Did you know that there are certain habits that prevent you from being productive and managing your time effectively? Unfortunately, not many people are aware that they are doing something that harms them. Here are ten habits that kill your productivity and time efficiency that you must get rid of immediately.
1. Inclusion of Time-Wasters and Distractions
You are probably aware of this problem but are desperately trying to ignore it. Social media platforms and fun websites take a lot of our time and distract us from doing what we have to do. Including time-wasters and distractions in your life or even just during your work hours makes you less productive.
The best way to deal with this problem is to minimize its effects on you. If you absolutely can't live without social media, turn off notifications on your phone and download an app that will limit your access to social media apps. You can use ad blockers such as AdBlock to stop annoying ads from popping up on your computer or laptop and distracting you from your work.
2. Big-Picture Thinking
You probably thought that this is great to keep in mind when you are working but it's actually not. Seeing the picture is good when you do it from time to time, but if you constantly think of it, you may become overwhelmed and demotivated. This is why you can take these steps to deal with your big-picture thinking obsession:
- Stop Seeing The Big Picture During Work Hours
- Focus On The Smaller Picture & The Current Tasks
- Remind Yourself About Your Achievements
You will see an improvement where you will stop feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks you must accomplish before you get to the point where you want to do.
3. Too Many Tools
Using tools is great and can help your productivity as long as you don't use too many of them. Otherwise, you will start multitasking (which is another problem we will discuss further in the article) with the tools rather than doing the actual tasks.
The best way to deal with this is to have one tool that covers multiple platforms and provide you with a variety of features. For example, you can download software from Pcriver for free and make sure that it allows you to complete different tasks. Moreover, having tools that sync with other tools can help you connect your programs and make them work together for you rather than you working for them.
4. No Work Routine
Having no work routing is the same thing as setting yourself up for failure. A work routine is essential for any person, whether you are a CEO of a big company or a manager in Target. A work routine helps you set yourself up for work. It's something like switching your mode into one that makes you engage in your job more effectively.
If you still don't have a work routine and do your tasks whenever you feel like it, start creating this routine by working during certain hours. In addition to that, organize your workstation and do your tasks only while sitting at your desk. This will teach your brain to enable "work mode" whenever you sit down at your desk.
5. Multitasking
Of all the habits, you would think that multitasking is a positive one. But you would be wrong. The problem with this very common habit is that it gives you an illusion of being productive and working hard on your tasks. In reality, you are dedicating your time and effort to the process of switching tasks rather than actually working on them at the same time.
In order to stop multitasking in a harmful way, start practicing other habits. For example, download the RoundPie and start grouping similar tasks together. This will help you be consistent in the process. You should also start focusing on completing the task rather than doing it. This will ensure that you finish what you begin.
6. Information Overload
One of the biggest problems in the age of technology is being overloaded with too much information. We are simply lost at the variety of options and solutions available to us or overwhelmed by all the details we get about something.
To deal with information overload, start eliminating unnecessary elements. Choose one thing and get rid of everything else. Likewise, consider going on vacation and getting away from the world to recharge yourself.
7. Perfectionism
Being a perfectionist can throw you off balance when something goes wrong. Moreover, perfectionists tend to set unrealistically high standards for themselves which makes them either overwork themselves or feel bad when they don't achieve what they want.
Instead, accept your failures and start looking for solutions that aren't perfect. For example, if you want to find the perfect software for yourself, look for authentic and unbiased reviews by software specialists on such conventions as EuroSTAR Software Testing Conference. This will help you find something you like which will still have disadvantages that you will accept.
8. No Automation
A lot of the tasks you do can be done automatically and much quicker if you only allow it to happen. These are the recurring tasks you do every day (especially the ones that are the cause of your boredom at work).
Look for ways that you can automate such tasks or be done with them faster. Create templates for the emails you send out and set timers for your coffee to be made. There are so many ways you can make your life easier.
9. Giant To-Do Lists
If you are a busy person, you probably know what it feels like having a giant to-do list. From buying a new coat to having a business meeting, to-do lists can contain dozens of tasks that you must complete in a single day. That can be quite overwhelming.
In order not to feel that way, use a task management app such as Todoist to create smaller lists with up to five tasks. Crossing out the tasks from such lists will make you feel better as you will do it much faster than if you had a big to-do list.
10. Agreeing To Do Everything
Lastly, agreeing to do everything and saying "yes" all the time will do you no good. You are not just being dishonest with others but also with yourself. Admit that you don't have time for their tasks and focus on your own job.
Start saying "no" and explaining why you can't take on yet another task. You aren't responsible for everything. Alternatively, tell them to come back later when you are free and can help them with whatever they are working on.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, while some habits like multitasking may seem useful, they are actually not and you must beware of them. Eliminate the habits listed in this article from your life and become a more productive person who manages their time well.
About the author:
Frank Hamilton has been working as a translator at translation service TheWordPoint. He is a professional writing expert in such topics as blogging, digital marketing and self-education. He also loves traveling and speaks Spanish, French, German and English..
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