We all want to land our dream jobs and lead our perfect lives but what happens after you land your dream job. No one can deny it is a very competitive world. Everyone is out to prove themselves, but how can you increase productivity? How can you make sure you are working per your optimum capacity without burning out. Maybe these tips can help, read on:
1. What To Do
Making a to-do list might sound clichéd and an overused term but the very simple task of listing down your task can go a long way in terms of increasing productivity. The list will help you prioritize yourself from your pile of work and ensure that no task is neglected. Psychologically, it will act as a reward mechanism every task completed will make you more confident. A step further would be to make a to-do list for the next day before leaving the office if possible.
2. Prioritize
Not all tasks were created equal. Once you have listed down all your tasks at hand, it is very important to prioritize as not all tasks demand the same amount of involvement; also each task will have a different deadline. This will help a great deal to increase productivity when it comes to time allocation and time management. The better you can manage your time the better you can focus on your work.
3. Time management
Haven’t our parents and teachers all nagged us at some point to work on our time management skills? Well, they might have been on to something, not having enough time or time constraint can make even the best of us jittery. The panic, the frustration can mess up a lot more than your work, it can take a serious toll on your health as well. When it comes to time management it is not only enough to allocate time for each task, it is very important to give each task some additional buffer to mitigate any last-minute delays or changes which will keep you going like a well-oiled machine.
4. Break it up
While planning your time to increase productivity it is very important to factor in time for frequent breaks. Working continuously for extended periods can become overwhelming at times which may eventually lead to burnout. Apart from work seating for long periods can lead to a number of health complications as well. Small active breaks will keep you feeling fresh and active. Ditch the bottle, walk up to the water cooler whenever thirsty, or take a short walk in the corridor. A relaxed mind always thinks clearly.
5. Socialize
No gossip, keep it professional but that doesn’t mean you need to be serious all the time; after all, we are social animals. Talk to your colleagues, greet each other, be friendly after all these are the people you will be with for most of your day. Socializing a little will help keep the environment amicable and help avoid the monotony of being holed up in a confined office space.
6. Ask for it
Somebody has rightly said ‘if you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together’. It indeed is a very competitive world where each person has to fend for themselves but even the best of us need help. Asking for help doesn’t mean giving up or failing, rather it will save for creating a mess, frustrating yourself, and eventually ruining your peace of mind. Asking for help from the right person when needed will only boost your productivity in the long run.
7. Delegate
None of us can do all our work by ourselves, admit it, accept it, practice it. Taking on responsibility is a good thing but overwhelming yourself with all the work alone is a classic recipe for burnout. Learning to delegate is a very important skill that few people talk about. With all the helping hands you can get a lot done simultaneously. After all, teamwork makes the dream work.
8. And it’s a goal
Setting realistic goals might look like a simple little thing, but the fact remains we can get overly ambitious at times. Every organization is striving better or more than its competitors which is a survival mechanism. It is up to you to set realistic goals, give your superiors a fair idea, and be persuasive if they demand more than what is achievable. One need not be aggressive to make their point but if everyone is on the same page then the office can be a much happier place.
9. Boundary line
Draw your boundaries, don’t carry your work home, likewise do not carry your personal problems to your office. Once in a while in unavoidable situations, it is okay to work from home but doing it regularly might encroach on your personal space which you need to relax and unwind. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.
10. Go home
It is always better to rest when you are sick, take a day off, you are not a machine. Always listen to your body if you’re sick or feeling down, either way, you won’t get much done around the office. It is better to recover and come back rejuvenated, that’s when you can get things done.
