Is there a secret to being productive?
Your willpower is simply not enough. Studies suggest that willpower is an exhaustible resource that can be entirely used up. This concept is known as ego depletion. So instead of convincing yourself to simply try harder, a more methodical approach is better suited to enhance your productivity.
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The first step is to get started
The first step though quite obvious is the hardest to make. Studies show that before starting a task, our brain visualizes the difficulties that you’ll face in completing that task. Thus it deviated its concentration to easier tasks first.
There is a concept of mind known as the Zeigarnik effect. This effect compels you to finish a task that you have already started, if you don’t, it causes discomfort. So, its the best to just pick up the work and get going! Or else it will get delayed more and result in low productivity.
Work less but fully commit
Working throughout the day won’t increase your productivity. According to science, it is suggested to work in intervals with breaks in between. You are likely to perform better when you work intensely for a period of time followed by breaks. Scheduling your tasks properly can truly make a difference.
Studies have found that the most elite violinists in the world generally follow a schedule of 90 minutes of work followed by 20 minutes of break. It is a whole lot easier to break down the energy you put into the task in small sessions than to put it all in at once.
Give yourself a deadline
Giving yourself a deadline helps to maintain a schedule and follow it better. Documenting helps to see how you actually perform. Write down what tasks you’ll be performing at what time of the day.
This will help you analyze how long does it take for you to complete the work assigned thereby increasing your productivity. By this, you can realistically set goals for the rest of the day. Setting up impractical goals will only demotivate you by the end of the day.
Also Read:Â 10 Creative Ways To Save More Money
Multitasking reduces productivity
Though it is widely believed that people who multitask are more productive than who don’t, studies suggest otherwise. One thing which I do religiously every night is to make a list of tasks that I have to complete the next day.
When you have a to-do list ready beforehand, you can have a headstart to your day in the morning when you wake up. Break up the tasks into smaller ones. Your brain will tackle them more easily and not feel burdened.
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