Did you know there are choices you can make that affect your productivity big time? 

When we talk about productivity, I’d like you to think about the output of what you are doing.

There has to be something as a result of the tasks you are engaged in.

One key aspect of SMART goals is whether they can be measured. That is what productivity is about.

Let’s take blogging as an example. As you start your day, your ultimate goal could be to put up a blog post.

That means that every action you take should bring you to the bigger goal of having the blog post up, right?

By all means necessary, we want to save as much time as we can so that we can achieve that goal. 

I have compiled ideas of decisions you can make to save you time and ensure maximum productivity.

Here we go!

Batch Tasks

Think of similar tasks and group them.

It creates a flow in your mind and makes it feel like a continuous process.

Lately, I have edited my YouTube videos in two separate sessions. The first one is normally for cutting the empty spaces and in the second session, I add anything else to spice up the video.

I create a thumbnail after the second session because it feels like a continuation of the creative process.

When I prepare and script for the video, I combine that with figuring out the thumbnail title.

Do you see how that helps?

Grouping similar tasks minimizes switching between different activities.

However, feel free to take a break. Don’t bombard yourself with 10 tasks at once.

If the tasks you have batched are all time-consuming, it’s okay to break them up.

Delegate

This one right here is a time-saver!

If you are in a position to delegate, don\’t be afraid to ask for help or share responsibilities with others.

I desire that soon I can have a budget for editing videos because for sure that process takes up a lot of my time.

When you decide to delegate, it means free time on your hands to handle something else.

How smart is that??

Use Shortcuts When You Can

You can research keyboard shortcuts for your most-used software to speed up your workflow.

Try with basic ones like Word and Excel.

Unsubscribe from Email Lists and Notifications that Aren\’t Serving You

Go through your emails and see the ones you haven’t opened in a while.

It probably means they are not essential to you anymore and that’s okay.

That way you don’t feel like you have a ton of things to do. It frees your mind space to focus on other things.

Set Time Limits

Give yourself a specific time frame for each task. You can use the basic timer on your phone. That’s what I use and it is super efficient.

This trick helps you worry less about perfection and more about getting things done.

By no means does it mean doing mediocre things.

As you do the thing, you keep getting better at it.

Limit Social Media

Social media is good but it can be distracting if you don’t time yourself.

Set specific times for checking the socials.

When you set time aside for that, you won’t feel guilty for a few minutes of scrolling.

Single-Task

Do one thing at a time to reduce errors.

It also improves your efficiency.

There is a place and time for multitasking; fellow ladies don’t come for me…lol. 

I believe you can multitask with things that don’t require a high focus level.

Productivity is not about doing 20 things at once and getting none completed but it\’s showing results for two things that are completed.

Clear Clutter

When your workspace is organized you find things quickly and save time.

Go the extra mile and Keep your desktop and digital files organized too. 

Additionally, If you have some office supplies that you commonly use, have them in easily accessible locations.

Use Templates

Create templates for common repetitive tasks like documents or emails to save time.

I have a few templates for my YouTube thumbnail so I only add an image and text.

Keep Meeting’s Time

Schedule meetings when necessary and stay true to the time allocated for the meeting.

This can be a tricky one especially if there are friends in the meeting. But you can do it.

You can prioritize the meeting agenda and then have extra time for catch-up. 

Keep a Notepad

Jot down quick thoughts or tasks to avoid breaking your focus.

When you are in deep focus mode avoid using your phone to take notes because all the temptations are on your phone.

Use the 2-Minute Rule

If a task takes you less than two minutes to do, do it immediately.

You have to be honest with yourself about appropriating time for tasks.

 If you ask me, this is such a hack. Imagine completing several tasks in a one-hour window because they take less than 2 minutes to complete!

Use Voice Commands

Thank God for technology because now you can use voice recognition software to dictate instead of typing.

I hope you do that when writing emails too. The texter populates the next possible words you only have to confirm with the tab key.

Limit Decision-Making

I have done a video on how to simplify decision-making. Feel free to check it out.

The secret is to reduce unnecessary options.

Then with the options you have remaining, make sure they almost have the same weight so you don’t feel the pressure of foregoing the other options.

Use a Grocery List

If you have a busy schedule, a grocery list is a must.  It will save you from wandering in the store.

I love window shopping but there is a time for that. (I can do that to unwind).

A list will come in handy for you, I promise. 

Actually, get in the habit of doing that for items you need in the house. 

In my phone’s notes section, I like adding items to the shopping list whenever I remember so that on the shopping day, everything is picked. 

I think it’s easy to forget items when you write the list in a hurry. 

 Take Advantage of Commute Time

No one can dispute that a lot of time is spent in the commutes. 

Make the best of commute time. Listen to that podcast you have been wanting to hear. If you have message voice notes, that would be a good time to listen to them and respond. 

Depending on the size of my bag, I carry a book and read it during the commute. 

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Practice 3 things from the list and keep adding as you perfect them.

All the best Learner!

Xoxo;)