How to get more done at work in less time!
If you are an ambitious, career-driven woman like me, you want to hack your work day so you can get more done at work in less time. Am I right?
- Create a routine that works for you AND be consistent at it.
- Schedule breaks in your calendar to get up from your desk, drink more water, etc. Getting up to move for 5-10 minutes can help break your work pattern so you come back to your computer more focused and ready to tackle the day!
- Use apps like Rescue Time to see how you are spending your time online throughout the day.
- Use extensions or apps such as Stay Focused, Self Control, Freedom or Rescue Time to block websites during work hours so you can maximize productivity.
- Spend Friday afternoon preparing for the next week. When you sit down to your desk on Monday there is no guessing as to what you need to get done. You have it all figured out!
- Many people tend to answer emails first thing in the morning; however, I recommend tackling big projects early in the morning when your mind is alert and refreshed. Then, spend the afternoon following-up on emails.
- Use the Pomodoro technique, which is a time management technique developed by Francesco Cirillo, where you break down your projects into 25 minutes intervals, separated by short breaks. You are combining short bursts of work with a mini-break allowing you to socialize a bit especially if you are in an office environment.
- Beat the clock challenge – Have fun at work and play a little game called beat the clock to see how much I can get done in a day.
- Single tasking over multi-tasking is best as it minimizes distractions and allows you to get more done in less time.
- Schedule some fun and celebrate your wins! It’s so easy to get lost in your never ending to do list; however, if we don’t celebrate our progress it leads to burn out and believe it or not it can make us more productive.
There are numerous time management and productivity techniques out there and ultimately you have to find what works best for you. Implementing a system has huge benefits including: getting out of work earlier to go to happy hour or home for dinner, not waking up every morning stressed or dreading going to the office and ultimately getting stuff done!