9 productivity hacks to try today

No matter where you work from – your home, your office, the train – you’re going to come up against constant distractions. That office co-worker that always seems to talk too loudly; the kids that knock at your home office door, desperate to score a seat on your lap as your Teams call drags on; the passenger across from you who insists on cutting their nails mindlessly causing you to not be able to look away …

With these constant distractions and an ever-growing to-do list, developing strategies to focus (or zone out) matters now more than ever. To help you focus we’ve developed a bunch of tips to keep you focused and productive whenever you need it most.

1. Set only a handful of goals

Begin your workday by being kind and realistic to yourself. Pick a couple of goals that feel achievable and break them down into smaller chunks. As you get through those tasks, physically tick them off and feel that dopamine spur you on to your next task.

2. Know what’s most critical

It’s critical to stay focused on the most important and time-sensitive tasks first. Knowing what to do first can be tricky when looking at a lengthy to-do list. Try breaking your tasks into four categories:

·      Urgent and important

·      Important but not urgent

·      Urgent but not important

·      Neither important nor urgent

 Prioritising tasks in this way can guide you in allocating your time and energy more effectively and illuminates where best to spend your time.

3. Time to create some structure!

A well-structured routine can significantly improve your focus and productivity. The best leaders maintain good habits, especially during busy or stressful times. They establish a daily schedule with dedicated time for exercise, sleep and put their healthy eating habits first. A consistent routine helps make it easier to switch into a productive mindset when needed.

4. Eliminate distractions

Try to identify the common distractions in your work environment that always seem to trip you up. This might mean turning your phone on silent or finding a quiet space to work. It can also mean creating regularly scheduled “do not disturb” times throughout your workday. If you find yourself getting distracted by others, try using technology to your advantage. Here at Business Chicks we love popping on our Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones (the noise cancelling on these are our absolute fave) so that we can block out background noise and supercharge our focus.

5. Try the Pomodoro technique

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method created by Francesco Cirillo. It uses a timer to break work into 25-minute intervals separated by short breaks. This technique can help you stay focused and prevent burnout by providing regular breaks to recharge. During each Pomodoro, concentrate solely on the task at hand and reward yourself with a short break when the timer rings. You can also search Pomodoro on YouTube to get some relaxing tunes while you focus. It works!

6. Declutter

For a lot of people, a cluttered workspace often means a cluttered mind. Take the time to organise your desk or workspace, keeping only the essentials within reach. This’ll help reduce distractions and improve your ability to concentrate. 

7. Take regular breaks

It’s tempting to skip breaks when we’re all so busy, but research shows that this approach does more harm than good! Taking regular breaks is essential for maintaining focus and productivity. Short breaks can prevent mental fatigue and help you recharge. Use these breaks to stretch, take a walk, have a chat with a co-worker or even take a power nap!

8. Leverage tech

To effectively manage your time, try leveraging AI tools that help you automate and enhance your daily tasks. Tools like ChatGPT are great for brainstorming ideas. Other AI platforms can help you draft emails, create marketing content, or generate customer support responses. 

9. Delegate where possible

If it’s available to you, don’t hesitate to delegate tasks where you can. Trust your colleagues and team members to handle certain responsibilities, freeing up your time and mental resources for more critical tasks. Delegation is a valuable skill for getting more done and working to your strengths.

Remember that improving productivity and staying focused is an ongoing process that requires dedication and effort and lots of practice. With the right mindset and by finding the strategies that work for you, you can stay focused on your goals and achieve more every day.