You are a busy woman. Classes, events, philanthropy, clubs, study periods, and so much more. Getting things done and maintaining high productivity can be super challenging. Don’t worry, we got you!
Here are some productivity tips that will help you get so much more done in a day. More importantly, do them properly and effectively.
1. Have a single purpose focus
We all love multitasking and we pride on our ability to do so. The true magic happens when we do the opposite and focus on just one thing. Being able to apply 100% of your focus on the task at hand will be your biggest tool in your productivity box. Manage to set all other tasks aside. Don’t let yourself get distracted with what you should have done, or what you need to do next. Focus on the present task, get it done, feel great about it, and then move on to the next.
On highly demanding tasks, set your phone to airplane mode to avoid distracting notifications.
2. Set a time limit for meetings
All your meetings should have a limit of time. For example, chapters, you can dedicate on as much or as little time as you think necessary. For example, 1 hour every Sunday. But beware, don’t go over that set time. This way you will be able to schedule more things during the day, and actually be able to get to them. Usually you know beforehand what issues you need to discuss and how much time you are willing to spend on them. Use that to set your time limits.
The previous tip can help you stay tied to your time limit. Stay focus on those points, don’t diverge from them. Go through them one at the time. Resolve everything within the time limit.
3. Set up productivity rituals
Rituals are of great importance. Setting rituals for your daily schedule will make hard tasks feel less effortful.Tony Schwartz, CEO of Energy Project gives his 4 most important rituals. We understand that being a college student you are involved in many activities. These activities with ever-changing schedules can make it harder for you to set rituals. But just as Tony Schwartz did, pick your most important areas. The areas that make you keep high productivity and energy levels, and try to find a way of accomplishing those every day.
At first it might be hard to get to these rituals. But if you keep at it, eventually you will do them without giving them a second thought.
4. Get up earlier
You must be thinking “Wake up earlier? I can’t do that. I need to rest!” Yes, it is true, you do need to rest. But once you become more productive, you will be able to get the necessary sleep and be able to wake up early. When you wake up early you will experience several great benefits. For example, you will be able to get an early start on the day when no one else is around to distract you. . By the time everyone is up and ready to put more things on your plate, you have already accomplished some of your tasks. Giving you enough flexibility to get involved in issues. Or it can also give you the time to realize that today, is not a day you can handle anything more. This way you don’t over commit.
You will also have time to go over some rituals you have set for yourself before going to classes and meetings.
5. Capture all creative ideas
Inspiration comes at the most random times. While walking to class, working through an assignment. Maybe in the shower, or all kind of funny places. Normally, when inspiration strikes you are not in a position to be able to develop that idea further. “But it is a great idea!” No worries, write it down so you don’t forget. And explore it later, when you are able to focus on that and get the best out of your idea.
This is not a to-do list. These are unfinished thoughts, which may be valuable. That is for you to decide later.
6. Create to-do lists
We all love to-do lists. It helps us see how many items need to get done within a day. Plus we can make really pretty lists. However, more often than not, we lose track of them, or we don’t refer back to them. Create a to-do list, and use it. Refer back to it as much as needed. Prioritize items. Set time limits to them. The to-do list can help you keep track of the time you spend on certain tasks. It will keep you focus on the task at hand. And it will help you figure out exactly what is or isn’t important to get done.
Creating a to-do list can be one of your everyday rituals.
7. Take breaks
Do like KitKat and take a break! You have been working so hard to get everything done. Give yourself some down time. Go on a coffee run or for a walk. Watch an episode of New Girl with your sisters, or meditate. Whatever gets you to relax and helps you recharge. Just do it! It will help you stay energized, efficient, and most importantly HAPPY!