Whether you are in uni or you are just an extremely busy person we all want to get more done in a day. Over the past few years I’ve discovered a few tips to get more done each and every single day. I hope they help you.
Get enough sleep
In order to power through the day you must be rested. It is suggested you get 7-8 hours of sleep each night but perhaps you do not need that much or perhaps you need more. Whatever your optimal time is make sure you are getting enough. This ensures you have enough energy to make it through the day and get all your tasks done.
Prioritize
Prioritizing is quite a simple task–know what needs to be done first and put it at the top of your to-do list. It really is that simple.
Accomplishing the most important tasks first will ease your mind and make it easier to concentrate on future tasks you have to do that day as well. While prioritizing, it is important to be mindful of the difficulty level or amount of effort each task will take. Having the most lengthy task crossed off your list first will be satisfying because the most daunting assignment is completed!
Write down your goals
Everyone knows having concrete goals is one of the most effective ways to start a task. However, writing them down solidifies their importance and pushes you to get them done.
I have a notebook I keep beside my bed specifically for goal setting, in here I write down long term goals but I am aware I have to make short term goals to eventually achieve my long term ambitions. This starts with goals for each day!
Every morning I wake up I write down my goals for the day which often include: eating healthy, making it to the gym, and accomplishing everything on my to-do list. The mentality I have is I need to accomplish my little goals to accomplish my larger goals, therefore, I know I HAVE to get everything on my to-do list done in order to one day reach my larger goals.
Make a To-Do list
I LOVE to-do lists! Actually, I love the satisfaction of crossing off tasks from my to-do list. I find it most beneficial to make a to-do list for each day–it’s not as overwhelming. I write down EVERYTHING I have to do for the day on this list. For example, I write down my homework, my appointments, and I write down if I have to go to the grocery store.
Make a to-don’t list
Perhaps this sounds slightly ridiculous but it seriously has worked wonders for me! I know my weaknesses and I know I have to avoid them if I want to get things done. Ask yourself what distracts you, or what prevents you from being productive. When you have that question answered write those activities, people, items down. If you have a slight addiction to Netflix like I do–write that down on your to-don’t list! Your list could also include not hanging out with friends until your tasks are done, or not listening to music if it distracts you.
Focus on one task at a time
Concentrate on one thing and one thing only. By doing this you will be able to complete one task fully the first time. Although multitasking works well for some people it divides attention between two or more things taking away from each individual task. If you are wanting to get more done everyday try focusing all the attention you have to one task, I bet you will see better results than you would from using the multitasking method.
By focusing on one task at a time I mean really devoting yourself entirely to that one task. That means if you are working on your laptop only have the browsers open that pertain to that specific topic you are working on. That means no—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, no Pinterest.
Wake up early
Even if you are a night owl, try waking up early, it could very well transform your day! I wake up around 5am every day because I know that is when I can be most productive. Even try going to bed half an hour earlier so you can set your alarm for half an hour earlier, I guarantee you can accomplish a lot in just 30 minutes.
Take Breaks
What? Take time away from what you are doing? I’m looking for tips to get more done. Is that what you are asking yourself right now? I bet it is.
Taking breaks are necessary to re-charge your body. This includes fuelling your body with food, taking a brain break, going to the washroom, or even checking social media. Taking breaks are also a great way to reward yourself and schedule blocks of time. Tell yourself when you are done those top two tasks on the list you can check your phone or go get a coffee. This aids as incentive to power through your to-do list.
Manage your time
Obviously if you manage your time better you will get more done. By managing your time I mean really utilizing all parts of the day. Use that 5 minute coffee break you have at work to study or reply to emails. Use every minute from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed. I’m sure if you write down how many times and how many minutes a day you spent doing unproductive things you would be amazed. Managing your time includes scheduling in breaks, insta breaks, sitting down relaxing breaks. Know how much time you have throughout the day and use it wisely.
I really hope this help ya’ll, especially with college starting soon. What tips do you have for getting more done during the day?