason is that there just aren't enough hours in the day. I hate to break it to you, but that's not always the case. We aren't following the basic procedures that can ensure we not only enjoy our workdays more, but we also are more productive with our time! Here are five ways to better your productivity this week!
1. Communicate Openly with Your Team
This starts at the very beginning of your week. Every Monday, you should be talking with your teammates and discussing what you plan to do. Not only does it help keep everyone on the same page, but you are now accountable to complete the tasks you said.
2. Keep Constant Communication and Accountability
After initially telling your team your plans, it's important to keep that conversation going throughout the week. The main reason for this is to communicate any blocker that may come into your path. If you start to realize that a project or assignment is taking longer than expected, keeping that open line of communication will make it easier for everyone.
3. Plan Out Your Days and Your Week in Blocks of Time
Some people enjoy planning out the week on Mondays, while others decide to plan everything on Fridays. Whichever day is best for you, be sure that you are scheduling your tasks in blocks of time. We all are proned to getting distracted and this tip is a great help! Utilize the clock to work on specific tasks for a half-hour, hour or whatever you want! One of my personal favorite things to do is spend the first 30 minutes of my day solely focused on emails. I get them out of the way so I can move on with the day!
4. Use Your Calendar Wisely
Along with blocking your time, it's important to prioritize your tasks or focus on what's important and relevant. It's okay to say no to those lunch plans looming over your month! If you have a jam-packed day ahead and you have a long meeting scheduled for the same day, plan ahead to lighten the load!
5. Work on One Thing at a Time
Along the same lines as tip three, this is one of the most commonly used tricks when trying to make yourself as prodoctive as possible. Staying focused on the task at hand is the only way you can make sure it will get done. I would advise to organize your checklist by priority when you plan your week so you can make sure you get the most important things done!
Even with all of these different tips and tricks, there are still weeks where things don't exactly go according to plan. In these moments, remember that we all are human and you are doing the best you can! Going into the week with the right plan, accountability, and structure, you can say with confidence that you have done all you can to have the most productive week. Good luck!
- Abigail Alano