When November and December come around, it can be hard to stay motivated. With the festive season around the corner and holidays on the horizon, staying productive is no easy task.
From effective time management to goal setting, here are some productivity tips to help you through the final push of the year.
1. Set goals
Write down what you need to and want to get done before the end of the year, and prioritize getting them done. Setting goals can give you a clear direction and help you not to get distracted by unnecessary clutter.
These goals can be small and simple, like clearing out your email inbox, finally finishing that book you’ve been reading all year or simply cleaning out your desk. They can also be bigger goals.
When we complete goals, we get a dopamine rush, making us feel good and giving us a much-needed energy boost.
2. Take Breaks
Staying productive is as much about working as it is about taking breaks. It’s impossible to be productive all the time, it’s necessary to make time for yourself, allowing your brain to rest, reset and get ready for the next step. Working flat out throughout the day just leads to exhaustion and decreased productivity.
The end of the year can take a toll on your mind and body. Taking a break is an essential part of taking care of your mental health. Year-end is also the perfect time to take some leave, spend time with loved ones and recuperate for the new year.
It’s also important to prioritize sleep, sleep is an essential component of success. It’s vital for your physical well-being. Rather than staying up late to finish things and feeling frazzled in the morning, try to get an early night.
3. Manage Your Time
Managing your time effectively is one of the most important productivity tips to keep in mind since it’s a great way to make sure you get things done in time. Using effective time management techniques is a great way to increase productivity and ensure you are on top of your work.
4. Identify Your Most Productive Time of Day
Different people have different times of the day when they are most productive. With remote and hybrid working becoming more popular, the typical 9-5 isn’t the only option. By working at your most productive time of the day, you’ll likely be able to get a lot more done.
Some people thrive in the morning, while others are more productive after lunch or even in the evening.
Determine when you are most productive and then plan your schedule around it.
5. Set Boundaries
This means limiting distractions and unnecessary interruptions. Set time for yourself to complete certain tasks and try to reduce distractions. Put your phone on silent, turn off your computer notifications and close your emails.
You’ll also need to communicate your boundaries with coworkers. Let them know what times you are available for questions and assistance. By communicating your boundaries effectively, you won’t just be able to help manage expectations, but you’ll also improve your overall productivity.
Also, be sure to avoid taking on work that is out of the scope of your role. While being flexible and open to opportunities to learn new things is great, it can be taxing on your time and leave you feeling overwhelmed
6. Do the Hardest Thing First
One of the best productivity tips we’ve come across is this: if there’s something you’re dreading doing, start the day with it. Since you likely have the highest energy levels earlier on in the day, it can be beneficial to focus on difficult tasks during this period.
It can be tempting to avoid doing these tough tasks and focus on getting little things out of the way. But you’ll have your unpleasant task in the back of your mind for the whole day.
Finishing the hardest thing first will also help set the tone for the rest of the day. By getting the most unpleasant thing out of the way, you’ll feel great, less overwhelmed and excited for what’s to come.
