3 Steps To Being More Productive

Putting major tasks off to tomorrow but never really getting them done. We've all been there. We usually begin to procrastinate when we think we're not 'ready' to get things done. Our mind gets accustomed to the habit of procrastinating and that's where it gets a little tricky to get back on the track but nevertheless, it's not as difficult as it may seem. Productivity is a choice & moreover, getting productive with your time can make you feel really accomplished, more relaxed and less stressed out at the end of the day. It can even be one factor that adds to your happiness and your overall well being. 

Here are  three simple steps you need to take to get yourself back on track & stay on track. 

 "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." 

I. PLAN - 

"You don't need more time in your day, you need to decide." 

A plan in place not only makes things easier but it also helps you get to where you want to.

1. Grab your planner - A planner comes in handy at all times however, if you don't have one, you can easily make a customized planner for yourself or even go for a digital planner. Now that you have a planner, go on and write down all the tasks to be accomplished; plan and pen down your goals for the month; mark all the upcoming events, meetings, celebrations, etc.  

2. Carry your planner around - Make sure to always carry your planner wherever you go. Not only does it help you stay reminded of your tasks in hand but you can always add on further tasks as and when they appear. This way, you won't have to worry about being forgetful of your important tasks and this also helps your mind stay clutter free as you're constantly writing down all your tasks. 

3. Plan a day before - It is always a good idea to keep a plan in place for the next day. As you unwind yourself each day, write down all that's needed to be done for the next day. 

4. Use sticky notes - Sticky notes can be used for multiple purposes. They come in really bright and vibrant shades and can help add a pop of colour to your daily planner. These notes can also be used for making your to-do list, groceries list, etc. You may want to set your sticky notes on the top right side of a page to use it as a book mark or a reminder. 

II PRIORITIZE - 

"Good things happen when you set your priorities straight." Know your priorities first in order to be able to decide which tasks are more essentially to be accomplished first & which ones can be accomplished later on. 

Once you have a plan in place with all your tasks lined up, you can easily begin to prioritize these tasks. 

1. Write down your Top Three Priorities - From the tasks that you've lined up, mark your top three priorities for the day. 

2. Write down the 'WHY' - Write down why you want to get these tasks done. Note that your 'WHY' should be strong enough to get you to accomplish these tasks. This step can be an optional one but it really does help you stick to your tasks and accomplish them.

3. Set Reminders - Reminders make it way more easier to stay on the track. You can always set multiple reminders on your phone so as to keep you reminded. 

4. Make a Productivity Tracker - A productivity tracker can majorly help you keep a track of you being productive every single day. This is really easy to do - If you think you've crossed your entire checklist for the day, put a cross on that date. Trust me, nothing feels more satisfying than seeing a chain of crosses at the end of the month. 

III. PERFORM -  

"A year from now you'll wish you had started today." Therefore, get started right away. We can always choose productivity over procrastination and feel great.

Elements that help you perform better - 

1. Discipline - Discipline is the key, motivation doesn't work all the time. Some days you might have to push yourself a lot harder than the other days, but remember to keep going. 

2. Avoid distractions - In order to divert your attention towards much more important tasks, you must avoid all the distractions. You may want to block all the notifications while you're getting your tasks done. Putting all your devices on a silent mode helps you focus in a much better way. Also, make sure to have a lively and a clutter-free workspace. 

3. Meditate - Meditation brings clarity of thoughts in your mind & is a great way to de-clutter your mind and align your thoughts with your goals. It helps you reflect upon your thoughts. Every day, take a few minutes to tune into yourself and begin to focus on your breath. Acknowledge each thought as it passes your mind, bring back your focus onto your breath. Even if you practice meditation for 5 minutes a day, you will reap the benefits.

4. Self-Care Time - "Fill yourself up first, you cannot pour from an empty cup." Therefore, make sure to set some time aside from your busy day, just for yourself. In this time, you can invigorate into a pamper session, read a book, meditate, practice yoga, exercise, paint or just do what makes you happy. 

Being productive helps you make the most of each day. Your time is precious and you definitely want to use it wisely. Staying productive also helps you keep your stress levels on the lower side as you're getting everything done that you're supposed to do. Therefore, avoid all distractions, set a plan, prioritize and perform as per your plan every single day. You'll surely see your life change in a very positive way.