11 Ways to Increase Productivity in Life

Remember when you were younger, and you had a bucket list?

All the exciting things to do when you grow up or start making money.

As you grew up, and started life-ing, 24 hours were slipping away just like that. Now you keep wishing for more time to get things done. And if you are honest, even with some spare time, you don’t know what to do because too much needs your attention.

Well time is ticking and this will be your only chance to make the most of whatever you want to with your life.

That’s a lot of pressure, but we have got you covered!

Let’s start with the basics.

What is Productivity?

Productivity is all about using your time, energy, and resources in the best possible way to achieve your goals. So, when you’re productive, you’re able to accomplish more tasks in less time, leaving you with room to spare for things you enjoy.

It is not just about moving at light speed to get many things done in a day, but about how efficient and effective your day turned out. It is also about you feeling accomplished and happy.

It is easy to forget or procrastinate your goals and passions. But it’s also easy for you to tackle them and give yourself the winning medal.

Your goal should not be to be productive at one or two things, but to make it a part of your lifestyle. Once you crack that, you’ll amaze yourself.

Here are some of the most effective ways to increase productivity in life and achieve more.

11 Ways to Increase Productivity in Life

1. Set Clear Goals

Did you know that a simple act of putting your goal into words can increase your chances of achieving it by 42%? Well it’s true and proven.

Make clarity your best friend. Get super clear about your goals and jot them down. You can download the goal-setting cheat sheet we created or if you prefer, you can look around and find your pen and start scribbling on a paper to help you create laser-focused goals.

Divide and Rule

Once you have your list, pick one to tackle first. Break down the goal into smaller, actionable tasks. Also, add a timeline for the same.

Boom! You have got yourself a plan of action. For an extra boost, get it printed and place it somewhere you’ll see it often.

Choose SMART Goals

Use the SMART criteria when setting goals. For instance, your goal is to read a book a week. Let’s put it in the S-M-A-R-T criteria.

• Specific: Decide on a book to read. (Eg. 350-page novel).
• Measurable: Plan to read about 50 pages a day.
• Achievable: Set aside dedicated reading time each day.
• Relevant: You don’t have to read it all in one go, some pages in the morning and some before bed.
• Time-bound: You’ve got seven days to complete the task.

The strategy for reading a 350-page book may not work for reading a 500-page book, probably you need more time for that. Your pace of reading a fictional book may vary from that for a self-help book.

Be open to reviewing and adjusting your plan accordingly. Your goal is not just to finish the book but also to absorb and enjoy it.

2. Prioritize Tasks

Get your priorities straight! Once you have your list, it’s time to number them based on importance and urgency.  

Majors First

If you are one of those people, who tend to choose what they want now over what they want the most, then this is for you. Laying out your priorities will help you see what needs your attention first.

Eisenhower Matrix to Rescue

Use the Eisenhower Matrix to divide your task into 4 categories:

• Urgent and Important
• Urgent but Not Important
• Not Urgent But Important
• Neither Urgent nor Important

Say goodbye to the tasks that fall into the “Neither important nor urgent ”category to focus on high-impact ones. Regularly, check in on your matrix, review, and reassess tasks to stay on track with your goals and priorities.

Choose Wisely

Once you get engrossed in the tasks from the first category it does not mean that the ones in the second and third categories need no attention. Identify the ones that can be outsourced, like cleaning the house, cooking food, taking your dog for a walk, etc. 

Delegate Tasks

If you live with your family or roommates delegate the tasks. Communicate expectations clearly but softly. Trust them to get it done and you’ll free your mind from unnecessary distractions.

3. Chase Clarity

Eat the Frog

Sometimes your list of “Important and Urgent” tasks can feel overwhelming, but don’t throw in the towel just yet! Take a deep breath, look at the list, and tackle one task at a time. Don’t just dive into the first thing on the list without thinking.

You might have heard that tackling the toughest task first brings bigger rewards, and while that works for some, not everyone’s the same. For instance, not all like to exercise in the morning, some prefer the evening or midnight. You pick a time that works best for you and the task.

You do not always have to eat the biggest frog first, eat whenever you choose to eat it, but do eat it!!

Remember to Keep It Real

We all have a set amount of energy. Expecting yourself to be productive from sunrise to sunset just isn’t realistic. When setting your daily goals, be honest with yourself. Build in some buffer time, take breaks whenever you need to, and be flexible enough to handle any curveballs life throws your way.

