4 productivity hacks for getting back on track
The Two-Minute Rule
This hack, developed by James Clear, says that if the task in front of you will take two minutes or less, do it immediately. That way instead of letting small things add up and get out of control, you tackle the simple stuff right off the bat. For example, after eating dinner, clean the kitchen directly afterward. That way you won’t have to think about it later. Another example is when you fold laundry, immediately put clothes away to avoid this small task being added to the list of things you need to accomplish.
Sunday sign-in
Sure, no one likes working on the weekend. If you feel the coming week will be a busy one then take a few minutes to sign in on Sunday afternoon. That way when you arrive at the office on Monday morning, you will have a head start on your work. You don’t have to spend the entire afternoon working, but devoting just a small amount of time to get ahead of the game will save you from feeling overwhelmed when you open your work email account on Monday.
(10+2)*5
This productivity hack developed by Merlin Mann recommends ten minutes of uninterrupted work on one particular task followed by a two-minute break during which you can do anything you choose. Then the first and second step should be repeated five times. This technique will teach you to focus on one particular task for a set amount of time, which will condition your brain to keep on it until it’s completed.
Just say “no”
Overextending yourself is a definite killer of productivity. When you don’t want to let anyone down or you think you’ll find the time for the many tasks you’ve committed to, you may end up stressed. Instead, learn to tell people “no” if you really don’t feel you have the adequate amount of time it will take to do what they ask. Let them know you want to help but will get back to them when you are available. Once you stop adding little things to your plate, you’ll be amazed how much time you’ll have to get the big things done that really matter.
