The Productivity Hacks List

The Productivity Hacks List

1. Check your email twice daily - Email is a huge time-sync. Try and check your email a maximum of twice daily. Getting down to looking at your email this little may be hard so start by checking once an hour and then gradually space it out.
2. Wake up Earlier - Its amazing how much you can get done by rising a littler earlier. Try getting up 1 hour earlier than you regularly do. Use this time to check emails, have breakfast or read a book. Find out how to wake up earlier
3. Concentrate on one Task at a Time - multitasking is not only difficult but actually hampers productivity. Direct all your focus towards one task and once complete move onto the next
4. Turn off IM - IM or instant messengers are huge time wasters. When looking to be more productive on the computer, turn off your IM client.
5. Transcribe Voicemail - Voicemail is a very inefficent way to communicate. Do a google search for one of the many services that will automatically transcribe your voicemail and then send you the contents via email.
6. Keep a To-Do List - Keep a list of tasks that need to be completed today and ones that need to be done soon. Keep it up to date and make sure its always accessible.
7. Create a Dedicated Workspace - set aside a space to work in. Keep it free from clutter and mess and make sure it only contains the bare essentials
8. Keep Snacking - Low blood sugar will lead to feeling lethargic and drowsy. Snack on low GI foods throughout the day, which will result in a stable blood sugar level and will even prevent Diabetes.
9. Turn Off Your Phone - Make sure you are using a tool that will transcribe your voicemail and you can confidently turn off your phone.
10. Schedule Regular Breaks - Power through your Task list by setting yourself up with regular short breaks. Take a nap, go for a quick walk, eat something or mediate
11. Keep a Scribble Pad - Keep a pad handy where you can scribble down ideas and anything else important that pops into your head. At the end of the day transfer important notes to a tool such as evernote, which will index your notes. You can even take photos of your scribbles and have them transcribed and indexed.
12. Listen to Music - Music is a useful tool for keeping your mood in balance. I sometimes find myself getting stressed out and changing the music genre (from rock to jazz) will help me relax
13. Say No - Learn how to say no in a polite and respectful manner. We always take on to many tasks and cutting down will make us happier and more productive
14. Outsource Tasks - These days pretty much anybody can afford to outsource. Do a google search for virtual assistants to outsource those repetitive or mindless tasks.
15. Keep Hydrated - Replenish your body with plenty of water throughout the day. Keep a drink bottle or glass of water by your desk for easy access
16. Get Rid of Clutter - Keeping spaces clean and free of any clutter will make finding things and working more efficient.
17. Have the Right Amount of Sleep - Although scientists are still figuring this out, 7 hours is generally a good amount of sleep time. Oversleeping will cause you to be drowsy and unproductive