4. How About an Accountability Partner

Building a productive lifestyle isn’t about jumping on the latest trend. It’s about finding what works best for you and making it a part of your everyday routine. Remember, this is an ongoing process, not a one-and-done kind of thing.

Remember, When you’ve got a long journey ahead, a little help can go a long way!

Whether it’s a coach, mentor, or accountability partner, teaming up with someone can make the road smoother and more enjoyable. Plus, having someone in your corner can keep you from veering off course when things get tough.

Look for Someone to Team Up With

Trying to wake up at a time when you’d usually be fast asleep? Having someone give you a wake-up call can be way better than hitting that snooze button. The same goes for productivity!

Find yourself a productivity buddy from your circle of close ones. You can keep each other on track and give each other that extra push when needed.

Hire a Pro to Keep You on Track

So, what if teaming up with your productivity buddy isn’t giving you the expected outcome? Or you find yourselves slacking off more often than you’d like. It’s true—finding the right buddy can be tough, and sometimes it just doesn’t work out the way you hoped.

If you are really serious about reaching the finish line, then we recommend hire an accountability partner. These pros are there for more than just being part of your journey—they’ll help you craft a solid, actionable plan to keep you on track. Plus, they’ll motivate and cheer you on as you make progress.

An accountability partner is like having a personal cheerleader who challenges you to do your best and celebrates your wins. They’re in your corner every step of the way, making sure you’re focused and on top of your goals.

5. Honor Time

Time is a trickster. One moment there is enough of it and then at another, you just don’t know where all of it is gone. Scheduling your time is a way to keep track of how you are spending it. Scheduling your time may seem a bit extreme initially but it’ll save you from a lot of decision fatigue later.

Get used to time-blocking

Allocate time for all the major and minor tasks of the day. Save the important stuff for when you know you’re at peak productivity. Learn more about what time of the day you are most productive to tackle the big things. Use Google Calendar to add reminders and set alerts.

Learn to say No

If you say YES to everything, then you are already slipping off of the productivity train. A fixed amount of time and energy a day needs boundaries and priorities set. Know when to say NO to yourself and others as well. Declining yourself or others may seem extreme initially but you’ll come around. Keep your eye on the bigger goal and align yourself with it. Saying ‘NO’ could be one of the effective ways to increase productivity in Life

6. Notifications Off

Getting easily distracted is the new normal. And it is not your fault. But not doing anything about it is going to put you in a lot of problems.

Say ‘NO’ to Distractions

Want to learn to say NO? Start here. Turn off all the notifications that are not necessary. Find a quiet workplace put on noise-cancellation earphones and get the work done! If you often wander with your thoughts pull yourself back and start again.

To do or not to do

Now that you’ve nailed your to-do list, it’s time to make a not-to-do list! Learning the art of elimination can be a total game-changer. Knowing what not to do helps you zero in on what needs your attention.

Think of it as clearing out the clutter, so you can focus on what truly matters. Whether cutting out distractions, dropping unnecessary tasks, or setting boundaries, creating a not-to-do list will help you stay on track.

7. Tech it up

For most of us, the way we interact with technology has become second nature. Why not use it to enhance your productivity?

Technology, at your service

Exploring productivity tools and apps can make a real difference! With so many options, it’s all about finding the ones that fit your work style and goals best.

Start by checking out a variety of apps for different tasks. Need help staying organized? Get a goal setting checklist or try a to-do list app. Want to keep your projects on track? Look into project management tools. The possibilities are endless!

Don’t forget to leverage calendar apps! They can help you schedule appointments, set deadlines, and create reminders to keep you on track. Sync your calendar across all your devices to stay in the loop wherever you go.

8. Tidy Up

Organizing never gets old

Whether it’s your daily routine or work schedule, using top productivity tools like to-do lists and calendars can make a world of difference. There’s nothing quite like the dopamine rush you get when you check things off your list.

Productivity apps like Google Calendar, Notion, and others can help with planning, scheduling, and managing tasks. And if you like to keep things tangible, you can use Canva to design and print out your planner. Keep it close by for easy access throughout your day.

