Do you already have a lot on your plate that needs to be done with more coming down the pipeline? We know how toxic it can be to have multiple tasks that need attention. But, how do you finish them all without having the feeling of overwhelm setting in?
Just so you know, keeping yourself busy with loads of stuff on your to-do list doesn’t really mean that you are being productive. Yes, you may have completed many, many tasks for today, but what about efficiency – were you efficient? If not, you are just busy and not productive.
Today, we’ll discuss five ways on how you can practice being productive and not just being busy.
- Set Priorities
It would be helpful if you have planned your tasks prior to starting your day. In planning it, you must weigh each task as to which is the most important down to the least. That way, you can be able to manage your time and your task efficiently. Prioritizing things will help you finish the necessary tasks that are important to you.
- Do Not Become a Superhero
You are just a mortal being without any superpowers, so stop saying “yes” to other people’s requests and trying to do favors. You can’t keep doing all the things that they want you to do. You don’t have to accept all the tasks given to you. It’ll stress you out. You don’t have to compete with other people. Who cares if they finish 100s of tasks in a day. Again, it will just make you busy but not productive.
- Be Motivated
Most of the time, people tend to work effectively and efficiently if they are motivated. So, to make yourself focused on the things that you are doing, ask yourself “What are the things that motivate me?” Try to list out things that motivate you to work effectively and efficiently. What or who is your deepest why?
- Me Time
We know that there are many reasons why you have to work hard and accomplish so many things in life. But it doesn’t mean that you have to forget about your well-being. Give yourself a break. Pamper yourself and relax for a while. If you’re able to do that at least once a week, you’ll feel rejuvenated. If you have a relaxed mind and body, you can definitely finish every task effectively and efficiently.
- No to Multitasking
To ensure your productivity, you have to do your tasks one at a time. Having multiple tasks on your hand will hinder your productivity. Why? Because doing multiple tasks at a time will just make yourself out of focus and may weaken your outcomes effectivity and efficiency.
For instance, your boss has given you multiple tasks to do without giving you time constraints. You, as a competent employee, want to finish all of it before your shift ends. You may be able to finish it, but can you guarantee the quality of work you have done? It’s now time for you to reflect on it.
Being productive carries much more weight than just being busy. But keep in mind that no matter how difficult a task may seem, there’s always a way for you to achieve it. If you know how to manage your schedule and how you manage your time and energy, productivity is next in line.
