Being Productive 101

Vuk Lazarevic
Sep 2, 2018 · 4 min read

We all live busy lives nowadays. Our lives are full of tight schedules, deadlines, alarm clocks and sometimes we’d all like to cut it out and quit everything. Of course, that’s never an option. But do you know what is an option? -We can become more productive. No one will help you if you don’t help yourself. I don’t like when work gets amassed on my plate to the extent where I have three panic attacks and one stroke (not really) before 11 am Monday. I’ve been through those panic attacks one too many times and so I decided to make a list of tips on how to become more productive. Being productive translates to being efficient and that ultimately means getting things done in timely fashion. So, let’s take a look.


1 — Make a concise to-do list

You will accomplish nothing if you don’t have a clear list of tasks that need to be done. When making this list you have to be concise and clear. Don’t be vague because that’ll only result in you spending more time thinking about what exactly you need to do next. As a writer I often receive tasks on Sundays. Each task has to be done before a certain day of the week. Therefore, I prioritize articles that are due on Tuesday and I write them on Monday. I always have them written at least 8 hours before the deadline. Take that spare time to your advantage and don’t wait for the deadline day to do everything. Always be one step ahead. When you’re in a rush you are prone to make mistakes and that could be costly.


2 — Coffee to the rescue

You’ve probably heard about how coffee makes us all more productive and whatnot. And that is true. I was really skeptical about this one so I had to try and see for myself. Turns out it really does work. I remember one time when I had to complete all my work before 5 pm due to a uni exam. I was in a rush and I had to wake up earlier that day if I wanted to make it. I remember that horrendous situation where I was supposed to produce 3,000 words because I slacked the day before and all of a sudden I felt helpless. I thought that I would fail miserably and probably get myself fired. But then I remembered that many of my colleagues drink coffee because of the alleged ‘energy boost’. And oh my were they right. Not only did I enjoy the taste but it also sharpened me up and I became faster. If you’re still on the fence about the whole coffee thing, I highly recommend that you try and test this tip for yourself. It saved me that day. Who knows, it might just save you as well.


3 — Plan out your breaks

One thing I’ve read on Forbes web publication about successful people is that they always take plenty of breaks during the day. Considering the fact that I too want to be great and successful, I had to put that theory to test. Once I had three articles that needed to be written asap. As soon as I got up, I started typing. The first one was fine, no headache, easy peasy lemon squeezy. I immediately started the next one. Halfway through the second article I felt that annoying sensation around my temples. Oh yes, the burnout was real. Headache was approaching. After two and a half hours I completed two of my three articles for the day. I drank some water and carried on. I made at least a dozen of typos in my third article. I was all around the place. The sentence structure was awful and I was ashamed. Proofreaders were probably cursing at me like hell that day. So I decided to trust Forbes magazine and I planned out my breaks the next time. I started my first article after breakfast, second one followed after a half an hour break and the third was completed by the dinner time. Those were the first three articles with little to no typos. So, take a breather every once in a while, quality of your work is maybe even more important than efficiency time-wise.


4 — Eliminate distractions

Turn your mobile phone off, do not get carried away. When you work you have to focus if you want to perform well. I learned over the time that I write faster and better when my phone isn’t within the reach. Also, theTV has to be turned off. That should go without saying. Eliminate distractions! Your daily chat with your friends can wait. Do that during your breaks. I became more efficient by leaving my phone in the bedroom every time I decide to write something. However, I do like calm piano music in the background while I work. Thank you YouTube!


5 — Run routines

I have to thank Robin Sharma for this one! Having a good routine really helps. I remember when I was just a newbie in the world of copywriting how I would write one article in the afternoon and than cram the rest before midnight. As I got better and wiser (lol) I realized that having a routine does wonders to my productivity. And Robin Sharma agrees. By following a strict daily routine work-wise, you’ll develop a habit and all the work you need to do will seem easier than it really is. Wake up every day at the same time, eat your breakfast at the same time, put in that work at the same time. Heck, plan out your breaks at the same time every day. Program your days. It’s easier.


These tips have worked for me so far and I don’t see why some of these (at least one) wouldn’t be helpful to you too. You won’t know if you never try.

Vuk Lazarevic

Written by

Just another guy puzzled by the world, life, people and their stupidity. www.linkedin.com/in/vuk-lazarević-528067163

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