Also, take time to declutter your workspace regularly. It helps cut down distractions and keeps you focused. Invest in good stationery—sticky notes, labels, pens, and such—to navigate your work smoothly.

9. Indulge In Some Breaks

Ever Heard of Pomodoro?

Started on a kitchen timer, the Pomodoro technique is a go-to approach for many people. It’s especially effective when you are trying to build habits that stick. Taking short breaks helps you divert your attention elsewhere and back to your work with new zeal.

The technique can be helpful, especially if you struggle with procrastination, have a short attention span, or get easily overwhelmed by long, unbroken work sessions.

You can use the Pomodoro clock or use the old-school stopwatch. Set the timer to 25 minutes and GET-SET-GO. Once the time is up take a short 5-minute break and start again. But in case you are in the zone, be in the zone.

Happy Pomodoro-ing!

Spot the Difference Between Distraction and Break

When it comes to taking breaks, it pays to be mindful of what you’re doing. There’s a fine line between a distraction and a real break. If you find yourself unable to focus and reach for your phone to scroll through social media, that’s a distraction, not a break.

Instead, if you get up, step outside for fresh air, or stretch your legs for a few minutes before getting back to work, that’s a proper break. It gives your brain a chance to reset and recharge, making you more productive in the long run.

So, pay attention to how you’re using your break time. If you often mistake distractions for breaks, it’s time to spot the difference and keep yourself on track.

10. Terrific Trio: Good Nutrition, Routine, and Mindfulness

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Your body is like the ultimate vessel that takes you everywhere you want to go, so taking good care of it should be your top priority! Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night to keep your cognitive functions sharp, support memory, and keep your mood in check.

Fuel yourself with a balanced diet full of nutrients to power your body and brain throughout the day.

And let’s not forget about exercise! Moving your body regularly helps boost your mood, keep your energy up, and maintain overall health. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a trip to the gym, make time for some physical activity.

Build a Daily Routine

Going with the flow can be tempting—it seems spontaneous and fun! But having a structured daily routine beats it every time. When you block your time hour by hour, including even the smallest mundane tasks, you set yourself up for long-term success.

At first planning out your day so precisely might feel a bit much. You might think, “Do I really need to schedule everything?” But, it can make a huge difference in the long run. By allocating specific time slots for each task, your productivity soars and your stress levels drop.

Practice Mindfulness

Now that we’ve talked about taking care of your body, let’s shift our focus to your mind. To really maximize your productivity, you need excellent coordination between your body and mind—they both need to be in sync to achieve top-notch results.

For your mind to perform at its best, it needs training and nurturing. Consider incorporating meditation into your routine to calm your thoughts and increase focus. Positive affirmations can boost your confidence and mindset, helping you approach tasks with a more optimistic perspective.

Set aside an hour each day to engage in these activities and make your mind your biggest supporter. By dedicating time to training and caring for your mind, you’ll be setting yourself up for peak performance.

We are also pleased to report you, from our experience of course, that meditation is one of the most effective ways to increase productivity in life.

11. Reflect and Adjust

Team Up With Adaptability

It’s all about experimenting and discovering what suits you best. Whether you’re diving into different productivity techniques or tools, trying new methods can lead you to your personal productivity sweet spot. Making tweaks based on what works and what doesn’t is a never-ending process.

Keep in mind that your productivity goals for work assignments might not match your goals for a 5-day workout schedule. So, you’ll need to tailor your strategies accordingly. What works wonders today might not do the trick next month, so stay open to change.

Being adaptable is one of your greatest assets. Embrace new challenges and be willing to switch things up when needed. By staying flexible and ready to evolve, you’ll be setting yourself up for success, no matter what comes your way!

Strengthen Your Strengths

Once you’ve navigated these processes, you’ll start to see where your strengths shine. When you find them, hold onto them tightly and use them as your guidepost. Your strengths can be your secret weapon for success.

Work with your strengths and integrate them into your tasks whenever possible. When you’re operating from a place of strength, everything feels more natural and you can tackle challenges with more confidence.

So, take the time to discover what you’re good at and focus on honing those skills. They can be the key to unlocking your full potential and reaching new heights in productivity!

Combining these tips and experimenting with what suits you best, you’re on your way to mastering productivity. Remember, it’s all about finding your rhythm and flow. So, take it one step at a time, and watch your productivity soar!

You’ve got this!