Productivity Is Hard. Here Are Some Hacks.
Tips and Tricks for The Best Productivity
The Struggle
Are you working hard? Or are you Hardly Working? We have all struggled with concentration and productivity. I have compiled strategies as well as some tools to help hack your way to a more productive time.
Strategies
There are different strategies in which you can use to strengthen your time productively.
Lists Are Necessary
Chances are you have more than one thing you need to get done. When this happens we stress over how we are going to get each and every little thing done. I recommend making a list of all the things you need to get done to remediate the stress. Target each task one by one, check-marking, or crossing each item off your list every time you complete a task. By doing so gives you a sense of accomplishment for each task. The small wins will help you keep going and will help serve as a reminder of how much work you get done. Remember to solely focus on each task one at a time. No multi-tasking!
Pomodoro Technique
If you have a very short attention span I suggest using the Pomodoro Technique to start with. The Pomodoro Technique is when you choose a specific task to work on and set a timer to work on it for 25 minutes. Just 25 minutes. Make sure that in the 25 minutes you do work, there will be minimal distractions and any other tasks that come to mind, take note of it, for later. After that, take a small break, about 5 minutes or so, then repeat. Every 4 times you repeat the technique, take a longer break, like 30 minutes.
90–20 Rule
Maybe you don’t have a short attention span and you can work for hours long, but have trouble thinking, or progressing along in your work. The 90–20 Rule or work 90 minutes and take a 20-minute break is a great way to get your creative juices flowing again. By working hard for 90 minutes and taking a 20-minute break you will allow your brain the proper rest that will allow yourself to get into a “flow” state of work.
Helpful Tools
There are some helpful tools that CAN be beneficial to you if used properly. Most of these tools are phone apps or extensions. I do not recommend the use of your cell phone when working, but there is no problem with using your phone during breaks. It’s all about self-discipline and control with your phone.
Schedule Your Notifications
Chances are you can’t put away your phone because of work or some other reason. Daywise is an app that lets you choose what apps you want to get notifications from instantly or scheduled later. This lets you mitigate your distractions from your phone. By scheduling your notifications at a specific time you won’t be bothered by that notification tone constantly. Instead, you will get one notification from Daywise that will show you all the notifications you missed up to that point.
App Blockers (block websites and apps on your phone):
App Blockers will limit your time on your phone. Especially your go-to apps when you are on autopilot.
I personally use AppBlock on my phone. It lets me create different profiles that will let me block specific apps and websites based on time, location, wi-fi, usage limit, or launch count. AppBlock will also block notifications for the app if you desire to.
Chrome Extension Blockers (block websites and apps on your computer)
In this day and age, most of our work is done on the computer. Meaning we have most of our distractions on our computers as well. Facebook, Youtube, you name it, they’re always one click away, but with one click they can also go away. I use the Block Site Chrome Extension when I am working to block the most used websites that I don’t need.
To-Do List
Like I said previously you need to create a to-do list. If you do not use a pen and paper, I recommend using TickTick or Todoist. Both are available on the web and for mobile apps. You can separate your to-do list by different lists and set reminders for each of your tasks as well.
This article is for informational purposes only and based purely on my own opinions and experiences. It should not be considered Professional or Legal Advice.
