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9 Steps to Supercharge Your Productivity

There are a lot of different things that people can do in order to be more productive. Some people may need to change their entire routine while others may just need to tweak a few things. No matter what, becoming more productive can help people feel better about themselves and their work. Here are 9 ways to supercharge your productivity:

1. Set realistic goals

1.1 SMART Goals

2. Make a plan

3. Set aside time for distractions

4. Take breaks

5. Get rid of distractions

6. Set a deadline

7. Work in blocks

7.1 The Pomodoro Technique

8. Take care of yourself

9. Find your motivation

 

1. Set realistic goals

The first step to becoming more productive is to set realistic goals. People should not try to bite off more than they can chew by setting goals that are too lofty. When people set goals that are too high, they are more likely to become discouraged and give up. It is important to set goals that are challenging but also achievable.

SMART Goals

Setting goals is a critical part of any successful endeavour. Without goals, it’s difficult to measure progress and determine whether or not you’re successful. One of the best ways to set goals is to use the SMART goal-setting method.

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Let’s break down each term to see what it means for goal setting.

Specific

A specific goal is one that is clear and well defined. It answers the question of what you want to achieve.

Measurable

A measurable goal is one that can be quantified. This means that you can track your progress and see whether or not you’re on track to achieve your goal.

Achievable

An achievable goal is one that is realistic and achievable given your current circumstances.

Realistic

A realistic goal is one that you can reasonably accomplish given your skills, resources, and time frame.

Timely

A timely goal is one that has a specific timeline for completion. This helps you stay on track and motivated to achieve your goal.

Now that you know what the SMART acronym stands for, let’s look at how you can use it to set goals.

A SMART Goal Example

Here’s an example of a SMART goal:

I want to lose 20 pounds in 6 months.

This goal is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. It’s also important to note that SMART goals are flexible. This means that you can adjust your goals as needed to ensure that they remain realistic and achievable.

Now that you know how to set SMART goals, it’s time to put this knowledge into practice. Start by setting a specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely goal for yourself. Then, make a plan of action and put it into motion. Remember to track your progress and adjust your goals as needed. With a little effort and perseverance, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goal.

2. Make a plan

After setting realistic goals, the next step is to make a plan. This plan should detail how you are going to achieve your goals. This may include making a list of tasks that need to be completed or scheduling time for specific activities. Having a plan can help to keep you focused and on track.

3. Set aside time for distractions

While it is important to stay focused, it is also important to set aside time for distractions. This will help to prevent you from becoming too stressed. schedule a specific time each day where you can allow yourself to check social media, answer emails, or take a break. This will help you to stay focused when it is time to work.

4. Take breaks

In addition to setting aside time for distractions, it is also important to take breaks. This will help you to avoid burnout. When you take a break, you should step away from your work and do something that is relaxing. This could include taking a walk, reading a book, or listening to music.

5. Get rid of distractions

While it is important to set aside time for distractions, it is also important to get rid of distractions. This means that you should turn off your email, silence your phone, and close any tabs that are not related to your work. By getting rid of distractions, you will be able to focus more on your work.

6. Set a deadline

Another way to stay productive is to set a deadline. This will help to keep you focused and on track. When you have a deadline, you will be less likely to procrastinate.

7. Work in blocks

One way to stay productive is to work in blocks. This means that you should work for a set amount of time and then take a break. This will help you to avoid burnout and will allow you to stay focused.

 

The Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. The technique is simple: you work for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. After four such cycles, you take a longer break of 20-30 minutes.

There are six steps to using the Pomodoro Technique:

1. Choose a task to be accomplished
2. Set the Pomodoro timer (traditionally to 25 minutes)
3. Work on the task until the timer rings
4. End work on the task when the timer rings and record with an X
5. If you have fewer than four Xs, take a short break (3–5 minutes), then go to step 2
6. After four Pomodoros, take a longer break (15–30 minutes), resetting the Pomodoro timer to zero

The key to the Pomodoro Technique is to break down work into manageable chunks and to take regular breaks. By working in short bursts and taking regular breaks, you can minimize distractions, increase focus, and improve your overall productivity.

8. Take care of yourself

In order to be productive, it is important to take care of yourself. This means that you should eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep. By taking care of yourself, you will be able to function at your best.

9. Find your motivation

The final step to becoming more productive is to find your motivation. This may mean setting goals, making a plan, or taking care of yourself. Whatever your motivation is, it is important to find something that will keep you going.

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to becoming more productive. Just remember to take things one step at a time and to find what works best for you.

2 Comments

  1. Phil

    I find SMART goals can be difficult to set sometimes, as I can’t measure the outcomes as I’d like to. For example, if I am trying to lose weight, it’s hard to quantify fat loss over muscle loss.

    Reply
    • The Art of Training

      Yes, agreed with what you are saying a SMART goal is only as good as the metric by which you measure it. In the example you give, I’d suggest getting callipers to measure fat loss over total weight lost.

      There is usually a way to find the right metric, but sometimes it takes some extended thought.

      Reply

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