9 Ways to a More Productive Day

Definition of time management: the practice of using the time that you have available in a useful and effective way, especially in your work.               

Cambridge Dictionary.

     Simply put, the secret to being highly productive is good time management. This is a scary term to some; however, the practice of time management does not mean you are obsessed or have control issues. It does not require lots of time or being a high-profile entrepreneur to use it. Consider this: a smart person  manages their money because a) they know how easy it disappears and b) good money management increases it. Like money, time, if properly managed, can work in your favor. A lot of time is wasted in the day when there is no plan. When you take a road trip do you plan out the details? Most likely you do because time is too precious to waste driving in circles. To be more productive embrace the truth that you “spend time to make time”, and your reward will be more time and less stress.

9 Ways to be More Productive

1. Get a Planner

     The right planner is a valuable gem. Planners have become highly personalized tools, so don’t settle for any old planner. Since the same planner does not work for everyone spend time finding the one that works for you. Running a business, it is critical to have a planner, but even more importantly, to have the right one. My “Best Planner Ever” is designed for career-driven women and has the features I need. There are places to write down goals and actionable steps to achieving them (Remember: a goal without a plan is just a wish). Additionally, there are places to write your progress, accomplishments, moments of gratitude, calories, and more. This style doesn’t work for everyone, but the point is researching and buying the right planner that works for your life.

     Something to remember: you are more likely to complete something by writing it down than not. According to one study you increase your chances of reaching your goals and dreams 42% by writing them down. (1)

2. Keep Social Media Habits in Line

     This one is difficult to balance, yet it is necessary for work for many people. More bad news: social media addiction is a real thing. Social media needs be a productive part of your day, so tune out the junk and avoid getting sucked in. Sift out the productive pieces and gloss over the items intended to produce reactions and shock value because they are energy-draining, time-stealing vampires. If using for business, schedule time during the day/week to handle your social media accounts. Even on personal social media I keep it light because much of the content is unproductive and negative nonsense wears me out.

     A great book to help you find a good balance is “How to Break up with Your iPhone”. (2) This gem covers iPhone addiction and its effects, something our culture needs to deal with. This book is a great resource and gave me tools to manage my iPhone use which is directly related to social media use.

3. Get Up Early

     Seize the day before it begins and get up earlier. Years ago, the reality hit that flying out of bed in the morning and immediately starting the day didn’t work for me. Currently, my routine is to get up at 5:30 to have coffee in bed, pray, and think about the day along with what I hope to achieve. For a little motivation: studies on early risers show they are more “proactive” and better able to “anticipate” and handle problems that arise not to mention being more optimistic than their night owl counterparts. (3)

     This isn’t about having extra time to get things done but taking the time to start the day on a good note which is another valuable tool for being productive. When the day starts on a good note you increase your chances of accomplishing more as opposed to being side-tracked with the stress that comes from being rushed. Getting enough sleep is important, so accommodate this tip with an adjusted bedtime.

4. Take a Break

     If you like crossing items off your to-do list this may be hard. A little secret: that list never ends. Just like the Hydra monster in Greek mythology, as soon as one thing is crossed off two more items appear and take its place. People who are doers by nature have a difficult time taking a break; however, there is great value to making a cup of coffee or tea and sitting outside for a half hour. Make your peace with the fact that the list always exists and schedule a break to refresh and recharge.

5. Make Tech Your Friend

     A bit hypocritical after talking about limiting social media, but technology is also our friend in this crazy-busy life. The iPhone revolutionized our work habits. Along with this are many Apps which, depending on the need, are great tools for organization and efficiency.  Apps are not a one size fits all, so don’t just download a bunch. It takes some trial and error to find the ones that work for you but is well worth the effort.

     Wunderlist is a popular list making app that lets you makes lists, organize them, email them, and share them with others. Airtable is an exciting new app for me which organizes projects such as home remodels, weddings, jobs, trips, pets medical, novel planning, and more. Tripit is an app that I find extremely useful while traveling these days. This amazing app allows you to load your info and it fills in the blanks, giving you a complete and detailed itinerary with links to the hotels, rentals, airlines, etc. on your iPhone- wow! No written list I make tops this genius app.

6. Just Say No

     There are times when you need to say no. While transitioning from stay-at-home mom to small business owner I had to learn to say no to a few people. My new boundaries probably bother some, but if boundaries aren’t set then I may as well close the business. Unfortunately, there are people who think that working at home isn’t a real job, and therefore, interrupting you at their convenience is just fine. One friend frequently called during the work day to “kill time” which I nipped in the bud quickly.  Keep in mind that saying yes to everything burns a person out quick. Take some time to think about what’s important and set some boundaries. Saying yes to everything is not a requirement.

7. Pick Up a Book

​​     Read. Again, this is a spend time to save time tool. Your brain is a muscle and reading exercises your brain and makes you sharper and more focused which enables you to think on your feet more quickly. Reading helps you take in information that is valuable to your career path, life, relationships, etc. It also gives you tools to better manage your life. Picking up books keeps you current and exposes you to new ideas. It also helps you to see different points of view, a valuable critical thinking skill. The most successful people read a lot. Need I say more? But make your reading varied and productive. Don’t indulge all mystery or romance novels; include topics such as inspirational, self-improvement, business, educational, memoirs, etc.

8. Have a Routine

     When the mind prepares ahead of time that certain things happen at a certain times something magical take place that improves focus and work energy. A routine helps ensure things get done and improves productivity. One of my first jobs taught me an important object lesson in this area. As a housekeeper in a retirement home when you tackle your quota of 8-10 apartments a day you better have a plan. A smart housekeeper sets up a system and does the same things in a certain order. You clean rooms at the same day and time every week. This is how things get done fast because your body knows what to do next as opposed to stopping and thinking about it. A routine provides structure which provides stability which improves output.

9. Exercise

     Exercise is important. This gets mentioned often but is worth repeating because it is so effective. When properly done, exercise energizes and boosts you. A well-paced workout leaves you feeling good, refreshed, and ready to tackle the day. Exercise will boost your mental power. (4) If you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck after working out, then it’s time to reevaluate your exercise plan.

Make each day your best one by being productive and feeling good about it!

Sources used:

1. Morrissey, Mary. “The Power of Writing Down your Goals and Dreams”. HuffPost. Updated: December 6, 2017. URL: www.huffingtonpost.com/marymorrissey/the-power-of-writing-down_b_12002348.htm. Date accessed: November 5, 2018.
2. Price, Catherine. 2018. How to Break Up with Your iPhone. New York:   Ten Speed Press.
3.  “Top Advantages of Waking Up Early”  Forbes. URL: www.forbes.com/pictures/gglg45gfd/benefits-of-early-risers/#5e677d151eb. Dated accessed: November 5, 2018.
4.  Friedman, Ron. “Regular Exercise is Part of your Job”. Harvard Business Review. October 3, 2014. URL: hbr.org/2014/10/regular-exercise-is-part-of-your-job. Date accessed: November 5, 2018.

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