6 Productivity Hacks to Try (That Don't Require Technology)
Turns out, you don't need the latest high-tech gadget or app to keep you on task with your workflow and productivity monitoring. In fact, some entrepreneurs stick with old-school task-tracking methods that wind up being just as effective as pricey alternatives. Here are six hacks to try in the future:
1. Go for a Walk
Take a break, get up, and go for a walk. Leave the phone on your desk. Your brain continues to work on things in the background and you may have a "eureka" moment just strolling around the office looking for coffee. It takes the edge off your day, and in the long run, 15-20 minutes away from your desk won't break you.
2. Make To-Do Lists on Traditional Post-It Notes
Despite all the to-do apps and task management tools out there, old-fashioned Post-it notes are still a great way to do it. Jot down your high-priority tasks for the day/week in one-to-three words on a Post-It. Stick the Post-It somewhere annoying, like hanging off your keyboard or monitor, and check off items as you go. There is nothing more satisfying in the day than crumpling up a completed Post-It and throwing it into the trash.
3. Prioritize
You can't be productive if you don't have priorities. You certainly won't feel productive if you always over-promise and under-deliver. Falling short of your goals demotivates you AND makes it hard to communicate with your team. Prioritize just one task a day that is truly important to accomplish.
4. Write Down Your Priorities
Write down your top three priorities for the day before you open up your computer. Keep them in a place next to you so that you see them all day, even when other urgent but less important tasks come up.
5. Delegate to the Right People
It's tempting to want to do everything yourself (especially when you first start out) but unfortunately there are just not enough hours in the day. Becoming comfortable handing over tasks to others to help you accomplish your goals is a game changer. This way the task is done well and in a time-efficient manner.
6. Use Canned Responses for Emails
Many people have started using canned responses on Gmail and it saves them from having to write the same old email over and over again.
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