With the warm weather upon us, vacation requests are on the rise! If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll stay productive, AND leave enough time to enjoy some summer fun.
Break it Down
You may find yourself with large portions of your time unscheduled. If you’re used to staying busy, this can seem overwhelming. However, if you break your day down into smaller chunks, it is easy to remain focused. Organize your day in the way that works best for you and stick to it. Make sure that others understand that during specific “work times” you won’t be able to return their email immediately, or be readily available. This advance communication will help you stay productive and focused!
Don’t Multi-Task
Sometimes we think that we have to juggle five tasks at once in order to be productive. However, it is impossible to give focus to two things at one time. So, if we attempt to do two things at one time, our productivity actually suffers. If you are working on one thing, try to stay focused instead of also checking email, making phone calls, or writing a blog post. Focusing on one thing at a time will make you feel better because you will accomplish the task. Plus, your performance will increase when you give 100% effort.
Make a To-Do List
Whether it is hand-written or linked to OneNote on your computer, a to-do list can boost your productivity. Plan your daily tasks and prioritize them. Then, as you accomplish them, check them off the list and see what you’ve accomplished. This type of visual motivates you to do more. And, it will help you stay organized.
Take Breaks
Often we get stuck on a project because we’re distracted. With the internet full of content, it is easy to jump onto Facebook, Twitter, or a fun app for a break. These types of “breaks” don’t motivate us, however. They make us even more distracted than we thought, sometimes wasting a lot of time. Take a break by walking outside or getting a glass of water. Or, change your work environment by stepping into an empty conference room. These little “breaks” will renew your energy and get you thinking more clearly.
Stay Accountable
This an important step in productivity, especially if you are an entrepreneur or business owner. It is easy to say that you will do something and then let it slip through the cracks. However finding someone to hold you accountable for your actions can help you remain focused and get the important things finished. Set up weekly check-ins with team members. Make sure that tasks carry specific due dates. By taking those steps, you will stay on track to prioritize your projects and meet deadlines.
Living in a fast-paced world with a plethora of content, pressures, and distracting elements in the workplace, it is easy to lose focus. The warm summer weather and draw of beach vacations and poolside cocktails can pull productivity levels even lower. However, if you implement little organization tactics like making lists, smart time management, and weekly check-in meetings it will be easy to accomplish the necessary items in your workload so you can take some time to enjoy the summertime sun too!