Top 5 Tips to Boost Productivity
My Top 5 Tips
change your scenery
clean/organize your space
do the little stuff first
get a new mug
outsource tasks
As a small business owner, entrepreneur, or side hustler, you know how important it is to get things done. From marketing, to photography, to writing, to managing socials, to book keeping: you are responsible for everything, and sometimes (or most of the time) you struggle to finish the to-do list.
There will never be enough hours in the day, nor will there be enough caffeine. You may be burning out on the things you love to do and may even be reading this as an excuse to not be working. If you can just get more done in less time, then maybe you could have time to make good meals, take your dog on a walk, or start living the entrepreneurial life you dreamed about.
My Top 5 Tips
change your sceneryclean/organize your spacedo the little stuff firstget a new mugoutsource tasks
The Ultimate Goal: To Get More Done in Less Time
You may be thinking to yourself: “I can make time”, or “I’ll just wake up earlier” or “I’ll do it on my lunch break.” Maybe you can right now, but eventually, you will burn out. The key to productivity is focus. If you aren’t in a flow state where creativity and functionality easily flow out, you may need to work on your focus.
Everyone focuses differently. I know some people who have to be listening to pop music in order to work efficiently. For me, however, I end up singing along to the music and I totally forget about what I am supposed to be doing. Some people work their most efficient when they have a fast-approaching deadline, and others, not so much. Likewise, these tips may work for you, or they may not. Maybe just one will and that is ok! So without further ado, let’s jump into my top 5 tips to boost your productivity!
Tip 1: Change your Scenery
Every day you get up, make coffee, plop down at your desk, turn on your computer, look at your to-do list, and sigh, “Here we go again”. Sometimes struggling to be productive is connected to how excited you are to sit down and smash out some work. Something I have found that helps rekindle my excitement is changing up my environment. If I am bored in my office, then I’ll go to a coffee shop or a library, or even my living room.
Another way to change up your scenery, if you can’t go somewhere else, is to switch things up on your other senses like smells, tastes, or sounds. Try a new drink or snack, burn a candle, or play different music. You can even make these things exclusive to your workday so you have to be working to enjoy them.
Tip 2: Clean or Organize your Space
Are anyone else’s mindsets tied to the cleanliness of their space? If your space is cluttered, then your mind is cluttered, and it is harder to focus. Remember, focus affects how easily information and creativity flow through and out of you. You can get this effect by simply clearing your desk, picking up clothing on the floor, or vacuuming. Tidying up doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Just spending five minutes picking up can help set you up for a great, free-flowing workday.
Tip 3: Do the Little Stuff First
Do you feel like your to-do list is too long and you don’t know where to start? This feeling of shutting down can seriously reduce your productivity. A great place to start is with the little things. Knock out your emails, fold laundry, put dishes away, packaging orders, etc., or whatever is on your list that won’t take much time. Some of those cleaning tasks will also help declutter your mind space!
By knocking out smaller tasks, you are shortening your to-do list, making it more manageable. You are also getting things done, which can help boost your motivation to continue getting things done. You are building a positive feedback system that will give you momentum for the more challenging things on your to-do list.
Tip 4: Get a New Mug
You know that feeling when you get a new office desk, or new workout clothes, or a new handbag? You want to use them! You will want to sit down to work, go to the gym, or dress up and go out. Now, your budget probably doesn’t have the capacity for a new handbag, desk, or clothes every time you need a productivity boost. It may however be more realistic to get something smaller, like a mug.
Get a mug with a motivating quote or relatable image, something cute that you will be excited to use! Treating yourself may be just the boost you need. It may also be the boost that another small business owner, side hustler, or entrepreneur needs. Cute mugs can be found at Target, Amazon, or HERE.
Tip 5: Outsource Tasks
Sometimes there is just too much to do for one person and you will work yourself into the ground trying to complete it all. By outsourcing some of the work, you can free up your to-do list and not be as overwhelmed. More tasks can get done in the same amount of time and you aren’t sprinting to do it all.
A great place to find freelancers to take on some of your business tasks is Fiverr! It allows you to search for the specific tasks you need completed, and sort through different prices and skill levels to fit your budget and needs. I have another blog post all about outsourcing if you would like to read more about what it is and why you should be doing it.
