“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” Paul Meyer

It can be difficult to be productive and stay on top of things. Just like lots of people, this is something I struggle with. Whether it’s social media, Netflix or YouTube videos, there are always distractions which if I’m not careful, can waste hours of my time.

 Here are 5 tips which have enabled me to be more productive and make the most of my time.

1. Reflect

Taking a few moments to myself before launching into tasks usually helps me gear up for the day ahead. Whether praying, journalling or listening to a soothing song, a few moments of reflection can help to still your thoughts, especially when you feel overwhelmed with tasks. 

2. Prioritise

Make a To-do list with your tasks in order of importance and set yourself realistic deadlines for your work. I find that doing this helps me to think more clearly and remain focused throughout the day. Try to focus on the more challenging tasks first and get them out the way. However, try not to be too ambitious: don’t set yourself too many tasks for one day or plan to write an essay in half an hour. Being reasonable and prioritising your workload can definitely increase your productivity.

3. Focus on the task at hand

I often find myself switching from task to task, trying to get as many things completed as possible. This usually just leads to a bunch of unfinished/half-finished tasks though and ultimately, I don’t accomplish much. I’ve found that a more effective approach is to give my undivided attention to one task and only when I have done all I can, I move onto something different. As the saying goes, “A person who chases two rabbits catches neither.”

4. Do it now (not later)

 After a long day of school or work, the last thing I want to do is start working again. It’s so much easier to relax and give into the temptation of procrastination. 

If I’m honest, this is something I find difficult and I’ll often find myself putting off work up until the very last minute. But sometimes the main issue is really just starting. 

5. Take breaks

It’s great to set guidelines and goals but if you don’t ever take time to rest, you’ll likely end up procrastinating or feeling overworked. I’ve found that taking regular 15-20 minute breaks helps me to stay focused and keep up my energy levels.

Vivene x