13 Ways to Be More Productive & Feel Happier

By Maureen P Price on 02/07/2015 in Business, Personal development

Why are some people more productive than others? If everyone has the same number of hours in the day, why do some people get so much more done than others?

It’s easy to get distracted in this hyper-connected, always-on world with text messages, phone calls, email, Internet, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Periscope, Snapchat, Instagram and so on. I’ve been sucked into watching Periscope videos on my iPhone for the past 2 weeks and wasted several hours.

I’ve read most of the books on productivity, and when I apply these strategies to my own life and business, I get a lot more done. I feel happier when I’m being productive. How about you?

13 WAYS TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE AND FEEL HAPPIER

#1 Identify your single motivating purpose

Make it your number one priority. Remember you define your purpose and your goals.

#2 Decide on your top 3 priorities the night before

Write them down, so you know what you need to do first thing in the morning.

#3 Get a good night’s sleep

Most people have more energy during the day when they have slept 7 or 8 hours.

#4 Develop a morning routine

That includes drinking water, stretching, breathing, walking, meditation and a healthy breakfast.

#5 Ask yourself each morning: What is the number one thing I can do today, to move me closer to achieving my goals?

For example, I ask myself: “What is the number one thing I can do today to move my business forward?”

#6 Block out 4 hours of uninterrupted time

Work on what is most important to you.

#7 Turn off all distractions from the outside world

Log out of Facebook, Twitter and all social media
Switch your mobile phone to aeroplane mode or do not disturb
Quit Internet search engines, email & messages and turn off notifications on your computer

#8 Move away from your computer every hour for 10 minutes

Stretch and move your body.

#9: Do not multitask

Do one thing at a time and complete it before you move on to the next task. Studies have shown that we do not do anything well when we multitask. Each time your brain switches between tasks or interruptions, it takes 20 minutes to get back on track.

#10 Get organised

Make sure you have some food in the fridge and some meals prepared because your brain needs energy to function well. In fact our brains use 20% of our calories.

#11 Plan a weekly schedule of tasks

Plan a weekly schedule of tasks and write them in your calendar.

#12 Schedule meetings for the afternoon

You’ll feel happy about what you have already accomplished.

#13 Schedule time to recharge each day

Walk, work-out, read a book, play tennis, swim or whatever you enjoy.

Navigation